Effect of different organic manures and nitrogen fertilizers on the nutrient uptake and yield of maize

Abstract

A field experiment investigated the combined effect of organic manures and nitrogen fertilizers on nutrient uptake and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Three different organic manures, viz. FYM (0.50% N, 0.26% P and 0.33% K), vermi-compost (1.1% N, 0.64% P and 0.34% K) and poultry manure (1.51% N, 0.78% P and 0.37% K). Urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and muriate of potash (MoP) were used as the sources of N, P, and K fertilizer. Plots with recommended N level provided through chemical fertilizer served as the control. Nine treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The study showed that neem oil-coated urea could save 20 kg N/ha. Plots that received organic manures + chemical fertilizers recorded a significantly higher (p<0.05) grain and stover yield over plots that received N through chemical fertilizer alone.