Effects of Animal Manures on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Soil Physicochemical Properties in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Soil fertility decline in Southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State, significantly limits maize (Zea mays L.) productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Poultry Dropping (PD), Cattle Dung (CD) and their combined application (PD+CD) in improving soil properties and enhancing maize germination, growth and yield.

Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments: Control (no manure), poultry dropping (PD; 4.4 t ha^–1), cattle dung (CD; 2.2 t ha^–1) and a combined application of PD+CD (2.2 t ha^–1 each), replicated three times. Growth variables assessed were plant height (PH), number of Leaves per Plant (LPP) and number of Cobs per Plant (CPP). Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and treatment means were separated using the LSD test at a 5% significance level.

Results: Organic amendments significantly improved soil physical (moisture content, bulk density, total porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity) and chemical properties (pH, organic matter, nutrient content and effective cation exchange capacity). The combined application of PD+CD produced the greatest improvement in maize performance, resulting in higher plant height at 2 and 6 Weeks after Planting (WAP), increased number of leaves per plant at 2 and 4 WAP and a significantly higher number of cobs per plant at 8 WAP.

Conclusion: The integrated use of poultry dropping and cattle dung (PD+CD) is an effective and affordable soil fertility management strategy. It enhances soil quality and significantly improves maize growth and yield in Awka and similar agro-ecological zones in Southeastern Nigeria.