The Effect of Different Mineral Compound Fertilizer Blends on the Growth and Yield of Maize within the Birim Central Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana

Abstract

The Birim Central Municipality is a major maize growing area in the Eastern region of Ghana. Diverse mineral compound fertilizer blends are common in the Municipality and most of these mineral fertilizers are used in the production of maize. Common among them are NPK 15-15-15; NPK 20-10-10 +3S; NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn; and NPK 15-20-20 + 1S + 0.7MgO + 0.7Zn. The effect of these compound fertilizer blends on maize growth and yield within the municipality has not been extensively studied. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect of these different compound fertilizer blends and an absolute control on the growth and yield of maize (Pannar 12 variety) at Akim Oda. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The recommended mineral fertilizer rate of NPK 90-60-60 kg ha-1 N-P2O5-K2O for maize for the forest agro-ecological zone was adopted. Results obtained showed significant differences in yield and yield components due to the application of the different compound NPK mineral fertilizer blends. Grain yield showed significant differences between treatments with the least yield produced by the Control (4.12 t ha-1) and the greatest from NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn (10.63 t ha-1). Weight of ears, un-shelled cobs, husk, stover, harvest index and biological yield all recorded significant differences. The NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn proved to be economically more profitable due to the high VCR of 5.3 obtained. The study, therefore, recommends the compound mineral fertilizer blend NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn should be adapted for the municipality to attain greater growth and yield of maize.