Evaluation of Different Composts Composition on the Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Organic amendment like compost application can improve soil quality and enhance crop production in agricultural system. Two years field trials were carried out during 2011-12 at New Developmental Farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. Thirteen compost treatments including control as main plot treatment and two fert-N levels (0 and 75 kg N ha-1) as subplot treatments were used. Compost materials i.e. farmyard manure (FYM), cereal residue (CR) and legume residue (LR) were composted as sole or in various combinations six weeks before sowing and then were incorporated to plots at sowing both the years. All treatments including control were either supplemented with half of the recommended dose (75 kg N ha-1) of Urea-N or no Urea-N. Compost, its composition, mineral N and their interactions significantly affected maize yield and yield components over two years average data. Compost application produced more maize ears m-2 (13%), grains ear-1 (28%), 1000 grains weight (14%), biological yield (56%), grain yield (65%) and harvest index (5%) over control. Among varying composition composts, higher grains ear-1(274), 1000 grains weight (270.7 g), biological yield (16151 kg ha-1) and grain yield (4803 kg ha-1) were observed for 100% FYM compost. Higher grains ear-1 (245), 1000 grains weight (255.3 g), biological yield (13374 kg ha-1), grain yield (3949 kg ha-1) and harvest index (29.5%) were recorded for added fert-N. Significantly more ears m-2 (8%), grains ear-1 (8%), 1000 grains weight (8%), biologically yield (14%), grain yield (26%) and harvest index (10%) were obtained in the following year over 1st year. Maize performance linearly increased with increase in FYM (25 to 75%). Compost application with or without fert-N, enhanced maize productivity, in a more productive and sustainable way. FYM as composting material is superior over legume and cereal residue.