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Journal of Agronomy

Year: 2020 | Volume: 19 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 120-130
DOI: 10.3923/ja.2020.120.130
Response of Maize to Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients in the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
Ismail Ibrahim Garba , Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, Alpha Yaya Kamara, Adnan Aminu Adnan and Bassam Lawan Abdulrahman

Abstract: 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 ha1), S+B+Zn in Faskari (2.8 t ha1), S+B in Doguwa (1.5 t ha1) and S+Zn in Toro (2.4 t ha1). 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.

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How to cite this article
Ismail Ibrahim Garba, Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, Alpha Yaya Kamara, Adnan Aminu Adnan and Bassam Lawan Abdulrahman, 2020. Response of Maize to Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients in the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Journal of Agronomy, 19: 120-130.

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