Growth and Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays) Varieties to the Time of Cow Dung Application in Minna, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract

Maize is the most important cereal crop in Sub-Saharan Africa along with rice and wheat. Field experiment was conducted at Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology Minna, Gidan Kwano to determine the growth and yield response of maize varieties to time of cow dung application. The experiment was designed as 3x4 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Four application times of cow dung: 4 weeks before sowing (WBS), 2 WBS, at sowing (AS) and control. Three varieties of maize used were SAMMAZ 17, SAMMAZ 18 and SAMMAZ 34. The data collected included plant height, number of leaves, number of cobs, cob length, cob weight and grain yield. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results revealed that SAMMAZ 34 and application of cow dung at 2WBS produced higher yield while SAMMAZ 18 and application of cow dung at 2WAS produced higher number of leaves which can be used for animal feed. The application of cow dung 2 WBS and cultivation of SAMMAZ 18 and SAMMAZ 34 maize varieties are hereby recommended for farmers in the area for human consumption and animal feed.