Growth and Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to a Wide Range of Nutrients on Ferralsols of Western Kenya

Declining soil fertility is one of the main causes of low yields of maize. Farmers apply low rates of unbalanced nutrients leading to further nutrient mining. A randomized complete block nutrient omission trial with six replications was therefore set to determine maize response to the application of a wide range of nutrients from inorganic fertilizers on Ferralsols. The treatments were NK, NP, PK, NPK, and NPK + CaMgZnBS. The results showed that application of PK fertilizer resulted in low crop growth rate (CGR), and relative growth rate (RGR), and biomass compared to other treatments. Application of a wider range of nutrients (NPK + CaMgZnBS treatment) improved maize growth and yield compared to other treatments. In terms of grain response, Urea application recorded the highest yield (1800 kg/ha) followed by Triple Superphosphate (1300 kg/ha) then Muriate of potash (1100 kg/ha) and least by a combined application of secondary nutrients and micronutrients (ZnBMgCaS = 400 kg/ha). Highest agronomic efficiency of 32.5 kg grain /kg P applied was recorded due to P followed by K (27.5 kg grain /kg K) and least by N (15 kg grain /kg N). Based on the combined effect, application of N-P-K based fertilizers could give better yields. Use of micronutrients should be assessed further for conclusive recommendations