The Effect of Solid (Granular) and Liquid (Foliar) Fertilizers Application on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L) in Soils of Obubra, Cross River State, Nigeria

The research was carried out in the month of April, 2018 to determine the effect of solid (granular) and liquid (foliar) fertilizers application on the growth and yield of maize in soils of Obubra. Five (5) composite soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-20 cm for the analysis of physical and chemical properties before application of the fertilizers. The experimental layout was randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments and five replications in a plot area of 25 m x 20 m (500 m2) which corresponds to 0.05 ha-1. The plot was designed and blocked into subplots, each measuring 6 m x 4 m (24 m2). Each block was separated from the other with a distance of one meter (1 m) apart and between subplots 0.5 m apart. Three treatments made up of treatment one (T1) zero application at 0 kg ha-1, treatment two (T2) liquid (foliar) N.P.K 20:20:20 at the rate of 100 mil of N, 50 mil of P2O5, 33.3 mil of Mp ha-1 and treatment three (T3) solid (granular) N.P.K 20:20:20 at the rate of 44.4 kg of N, 40 kg of P2O5 and 33.3 kg of Mp ha-1 were replicated five times making a total of fifteen (15) subplots. Parameters of plant heights and number of leaves were observed at 6 and 8 weeks after planting. Plant heights, number of leaves, number of cobs, weight of 1000 seeds in each subplot and weight of grain after shelling were analyzed respectively. Results on soil analyses showed that the soil texture was sandy loam with deficiencies in primary nutrients and other nutrients. On the plant heights, the result was significant (P≤0.05) and on the number of leaves, the result for 6 weeks was not significant (P≥0.05) while that of 8 weeks was significant (P≤0.05). On the number of cobs, 1000 seeds and weight of grain after shelling were also significant (P≤0.05). The solid (granular) fertilizer showed to be more effective than liquid (foliar) fertilizer and should therefore be recommended for the growth and yield of maize in the area.