12

NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE

Volume 5 No 2 July 2018 pp. 12 - 17
ISSN-2350-2487

MAIZE RESPONSE TO VARYING INTRA-ROW SPACING AND TYPES OF

NUTRIENT SOURCES

*Nwagwu, F.A. and Effa, E. B.

Department of Crop Science Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management
University of Calabar PMB 1115, Calabar Nigeria
*Corresponding author's email:emmaeffa@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Researchers have demonstrated that only a sustained supply of nutrients from growth to yield can be a
panacea to successful soil fertility management. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 to
compare the effects of poultry manure (PM), organomineral fertilizer (OMF), inorganic fertilizer (NPK
15:15:15) and intra-raw spacing on the yield performance of maize in Calabar, South Southern Nigeria.
Treatments were a 4 x 3 factorial combination laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with
3 replications and plot sizes of 2 x 3.0 cm. The factors were fertilizer type (OMF - 4.2 t ha-1, PM - 5t ha-1,
N.P.K 0.61 ha', zero fertilizer control) and intra-row spacing (75 x 20, 75 x 25 and 75 x 30 cm) respectively.
Lower spacing of 75 cm x 20 cm and 75 cm x 25 cm resulted in significantly higher grain yield than the 75
cm x 30 cm spacing regime. Fertilizer treatments significantly increased (P < 0.05) plant height, number of
leaves, leaf area index, grain yield and the combined yield. There was no demonstrated superiority of any
nutrient source over the others, except the unfertilized control. Perhaps further studies with higher rates of
application would reveal the true potential of each of the nutrient sources.

Keywords: Maize, fertilizer, intra row spacing, yield.

INTRODUCTION within the system. These in turn affects the

Maize grain yield is influenced by yield
components like plant density per unit area, number
of ears per plant (prolificness) number of kernels
per ear and 1000-grain weight (Onasanya et al.,
2009 and Akmal et al., 2010). These variables are
greatly influenced by nutrient availability during
growth, especially N (Orosz et al., 2009; Kappes et
al., 2009); making up the management and
environment inter-phase of cropping systems.
However a balanced supply of other nutrients will
improve efficiency of N utilization. Deficiency of
nutrients results in leaf area reduction, low
photosynthetic efficiency thereby suppressing
growth, yields and crop quality (Sreewarome et al.,
2007). With land use intensification follows a
demand for larger tonnage on declining soil
resources, external nutrient supplementation either
by organic augmentation or inorganic fertilizer.
While inorganic fertilizers supply immediate
nutrient flushes in short term, organic manures
release nutrients much later in the crop cycle.
Usman et al. (2015) advocate the combined use of
organic and inorganic fertilizers for sustainable
maize yields in Nigeria. A blend between the two is
the organomineral fertilizer which meets crop
nutrient. demands both in short and long terms.
Intra-row spacing on the other hand influences
plant density per unit are and their interactions
availability of nutrients for plants, and the
exploitation of available resources. The
interception of incident solar energy and
maximization of photo synthetically active
radiation depends on the leaf orientation and angle
of insertion within canopy architecture. Optimum
plant density ensures that plants take maximum
advantage of available resources for growth. Dense
population elicits intra plant competition for light
and other resources, compared to lighter population
density (Ayman et al., 2015), which definitely
affects yields. According to Tahmasbi & Mohasel
(2009), increased plant density resulted to increase
in yield; with the highest grain yield of 11.13 t ha-1
occurring at 85,000 plants ha"1 in maize. Saddat et
al. (2010) observed that 40,000 stands ha-1, resulted
in highest number of rows and grains ear-1, while
Abuzar et al. (2011) reported highest maize yields
at the same population. Mashiqa et al. (2012)
however reported highest grain yields of maize
-1
(2773.60 kg ha ) at lower density of 16,670 plants
ha"1. Varied yield responses of maize to organic,
inorganic and organomineral fertilizers and their
combinations have been reported. Chiamolera et al.
(2013) reported non-significant differences in
maize yields as a result of organic or inorganic
fertilizer application. Effa et al. (2011 and 2014)
reported highest popcorn yields at 80 kg N ha-1,
while Ayeni et al. (2012) reported that NPK

Maize Response to Varying Intra-Row Spacing and Types of Nutrient Sources
15:15:15 increased maize yields over OMF, PM
and organic fertilizer. Egbe et al. (2012) reported
highest maize grain yields from combinations of
NPK and Calliandra (green manure), while Shiyam
et al. (2011) obtained highest plantain yields from
the highest NPK (400 kg ha-1) rates. According to
Arf et al. (1999), the combined use of mineral
fertilizers and green manures are aimed at
environmental conservation while maintaining
high crop yields. Although sole NPK applications
supply good flush of nutrients, at higher application
rates, the challenge of nutrient use efficiency is
present. Intra-row spacing and hence plant
population could influence the response of maize to
fertilizer types and rates. This work was therefore
aimed at studying the response of maize to different
intra-row spacings and types of nutrient (fertilizer)
sources in a south eastern rainforest agro-ecological
environment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two year field trials were conducted from May -
August, 2013 and 2014 at the Teaching and
Research Farm of the University of Calabar,
Calabar in the South East rainforest zone of Nigeria
(4.5° - 5.2° N, 8.0° - 8.3°E, 39 m ASL). Before
land preparation, soil samples were taken at 0 - 20
cm depths from the experimental sites. Soil
samples were analysed for physico - chemical
properties, while poultry manure was analysed for
chemical properties using standard procedures
outlined in IITA (1982). Soil properties of the
experimental sites prior to planting were pH 4.6,
organic carbon 1.35 and 1.29 (%), Total N 0.08 and
0.11 (%), Available P 53.5 and 21.12 (mg kg"1),
ECEC 6.83 and 6.16 (Cmol kg-1) and % base
saturation of 75.0 and 77.0 in 2013 and 2014
respectively. Other chemical properties for soil,
poultry manure and organomineral fertilizers are
presented in Table 1. Treatments were laid out in
RCBD of three replications and consisted of 4 x 3
factorial combination of four fertilizer types (NPK
15:15:15) 0.60 t/ha, poultry manure 5.0t/ha,
organomineral fertilizer (Johnkerr ®) 4.20 t/ha and
the unfertilized (control) and three intra-row
spacing regimes (75 x 20, 75 x 25 and 75 x 30 cm).
Hybrid maize variety; OBA Super 2 was sourced
from National Agricultural Seed Council, NPK was
obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Cross
River State and the organomineral fertilizer was
obtained from the producer. The experimental sites
were manually cleared, tilled and leveled to a fine
tilled flat. Poultry manure at 5 t ha-1 was applied 8
days before sowing, while 0.6 t ha"1 NPK and 4.2 t
-1
ha of organomineral fertilizer each were applied
14 days after sowing (DAS). On 21st May, 2013
and 2014 two seeds of corn were sown per stand
and later thinned to one seedling per stand two
weeks later. Following the 75 x 20, 75 x 25 and 75
x 30 cm spacing regimes, a population density of
13
66.666, 53.333 and 44.444 plants ha-1 was attained.
Plots measured 2 x 3 m with net plots of 1 m x 1.5
m from which six randomly tagged plants were
sampled biweekly from 2-10 WAS. Measurements
were taken for plant height, number of leaves, leaf
area index, and number of days to 50 % tasselling
and silking, stem girth, number of seeds cob"1 and
total grain yield. Data computed was subjected to
analysis of variance using GenStat statistical
software (version 8.1) and means were compared
using Tukey's confidence reliability test at 5 %.
RESULTS
Effects of fertilizer types
Except for the number of leaves in 2013 season,
types of fertilizer had significant effects on plant
growth indices (Table 2). Organomineral fertilizer
significantly increased plant height (P < 0.05) than
either NPK or PM which resulted in statistically
similar plant height but significantly taller plants
than those in the unfertilized control plots.
Similarly, the number of leaves and leaf area index
were significantly (P < 0.05) higher among OMF
treated plants than plants in the PM and NPK
fertilized plots (Table 2). There was a non-
significant effect on stem girth in both seasons,
while OMF treated plants took significantly (P <
0.05) longer number of days to attain 50 %
tasselling and silking, compared to plants receiving
other fertilizer types (Table 3). Number of seeds
cob"1 was least among untreated plots, significantly
(P < 0.05) higher as a result of NPK in 2013 and
PM in 2014. In 2013 number of seeds was
statistically at par for PM and OM, while in 2014
NPK and OM resulted in similar number of seeds
(P < 0.05). The grain yield (t ha-1) in 2013 was
statistically similar for NPK and PM but
significantly higher (P < 0.05) resulting from OM
application. In 2014 however, all of NPK, PM and
OM resulted in statistically similar grain yield, with
untreated plants yielding the least in both years
-1
(Table 4). The combined grain yield (t/ha ) was
significantly higher (P < 0.05) from OM plots,
compared to NPK and PM which were statistically
at par but higher than yield of untreated plants.
OM resulted in yield increases of 50.0, 16.0 and
13.0 % above content, NPK and PM respectively.
Spacing effects
Spacing regime had non - significant effects (P >
0.05) on plant height in seasons, number of leaves
in 2013 and LAI in 2014 respectively (Table 2). In
2014 however, 75 x 30 cm resulted in significantly
(P< 0.05) higher number of leaves, whereas the
LAI was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 75 x 20
cm than all others in 2013. Spacing had a non -
significant effect on number of days to 50 %
tasselling and silking as well as stem girth (Table
3). The number of seeds cob-1 was at par at 75 x 25
and 75 x 30 cm, and significantly higher than
 14

Nwagwu, F.A. and Effa, E. B. According to Rasool et al. (2007), uptake of N, P

-1
number of seeds cob at 75 x 25 cm in the two
seasons. Grain yield on the other hand decreased
with increase in intra-row spacing from 20 to 30
cm in both seasons. Combined grain yield was
significantly higher at 75 x 20 cm spacing than all
other regimes (Table 4).
Interactions
Significant interactions were observed only for
number of leaves and leaf area index in 2014
season only (Table 2). The interaction of NPK x 75
x 30 cm resulted in the highest number of leaves,
compared to all other treatment interactions which
were statistically at par but significantly higher
than number of leaves that occurred among the CT
x 75 x 20 cm treated plants (P < 0.05). Higher leaf
area index values were obtained from the OM x
75 x 20 cm treated plants, which was significantly
higher (P < 0.05) than LAI at CT x 75 x 30 cm
interaction. Other treatment interactions were
however statistically at par (Table 2).
DISCUSSION
Increase in vegetative growth indicates the role of
adequate nutrient supply in crop yields. Organ
mineral fertilizer effects on performance and yield
of maize could be attributed to balanced nutrient
supply at the initial growth stage, which is critical
for establishing strong source: sink relationships.
Table 1: Physico-chemical properties of the soil at the experimental site and nutrient composition of poultry manure
and organomineral fertilizer
Chemical composition Soil annalysis
2013 2014
pH 4.6 4.6
and K as well as yields of maize are higher when
OMF is applied. This is due to the greater residual
effects on soil exerted by OMF than inorganic
fertilizers. From the chemical analysis (Table 1)
OMF supplied the highest roportion of available P
to plants in the study. In the rainforest, problems of
leaching, acidity and P fixation are common.
Hence the relative proportion of P supplied by
OMF could have created a more conducive soil
atmosphere for effective nutrient exploitation
during growth. Although Uwah et al. (2011)
observed reduction in days to tasseling and silking
with increased PM rates in maize, the results of our
study show that OMF rather caused this effect in
tasseling in maize. Akmal et al. (2010) reported
that adequate N is associated with high
photosynthetic activity and vigorous plant growth,
which according to Havlin et al. (2007) decreases
barrenness in plants. Although the number of seeds
cob"1 was not consistent, combined grain yield
appeared to be higher among OMF treated plants.
This disagrees with the reports of Ayeni et al.
(2012). Highest yields at the lowest spacing (75 x
20 cm) is consonant with the findings of Tahmasbi
and Mohasel (2009) but is not supported by the
reports of Mashiqa et al. (2012) who obtained
highest yields of maize at lower plant density.
Poultry manure Organomineral fertilizer
2013 2104 2013 2014
6.2 6.2

Organic Carbon % 1.35 1.29 2.18 2.18

Total Nitrogen (%) 0.08 0.11 3.15 1.36 0.25 0.25
Available P (mg/kg) 53.5 21.12 1.22% 1.10% 500.00 500.00
K (Cmol/kg) 0.09 0.07 1.10% 0.94% 0.20 0.20
Ca (Cmol/kg) 3.0 4.0 2.96% 5.44% 7.2 7.2
Mg (Cmol/kg) 2.0 0.6 1.68% 0.80% 4.4 4.4
Na (Cmol/kg) 0.06 0.05
AI+++ (Cmol/kg) 1.28 0.56
H+ (Cmol/kg) 0.40 0.88
ECEC (Cmol/kg) 6.83 6.16
BS % 75.0 77.0
Clay % 13.0 9.0
Silt % 7.7 9.0
Sand % 79.3 82.0
Soil texture Sandy loam Sandy loam
 15

Maize Response to Varying Intra-Row Spacing and Types of Nutrient Sources

Table 2: Effects of fertilizer type and spacing on plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index
of maize at 11 WAS in two seasons

Table 3: Effects of fertilizer type and spacing days to 50% tasseling, silking and number of seeds cob in two
season of maize
 16

Nwagwu, F.A. and Effa, E. B.

Table 4: Effects of fertilizer type and spacing on yield performance into two seasons of maize
No. of seeds cob-1 Grain yield (t ha-1) Combined yield (t ha-1)
Treatment 2013 2014 2013 2014
Control 69.7c 149.90c 1.56c 1.03b 1.30b
NPK 166.1a 167.60b 2.25b 1.47a 1.86a
PM 102.5b 203.00a 2.25b 1.35a 1.80a
OM 102.0b 162.30b 2.63a 1.27a 1.95a
Spacing(cm)
75x20 80.2b 157.80b 2.56a 1.40a 1.98a
75x25 135.1a 173.60a 2.01b 1.34a 1.68a
75x30 114.9a 180.80a 1.95c 1.11b 1.53b
Interaction

CT x 75 x 20 cm 82.6 143.70 3.24 1.18 1.92

CT x 75 x 25 cm 127.2 167.70 1.66 1.05 1.36
CT x 75 x 30 cm 96.3 138.30 1.85 0.85 1.35
NPK x 75x20 cm 122.6 195.00 2.55 2.06 2.31
NPK x 75 x 25 cm 218.5 153.00 1.86 1.33 1.59
NPK x 75x30 cm 157.1 154.70 2.35 1.02 1.68
PM x 75x20 cm 42.2 152.00 3.15 1.11 2.13
PM x 75 x 25 cm 134.1 235.00 2.84 1.63 2.24
PM x 75x30 cm 131.1 222.00 1.88 1.30 1.59
OM x 75 x 20cm 73.1 140.30 1.28 1.22 1.25
OM x 75 x 25cm 60.8 138.70 1.69 1.35 1.52
OM x 75 x 30cm 75.1 208.00 1.71 1.23 1.47
Means in a column without letter(s) are not significantly different by Tukey's Test at 5 % level of probability

CONCLUSION
The study shows that NPK and poultry manure
compared favourably with organomineral
fertilizers, in terms of nutrients released and the
eventual maize grain yields. Lower spacing and
higher planting densities contribute to higher yields
than lower densities from higher spacing. There is a
need to examine higher application rates of the
nutrient sources tested, to determine the best
performing nutrient source.
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