Comparative Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluated the comparative effects of organic fertilizer (poultry manure) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15) on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria. Methodology: The experiment was conducted using a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments: poultry manure, NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, and a control with no fertilizer application, each replicated five times. The growth parameters measured included plant height and number of leaves, while yield per plant was assessed at harvest. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 5% probability level. Results: Fertilizer application significantly (P < 0.05) improved maize growth and yield compared with the control. Inorganic fertilizer recorded the highest mean plant height (93.0 cm), number of leaves (17.0), and yield per plant (1.91 kg), followed by organic fertilizer (86.2 cm, 15.2 leaves, and 1.36 kg), while the control recorded the lowest values. The ANOVA results indicated significant differences among treatments for all measured parameters. Conclusion: Both organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly improved maize growth and yield under the conditions of this study. Although NPK 15-15-15 produced higher growth and yield values, poultry manure remains an important nutrient source for improving soil quality and supporting sustainable crop production. An integrated nutrient management approach that combines organic and inorganic fertilizers is recommended to enhance maize productivity while maintaining long-term soil fertility in the study area.