Improving Maize Yield on Ferric Lixisol by NPK Fertilizer Use

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to refined profitable NPK fertilizer rate for maize production on Tanchera series (Ferric Lixisol, FAO, 2006) in the Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana. RCBD design with four replications was used. Treatments evaluated were N = 0, 40, 80, 120, 160; P = 0, 45, 90 and K = 0, 45, 90 kg/ha. Results showed significant N rate effect on grain yield, benefit cost ratio and gross return (P ≤ 0.01). P and K did not show significant effect among these parameters. Application of nitrogen from 80-120 kg/ha may be recommended for improve grain yield and gross return of maize production on Ferric lixisol. Due to poor nature of soils, application of P and K up to 45 kg/ha may also be recommended for maize production.