Comparative Effects of Compost – Mineral, NPK and Urea Fertilizer and Time of Application of Compost - Mineral Fertilizer on the Yield of Maize

The evaluation of the application compost – mineral fertilizer on maize was carried out in two locations (Ujemen and Emaudo) of the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments were: 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha-1 of compost mineral fertilizer, 300 kg ha-1NPK 15: 15: 15, Urea (200 kg ha-1) and the control. Growth parameters such as plant height, stem girth and leaf area were measured at 4, 5 and 6 weeks after planting, dry matter yield (DMY) and grain weight were taken at harvest. Data collected were statistically analysed using Genstat statistical package. In both locations, compost-mineral fertilizer applied at the rate of 6 and 8 t ha-1 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the growth, dry matter and grain yield of maize but not significantly different from each other. The application of compost – mineral fertilizer two weeks after planting significantly (p < 0.05) increased the yield of maize with yield value of 5. 65 t ha-1 compared to other application time. The grain yield values of 5.49 and 5.56 t ha-1 was obtained at Emaudo location and 5.69 and 5.78 t ha-1 at Ujemen with the application of 6 and 8 t ha-1 compost-mineral respectively. The application of compost – mineral fertilizer at the rate of 6 t ha-1. improved the soil fertility resulting to higher yield of maize.