Maize nutrient yield response and requirement in the maize belt of Nigeria

Absence of site-specific nutrient recommendation and high spatial variability of soil fertility are major factors affecting maize response to applied nutrients in Nigeria. In this study, we assessed maize response to applied nutrients and nutrient use efficiency in different management zones (MZs), for designing site-specific nutrient management recommendations for maize in the maize belt of Nigeria. The maize belt in Nigeria was earlier delineated into four MZsMZs (MZ1 to MZ4) based on soil properties. In the current study, data from two different trials, nutrient omission trials (N = 293) and fertilizer response trial (N = 705), conducted in the years 2015-2017, were extracted for MZ1 to MZ3; to analyze maize yield responses to application of N, P and K, and secondary and micro-nutrients. Maize yield response to K application was only positive in MZ1. Responses to N and P application were positive for all MZs. However, the magnitude of maize response to P varied between the MZs, indicating a differentiation in the degree to which P is limiting maize production in the study area. Average nitrogen requirement was higher for MZ3 (138 kg ha(-1)), than for MZ2 and MZ1 (121 and 83 kg ha(-1), respectively). Average P requirement was higher for MZ3 (45 kg ha(-1)) than for the other zones. Potassium requirement was 26% and 28% higher in MZ2 and MZ3 compared with MZ1 (similar to 15 kg ha(-1)). The use of the specific nutrient rates for the MZs may reduce risks and uncertainties in crop production. The delineated MZs of the maize belt of Nigeria that incorporates spatial variability in soil fertility conditions are useful for nutrient management for larger areas.

Automated summary

The absence of specific nutrient recommendation for each site and the high variability of soil fertility are major factors affecting the response of maize to applied nutrients in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the response of maize to applied nutrients and nutrient use efficiency in different management zones (MZs) in order to design site-specific nutrient management recommendations for maize in Nigeria. The results showed that the response of maize to nitrogen and phosphorus application was positive in all zones, but the magnitude of the response varied for phosphorus. The average nitrogen and phosphorus requirement differed among the zones, indicating the variation in the degree to which these nutrients limit maize production. Therefore, developing nutrient management strategies based on the specific nutrient requirements of different zones can reduce risks and uncertainties in crop production.