Effects of integrated nutrient management and tied ridges on maize productivity in dry regions of Zimbabwe

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Andrew Tapiwa Kugedera , Lawrence Mango, Letticia Kudzai Kokerai

 

Zimbabwe Open University, Department of Agriculture Management, Bindura, Zimbabwe

Low maize productivity in smallholder farming areas of Zimbabwe especially in semi-arid and arid areas are largely caused by moisture stress and inherent soil fertility. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of integrated nutrient management and tied ridges on maize productivity. The experiment was carried out in Mashava area which is to the south eastern part of Zimbabwe in Masvingo Province. Randomised Complete Block Design was used with three main treatments namely cattle manure, inorganic fertiliser and water harvesting techniques of tied ridges. Data collected was based on grain, stover yields and 1000 grain weight. Grain and stover yields were calculated after harvesting net plot. 1000 grain weight was measured by collecting 1000 grains from every treatment and was measured using digital scale. The results show that there was significant different (p<0.001) between the treatments with cattle manure and those with inorganic fertiliser only. An average grain yield of 3.05 t/ha was recorded for  100 kg N/ha + 5 tonnes cattle manure/ha (TN100C5) treatments during the 2017/2018 farming season which was lower than grain yield obtained during the 2018/2019 farming season for the same treatments (3.13 t/ha). The results show that there was a significant difference (p<0.001) on the effect of season and treatments on stover yields. Treatments with 50 kg N/ha + 5t/ha cattle manure recorded the highest stover yield of 5.29 t/ha for the 2018/2019 farming season. The findings show that 1000 grain weight was higher for the 2018/2019 farming season as compared to the weight obtained during the 2017/2018 farming season for all treatments. There was a significant difference (p=0.02) on the effects of season on 1000 grain weight. Treatments with cattle manure recorded higher 1000 grain weight compared to those without cattle manure. The use of cattle manure and tied ridges has the possibility of increasing grain, stover yields and 1000 grain weight. Farmers are recommended to use cattle manure at 5t/ha or more to improve soil fertility, structure, regulate pH and increase yields.

 

Keywords: Cattle manure, integrated nutrient management, Maize stover, Tied ridges, Dry regions

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