Improving soil fertility for maize (Zea mays L.) production using inorganic and organic fertilizer: A case of N: P: K 15: 15: 15 and biomass of Agroforestry trees

Abstract

With increased pressure on cropping land, traditional soil fertility regeneration has become less effective. Farmers with no alternatives would therefore be compelled to cultivate on marginal lands, highly risking crop failure and food security. Soil fertility can be improved by employing Agroforestry principles of incorporating organic inputs into the soil. This study investigated the effects of leaf mulch of Gliricidia sepium, Senna siamea and Leucaena leucocephala and their combination with inorganic fertilizer on maize (Zea mays L) growth and yield. The study was conducted in a randomized completely block design at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resource farm, KNUSTGhana. Fresh leaf biomass at 5 t haÂ]1 weight was incorporated into the soil and compared with the addition of inorganic fertilizer at 0, 30 and 60 kg N ha Â]1 levels. Soil laboratory analysis showed that the mineral content of the leaf biomass varied with L. leucocephala having the highest N content and S. siamea having the lowest N content. The addition of the different levels of the inorganic fertilizer to the leaf biomass significantly influenced the yield of maize. Combining leaf biomass of S. siamea, G. sepium and L. leucocephala with inorganic fertilizer significantly increased maize yield and can be recommended for improving maize and other crop production.