NITROGEN CONCENTRATION OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) FERTILIZED WITH Centrosema brasilianum PLANT RESIDUES

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted under various treatments to evaluate nutrient use and concentration. The trial had four replications and four treatments of Centrosema brasilianum plant residue (0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 kg), applied at three different times. The highest plant growth and grain yields were achieved in plots with a 5.0 kg application rate of C brasilianum. Each plot measured 2.25 m x 2 m, with a plant spacing of 75 cm x 25 cm. The trial was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Edo state. Randomized Complete Block Design was the experimental design used in the trial. Variables studied were the stem, leaf, husk, and grain. The result shows that nitrogen concentration was seen to have progressively increased with an increase in plant residue application. Therefore, C. brasilianum plant residue is a good source of nitrogen, which is essential for maize production and, as such, a good substitute for inorganic fertilizer in maize farming