Yield and Growth Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Varietal and Nitrogen Application in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Ghana

Abstract

Background and Objective. Maize is one of the oldest cultivated crops. It is the third most important cereal after wheat and rice globally. Compared to all other cereals, maize has the highest average yield per unit area. The objective of the research was to evaluate maize varietal response to different nitrogen fertilizer rates. Materials and Methods. The treatment consisted of two factors, namely six varieties of maize and four levels of nitrogen application rates. These were arranged in 6 × 4 factorial combinations and laid out using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data collected were subjected to combined analysis for variation in factorial experiments in RCBD using Genstat statistical package edition 18. The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% probability level. Results. The study revealed that varieties, such as IWD-C3-SYN-F2 and OBATAMPA, produced the highest grain yield and growth parameters (agronomic traits) relative to other varieties. The maximum grain yield and biomass production also occurred at the nitrogen application rates of 90 and 120 kg N/ha. Conclusion. Varieties, such as IWD-C3-SYN-F2 and OBATAMPA, and N rate of 90 kg N/ha are, therefore, recommended to be used for maize production by the resource-poor farmers in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Ghana.