Assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) Growth in Agroforestry Stand of Tectona grandis (linn. F.) in Umudike, Nigeria:- Egba, Nancy O

ABSTRACT

 Agroforestry tree species perform differently in terms of nutrient contributions, promotion of arable crops yield, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and ecological services. A factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates was conducted to assess maize (Zea mays L.~) germination, growth attributes (height, girth and leaves numbers) and biomass production at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP) in a 3- year Tectona grandis (Linn F.) based agroforestry system in Umudike, Nigeria in 2023. Fertilizers treatments: i. 800kg/ha NPK 20: 10: 10; ii. lOtonnes/ha poultry manure; iii. 500tonnes poultry manure+400kg NPK20:10:10/ha and control (no fertilizer) were randomly applied in each of the 2m x 5m replicate within a 120m2 experimental block. The physicochemical properties ofsoil of each fertilizer treatment were analysed. Results showed that over 80% germination was recorded in maize seeds within 4-8 DAP. There were no significantly differences in growth attributes of maize (plant height, plant diameter and leaf number) at 6 WAP and 8 WAP. However, lOtonnes/ha poultry manure and 5tonnes poultry manure gave significant (P<0.05) increase in maize height and girth at 4WAP and 2WAP respectively while 5tonnes poultry manure + 400kg NPK20:10:10/ha gave significant increase in maize leave number at 2WAP. The results ofthe physicochemical properties ofsoil samples: sand, silt, clay, pH, TN, OC, OM, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na and EA varied significantly (P<0.05) except CEC. Maize can be intercropped with Tectona grandis (Linn F.) using lOtha-1 organic fertilizer and St1 mixed 400kg'1 inorganic fertilizer rates. Farmers and stakeholders in agriculture should adopt Tectona grandis (Linn F.) based agroforestry system and promote the use of poultry manure to enhance crops productivity.