Potential of Bio-Organic Mix as an Alternative to Inorgani Fertilizer in Maize Production in Africa.A
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most abundantly produced and consumed cereal in the world. Major challenge in maize production in Africa is low soil fertility due to lack of sustainable soil fertility restoring inputs among others. This study investigated the potentials of Moringa-bananamaize mix, a biodegradable, environment friendly and abundantly available free gifts of nature in soil fertility improvement. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the mixture of Moringa olifera leaves (MO) +Banana Peels (BL) +Maize Stalks (MS) on yield and profitability of maize production. Specifically, to choose the right combination of the mix and determine the correct mode of application. Field and screen house experiments were conducted in 2020 planting seasons, at the Teaching and Research Farm of Kwara State University, Malete. Four treatments were considered and each represented a technology on field/screen trials. These include; A=100N+40P+30K, B= 120N+50P+40K, C= 70N+30P+ 20K and the control using the national recommended dose of 90kg/ha of NPK fertilizer (for comparison). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data were collected on maize growth parameters; crop yield, cost and returns. These were subjected to statistical and economic viability analyses. Results showed that application of the mixed MO leaves +BP+MS at the rate of B= 120N+50P+40K significantly (P< 0.05) increased the maize net income. It had the highest net income across the trials (₦1,733,500 (US$3,467). It was also discovered that the mixture was most effective when applied in solid form and in the open field. On the basis of these findings the use of moringa/banana/maize mixture a bio-organic fertilizer applied at the rate of 120N+50P+40K was recommended for adoption by maize farmers.
