Abstract:
Field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of integrated use of poultry manure and inorganic fertilizers on soil nutrients and maize performance at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure and Basorun, Ibadan in the early and late seasons of years 2012 and 2013. Composite soil sample was collected from the sites before the experiment and a sample per plot at the end of the experiment. The treatment consisted of two level of poultry manure 0 and 5 tha-1, three levels of urea 0, 50 and 100 kg ha-1 and three levels of phosphorus 0, 30, and 60 kg ha-1. The treatment combination resulted into eighteen treatments. Poultry manure was applied by broadcasting two weeks before planting. Single Supper Phosphate was placed in planting hole and covered with a thin layer of soil (basal application) before planting the maize seed. Three maize (TZB-SR) seed were planted per hole at 75 x 25 cm spacing and later thinned to one at two weeks after planting. Soil samples collected were taken to the laboratory, air dried and chemically analysed for pH, Organic carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. Particle analysis was carried out to determine the textural class and cost analysis carried out. Addition of poultry manure, 5 t ha-1 was found to have considerably improved soil O.M. N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg and CEC when sole applied. It gave the highest value of organic matter (3.2 %) when applied in combination with urea and also with single superphosphate. Poultry manure was efficient with chemical fertilizer in improving maize production. Integrated application of nutrients at 5 PM + 100 U + 30 SSP gave the highest yield though not significantly (P < 0.05) different from 5 PM +100 U + 60 SSP. 5 PM + 100 U + 60 SSP has the greatest cost benefit ratio.
