Evaluation of Economic Importance of Locally Produced Manure over Inorganic Fertilizer for Maize Production: Vegetative Performance and Cost Implication

Abstract

Background: Crops of economic importance like Maize are preferred to other crops with capacity of giving the highest yields, having the ability to help alleviate poverty within the African continent. The consistent use of inorganic fertilizers has great adverse effect on soil structure. The quest to seek alternative method of boosting maize production is imminent to avoid further soil degradation. Most plants form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizae and improve nutrients uptake by host plants. Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of mycorrhizae in local manure production on development of maize, in comparison with inorganic fertilizer application and its cost implication. Methods: The experiment involved samples of starter soil from 7 local governments. Organic waste was added to starter soil, each having three replicates. Nine other replicates served as non-inoculated controls and nine served for fertilizer application at 50 g, 100 g and 150 g. One [1] gram of Maize sown in 50 ml pot contains soil at different treatment levels 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g. After two weeks, samples were transplanted in an open field. Results: The result showed plots treated with locally produced fertilizer, significantly influenced plant height, culm diameter, number of leaves and leaf broadness in comparison to inorganic fertilizer, which showed 53%, 47% respectively. Conclusion: Cost production of a bag of organic fertilizer was one-fourth cheaper compared to an inorganic fertilizer price from an open market.