Response of Maize to Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients in the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

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Background and Objective: In order to address the inadequacy of the current blanket fertilizer recommendation in the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria, the effect of other nutrients in addition to N, P and K in limiting maize productivity must be assessed. This study aimed to quantify the effects of the addition of secondary macronutrients and micronutrients on maize grain yield, nutrient uptake and N, P and K use efficiencies in the Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The experiment consisted of 12 treatments: A control, an NPK treatment and 10 other treatments in which secondary macronutrient (Mg, S) and/or micronutrients (B, Zn) (SMNs) were added to the NPK. These were set across 4 locations with 3 replications. Results: Maize yield response to the addition of SMNs showed wide variation. The highest yield advantage over recommended NPK fertilizers was highest with the addition of Mg in Lere (2.4 t ha–1), S+B+Zn in Faskari (2.8 t ha–1), S+B in Doguwa (1.5 t ha–1) and S+Zn in Toro (2.4 t ha–1). The uptake, agronomic use efficiency, internal utilization efficiency and apparent recovery efficiency of N, P and K were significantly increased with the addition of SMNs but were not improved with Zn application beyond NPK alone. Conclusion: These results indicated that nutrient limitations to maize in the Guinea Savannah go beyond N, P and K. Therefore, S, Mg and B are needed to improve maize productivity and engender improved use efficiencies of NPK fertilizers.