Abstract
Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of a crop could be an important index in determining efficiency of a fertiliser.
This study presents the investigation of NUE of maize; comparing organic fertiliser and mineral fertiliser NPK. The
field trials were conducted in the rainy seasons of 2013 and 2014, using a randomised complete block design with
three replicates. Experimental treatments were 0, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N ha-1 Accelerated compost (AC) with
a commercial name OBD-plus which is a recent material in Nigeria), conventional compost ‘CC’ (60 kg N ha-1
) and
NPK 15-15-15 mineral fertiliser (60 kg N ha-1
). Data on maize grain yield, Fertiliser N recovery (NR) and Fertiliser
Utilization Efficiency (UE) as well as post-cropping soil N were subjected to statistical analysis. The 60 kg N AC
treated plots resulted in the highest significant mean NR (54.3%) and UE (42.3 kg kg-1
) in the two years, with
improved soil N. Therefore, the AC considered in this study would be best applied at 60 kg N ha-1
for maize
production in the Alfisols. This would optimize fertiliser utilization and reduce N loss, thus mitigating environmental
pollution.
AyanfeOluwa Olufemi Emmanuel, AdeOluwa Oluseyi Olugbenga. (2019) Short communication Nitrogen use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.): Organic versus inorganic fertilisers effects, The Journal Soil & Environment , Volume 38, Issue 2.
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