Effect of Organic and Mineral Fertilization on Agronomic Performances of Three Maize Varieties (ATP, CHH101, and Kasaï) in the West Highlands of Cameroon

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of organic, mineral, and organomineral fertilization on agronomic performance (growth and yield) of three maize varieties (Acid Tolerable Population, Cameroon Highland Hybrid 101, and Kasaï) in the Western highlands of Cameroon. The trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Dschang in Bansoa during the agricultural campaign of 2021 (March–July). Soil samples were collected at 0–30 cm depth. The trials were laid out in a block design arranged as a split‐plot with the main‐plot factor being the fertilization (F) with four levels and maize variety (V), the subplot factor (three varieties). Twelve treatments applied as a combination of the experimental factors replicated three times. Modalities of fertilization were: mineral fertilizer NPK 20.10.10 at 300 kg/ha 45 days after sowing; organic manure (fowl droppings) applied at 2.5 tons/ha at sowing and 2.5 tons/ha 45 days after sowing; the combination of 2.5 tons/ha of droppings at sowing and 200 kg/ha of NPK (20‐10‐10) 45 days after sowing; and zero fertilization treatment. The three maize varieties tested were ATP, CHH101, and Kasaï. The soil was acidic, sandy‐loamy, stable, and fertile. The mineral fertilizer made it possible to obtain better growth in the number of leaves and in height between 60 and 75 days after sowing. Organic manure made it possible to obtain the best collar diameter throughout the cycle (3.62 cm). However, organomineral fertilizer recorded the highest number of leaves (18) and height (323 cm) at the end of the cycle. Acid tolerable population gave the best growth parameters, as well as the highest grain yield with organomineral fertilizer (6985 kg/ha). But the lowest growth and yield parameters were recorded in controls. Thus, in this zone, for good growth and better grain yield, acid tolerable population variety should be used with organomineral fertilizer.