Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Evaluation of Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L) at Varying Pruning Regime Under Gliricidia-maize Alley Cropping in Akure, Nigeria
by OYUN, M.B

Abstract:
Growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under Gliricidia sepium � maize alley cropping system subjected to varying pruning regime were evaluated. The alleys between three rows of 5-years old Gliricidia of an espacement of 0.25 m within rows and 4 m between rows were cleared of existing weeds and each alley was demarcated into four plots of 4m x 6m with a buffer zone of 1m between plots. The demarcated plots were distributed into pruning regime treatment which consisted of 2, 4 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP) and control treatment without pruning regime and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Maize seeds were sown in each plot at an espacement of 30cm x 100cm (within and between rows) at the onset of rain. Maize plant heights were significantly (p< 0.05) higher in 2WAP and 4WAP pruning regime treatments than that of 6WAP at the sampling periods of 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing (WAS). There were no significant differences between pruning regime treatments (2, 4, 6 WAP) with respect to stem circumference. At harvest, the maize cob circumference (cm), nitrogen storage (g/plant) and grain yield (kg/ha) were significantly higher in 2WAP and 4WAP pruning regime treatments than that of 6WAP. All plots that received pruning mulch at 2WAP, 4WAP and 6WAP pruning regime treatments recorded significantly higher maize plant height (cm), cob circumference (cm), grain yield (kg/ha) and N storage (g/plant) (leaf, stem, root) relative to control treatment without pruning regime. The timing of the transfer of N from pruning to maize crop appeared to be mainly during the early growth phase (2-4 WAP) of crops. Hence to ensure optimum grain yield of maize in an alley farm of high quality litter, pruning of the alley should be carried out between 2 and 4 weeks after seed sowing.

Keywords: Synchrony, Crop N Demand, N Release, N Losses, Leaching

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