Effects of nitrogen fertilizer on growth and yield of maize varieties with different maturities in a dry agro-ecology of Northern Ghana

Abstract

Declining maize yields due to a myriad of factors such as inherently poor soils, continuous cropping of cereal after cereal, high cost and unavailability of chemical fertilizers have all contributed to the above phenomenon. To address this negative trend a field trial was conducted at the Manga Agricultural Research Station in the Upper East Region of Ghana, which represents a Sudan Savanna agro-ecology in the country. The trial was established as a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The plot dimensions are 4.5 m x 5 m, and maize was sown on ridges made by bullocks. All cultural practices are as recommended for maize production in Ghana. For the extra-early maize, the, however, there were significant differences among the rates of N applied, with application of N at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 recording the highest grain yield. For the early maturity group there were significant (P (MARR) (150%). This means that these treatments 40N and 80N could be recommended for uptake by farmers or for further research work.