Short Communication Nitrogen use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.): Organic versus inorganic fertilisers effects

Abstract

Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of a crop could be an important index in determining efficiency of a fertiliser. This study presents the investigation of NUE of maize; comparing organic fertiliser and mineral fertiliser NPK. The field trials were conducted in the rainy seasons of 2013 and 2014, using a randomised complete block design with three replicates. Experimental treatments were 0, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N ha-1 Accelerated compost (AC) with a commercial name OBD-plus which is a recent material in Nigeria), conventional compost ‘CC’ (60 kg N ha-1) and NPK 15-15-15 mineral fertiliser (60 kg N ha-1). Data on maize grain yield, Fertiliser N recovery (NR) and Fertiliser Utilization Efficiency (UE) as well as post-cropping soil N were subjected to statistical analysis. The 60 kg N AC treated plots resulted in the highest significant mean NR (54.3%) and UE (42.3 kg kg-1) in the two years, with improved soil N. Therefore, the AC considered in this study would be best applied at 60 kg N ha-1 for maize production in the Alfisols. This would optimize fertiliser utilization and reduce N loss, thus mitigating environmental pollution.