ABSTRACT

Greenhouse study was conducted at Federal University Oye- Ekiti, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management between June and August 2016 to compare the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) using different rates of organic (Tithonia diversifolia) and Inorganic fertilizer. The effect of the amendments on the soil chemical properties was also evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications. Tithonia diversifolia was applied at 10 and 20t/ha and inorganic fertilizer applied at 2000kg/ha and 400kg/ha. Plant growth parameters were taken at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting. Results of Plant height, stem girth, Number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake showed that growth and yield of maize were significantly (P<0.05) different with Tithonia diversifolia soil amendments compared to inorganic fertilizer.

Keywords: Tithonia diversifolia, Inorganic fertilizer, Biomass accumulation, Nutrient Uptake, Maize