NHEMUDZE NETHILE

Candidate number:

AGRICULTURE RESEARCH PROJECT (4001/3)

A comparative study on the best method of fertilizers in

maize between banding and dolloping with reference to
growth rate, cob size and yield from 04 October 2021 to
01 June 2022

Centre name: Jersey High School

Centre number: 020126

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the

Zimbabwe Examination Council Ordinary Level Agriculture (4001/3)

2022

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 TOPIC

A comparative study on the best method of fertilizers in maize between

banding and dolloping with reference to growth rate, cob size and yield from

04 October 2021 to 01 June 2022

ii
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 Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my friend, Gift Gwenzi, who assisted me in carrying out maintenance

activities and taking measurements. I would also like to thank my Agriculture teacher, Mr. T.B.

Maposa who guided me throughout the research period. Lastly I thank my parents who provided

extra resources needed for the project such as printing monies

iii

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Table of contents

Cover page i

Acknowledgements iii

Table of contents iv

List of tables v

List of figures v

CHAPTER

1. INTRODUCTION
Introduction 1
Objectives 2
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review 3
3. METHODOLOGY
Experimental design 4
Agronomic practices 4
Achievement of objectives 6
4. DATA COLLECTION
Results 8
5. DATA ANALYSIS
Data presentation 10
Data analysis 13
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion 14
Recommendation 14
References 15

iv

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List of tables

TABLE DESCRIPTION PAGE

1 Growth rate (plant height) 8

2 Cob size 9
3 Yield (grain weight) 9

List of figures

FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE

1 Line graph showing plant height of maize 10

2 Bar graph showing cob length 11
3 Bar graph showing maize yields from the two beds 12

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 CHAPTER 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

I did a comparative study on the best method of basal dressing maize between banding and

dolloping. Two beds were made; one bed having maize crops fertilized using the banding

application method and the other had maize crops fertilized using the dolloping application

method. I measured growth rate, cob size and yield to determine the best fertilizer application

method between banding and dolloping. I carried out the research experiment at Jersey High

School in Chipinge district, Manicaland province. The school garden has clayey soils and the

surrounding vegetation resembles a disturbed natural forest. The school is natural farming region

one. The rainfall received at Jersey High School exceeds 1 000mm per annum and the mean

temperature range is 180C to 240C. Most communal farmers now prefer to apply compound

fertilisers after a success crop start hence use the dolloping method at the expense of banding.

Though the technique might be effective with erratic rains experienced in our locality lately, it

could be the reason for the poor yields the farmers are obtaining. This experiment seeks to find

out the application method that results in better yields for farmers. The research period was from

08 November 2021 to 09 June 2022.

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1.3 Objectives

1. To compare the growth rate of maize crops fertilized using banding versus maize crops

fertilized using dolloping by measuring plant height in centimetres using a ruler and a

string from 20 December 2021 to 24 January 2022

2. To compare cob size of maize crops fertilized using banding versus maize crops fertilized

using dolloping by measuring cob length in centimetres with a string and a ruler soon after

harvesting

3. To compare the yield of maize crops fertilized using banding versus maize crops fertilized

using dolloping by weighing dried maize grains in kg using an electronic scale after

harvesting

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 CHAPTER 2

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Maize is a heavy feeder and requires generous applications of both organic and inorganic
fertilizers (Chakonza et al, 2017). In general, compound D is applied as a base dressing at a rate
of 300-450kg/ha. Compound D is applied at planting by banding below and to the side of the
seed (Mujaya and Mereki, 2010). However, some farmers are now using dolloping to apply
Compound D. Which method between banding and dolloping is better in maize production?

Banding is a fertilizer application method where fertilizer is applied near and below seed (Chiota
et al, 2008). The fertilizer band should be 20-50 mm wide, 25-60 mm to the side and 50 mm
below the seed (Mujaya and Mereki, 2010). This is done to avoid direct contact of the seed with
fertilizer which might burn the germinating seed. It also ensures that the roots of the germinating
seedling get the fertilizer as they grow down and sideways. Will the use of banding produce
maize crops with high growth rate, cob size and yield?

Dolloping is when a small hole is made and fertilizer is dropped in and covered with soil
(Chakonza et al, 2008). Most farmers when they obtain the fertilisers later in the season.
Dolloping ensures the fertiliser will not burn the seedlings when drought conditions are
experienced. It is normally done with fertilizers such as urea to avoid volatilization. Will the use
of dolloping produce maize crops with high growth rate, cob size and yield?

Maize (Zea mays) is the staple food of the majority of Zimbabweans and indeed of many nations
in Africa and the world (Chakonza et al, 2017). It is the main source of an individual’s daily
energy intake. Maize crops needs a soil which is deep, well drained, has a pH of 5.5-6.5 and a
high inherent fertility.

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 CHAPTER 3

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Experimental design

I prepared two beds as shown by the diagram below. Each bed had a width of 3m and a

length of 1m giving a 3m2. The distance between the two beds was 1m. Bed A had maize

crops fertilized using banding and Bed B had maize crops fertilized using dolloping.

3m 3m
Bed A Bed B

Banding 1m 1m Dolloping 1m

3.2 Agronomic practices

Land preparation and Bed making

Date: 26 November 2021

I dug the land using a hoe to loosen the soil. I then used a hoe and a rake to break large soil

clods. Use of rake makes the soil fine as well as leveling the land. Fine soil tilth enables

good seed- soil contact. With the help of a hoe, garden line, tape measure and rake, I made

two beds. Each bed measures 3m by 1m.

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Planting

Date: 02 December 2021

Hand planting method was used. I used a stick to mark and make planting holes. Planting

holes were spaced at 90cm by 30cm. I sow 18 seeds of Pannar 53 in each bed. Compound D

was applied as a basal fertilizer at a rate of 135g/m2 in Bed A using the banding application

method. I then used a watering can with a fine rose to water the beds to field capacity. Equal

numbers of cans were applied in each bed.

Dolloping

Date: 23 December 2021

I applied Compound D using the dolloping application method. I applied 405g in Bed B.
using a stick, I drilled a hole of about 20 cm beside each plant and put in the fertilizer I
covered the hole with soil afterwards. I used a watering can to water the beds.

Watering

In the first two weeks, I watered the two beds daily except on Saturdays and Sundays using
a watering can with a fine rose. From the third week, watering was reduced to three times a
week. When we receive effective rains, watering was reduced. My friends would help me to
water the beds sometimes.

Weeding

I carried out weeding twice throughout the research period. I used my hands to pull weeds
close to crops. Hoes were used to weed the inter row space. Among the weeds I identified
were pig weed, Shamva grass and Mexican clover.

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 Harvesting

Date: 22 March 2022

I used my hands for harvesting. The cobs had lost some moisture. I removed husks from the

cobs. Maize cobs from each experimental plot were put in a separate sack and the sack was

labeled. I carried them to the storeroom. Shelling and winnowing was done the following

day. Maize grains were allowed to further dry.

3.3 Achievement of objectives

Objective 1: Growth rate (plant height)

I will measure plant height using a ruler and a string. A string will be used first to measure
the plant from the plant part on the ground to the apex. Then I will use a ruler to determine
the length of the string. All plants in a bed will be measured and the average plant height
will recorded in centimetres.

Objective 2: Cob size

Cob size will be obtained by measuring cob length with a string and a ruler in centimetres.
The string will be used to measure the cob length first and the ruler will be used secondly to
determine the length in centimetres. Three cobs (large, medium and small) will be sampled
for measuring from each bed. I will then calculate the average cob length per experimental
plot and record the average cob length on a table.

Objective 3: Yield

I will weigh dried maize grains using an electronic scale to obtain the yield. The mass of
grains from each plot will be recorded on a tabl

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Page 12 of 20
 CHAPTER 4

4.0 DATA COLLECTION

Objective 1:

To compare the growth rate of maize crops fertilized using banding versus maize crops fertilized

using dolloping by measuring plant height in centimetres using a ruler and a string from 20

December 2021 to 24 January 2022

Table 1: Growth rate (plant height)

Plant height in centimetres

Date 20/12/21 27/12/21 03/01/22 10/01/22 17/01/22 24/01/22
Week 1 2 3 4 5 6
A (Banding) 15 43 81 124 145 205
B (Dolloping) 14 35 68 111 138 196

In the first week (20/12/21) maize crops fertilized using banding had a higher plant height
than maize crops fertilized using dolloping.

On 27/12/21 maize crops fertilized using banding had the highest plant of 43cm and maize
fertilized using dolloping had the least height of 35 cm, giving a difference of 8cm

On 03/01/22, maize crops fertilized using banding had a plant height of 81 cm while maize
fertilized using dolloping had a plant height of 68cm

On the fourth week, maize crops fertilized using banding had increased its plant height by
43 cm. Maize crops fertilized using dolloping had also increased by 43cm.

On 17/01/22, maize fertilized using dolloping recorded the least plant height with maize
crops fertilized using banding recording the highest

In the final week of measuring, Bed A had the tallest maize crops than Bed B

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Objective 2

To compare cob size of maize crops fertilized using banding versus maize crops fertilized using

dolloping by measuring cob length in centimetres with a string and a ruler soon after harvesting

Table 2: Cob size

Date: 22 March 2022 Cob size (cm)

Plant 1 Plant 2 Plant 3 Average
Bed A (Banding) 23 24 26 24
Bed B (Dolloping) 21 21 24 22

Maize crops fertilized using banding had an average cob length of 24 cm and maize crops
fertilized using dolloping had an average cob length of 22 cm.

Objective 3: Yield

To compare the yield of maize crops fertilized using banding versus maize crops fertilized using

dolloping by weighing dried maize grains in kg using an electronic scale after harvesting

Table 3: Yield (grain weight)

Date: 25 March 2022

Yield (kg)

Bed A (Banding) 6.2

Bed B (Dolloping 6

The average yield for maize crops fertilized using banding was 6.2 kg and 6 kg for maize crops

fertilized using dolloping

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 CHAPTER 5

5.0 DATA ANALYSIS

5.1 Data presentation

Objective 1: Growth rate

Growth rate
250

200
plant height (cm)

150

Bed A (Banding)
100
Bed B (Dolloping)

50

0
1 2 3 4 5 6
time (weeks)

Fig 1: Line graph showing plant height of maize

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Objective 2: Cob size

24.5

24

23.5

23
cob length (cm)

Column1

22.5

22

21.5

21
Bed A (Banding) Bed B (Dolloping)

Fig 2: Bar graph showing cob length

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 6.5

6.4

6.3

6.2
yield (kg)

6.1 Yield (kg)

5.9

5.8

5.7
Bed A (Banding) Bed B (Dolloping)

Fig 3: Bar graph showing maize yields from the two beds

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5.2 Data analysis

Maize crops fertilized using the banding method was taller than maize crops fertilized using the

dolloping method. This could be due to the early application of Compound D which supplies

nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Nitrogen increases the rate of growth

(Chiota et al, 2008).

Maize crops fertilized using the banding method had longer cobs than maize crops fertilized

using the dolloping method. This is again likely due to the early application of Compound D

which contains phosphorus. Phosphorus stimulates root development (Mujaya and Mereki,

2010). A developed root system will enable good nutrient and water uptake which will lead to

high cob size

Yield was high in maize fertilized using the banding method than with maize crops fertilized

with using the dolloping method. This is due to high growth rate and cob size

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 CHAPTER 6

6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

6.1 Conclusion

Maize crops fertilized using the banding method was taller than maize crops fertilized using the

dolloping method. Maize crops fertilized using the banding method had longer cobs than maize

crops fertilized using the dolloping method. Yield was high in maize fertilized using the banding

method than with maize crops fertilized with using the dolloping method. Banding was a better

fertilizer application method in maize than dolloping..

6.2 Recommendation

I recommend farmers to use the banding application method since it gave a high growth rate, cob

size and yield in my experiment. Farmers are recommended to purchase fertilisers in time and

seek water conservation methods to apply. Farmers may also split apply the Compound fertiliser

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References

Author (s) Year Title Publisher City

Chakonza L. 2017 CPS secondary Agriculture 3 Consultus Harare

Mawere J. Learner’s book Form 3 Publishing

Zinengeya D. Services

Chiota C. 2008 JC Agriculture Today ZPH publishers Harare

Mawere A. (Pvt) Ltd

Mawere G.

Mujaya I.M. 2010 O’level Agriculture today ZPH publishers Harare

Mereki B. Book 3; revised edition (Pvt) Ltd

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