Effect of Poultry and Green Manure Sources on the Productivity of Popcorn (Zea mays everta L.)

Summary

A trial was carried out at the institute for agricultural research field Samaru during the 2013 and 2014 rainy seasons to determine the effect of poultry manure and sources of green manure on the productivity of popcorn. Treatments included four poultry manure rates (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) and green manure from two cowpea varieties (SAMPEA 6 and Kananado). Green manures were obtained by clipping the cowpea foliage at 5cm from the soil surface and incorporated in 6th week to serve as green manure. Data were collected on shoot dry weight and grain yield and significant increases were recorded. It can therefore be said that good popcorn yields can be obtained by using 2 t ha-1 of poultry manure in addition to green manure from either of the cowpea varieties.