Effect of poultry manure, NPK 15-15-15 and combination of their reduced levels on maize growth and soil chemical properties

The comparative effects of 300kg/ha NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, 7t/ha poultry manure (Pm), six combinations of reduced levels of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and poultry manure, and control (no fertilizer) on maize growth, nutrients uptake and soil chemical properties were investigated for two years at Akure, South West Nigeria. Application of poultry manure, and combination of poultry manure and or NPK fertilizer significantly increased soil chemical composition, maize plant dry matter yield, grain yield, plant height, leaf area and nutrients uptake. The highest grain yields were obtained with combined use of NPK fertilizer and poultry manure in 1996 and 1997. The highest values were recorded with combined use of 3t/ha poultry manure and 200kg/ha NPK fertilizer with respect to dry matter yield, grain yield and nutrients uptake in both years. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 15 2005: 34-4