Integrated Fertilizer Management: Influence on Soil Nitrogen, Available Phosphorus, Potassium, Nutrient Uptake and Maize Yield

A field experiment was conducted on an Alfisol (kandic paleustalf) in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, for two seasons to assess the influence of inorganic and organic fertilizers on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), nutrient uptake and maize yield. The treatments consisted of three rates of organic fertilizer 0, 5 and 10t ha(-1) in the form of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer (20:10:10) applied at 0 and 120kg ha(-1). Maize (Zea mays) was used as the test crop. The results showed that the combined application of 10t ha(-1) poultry manure and 120kg ha(-1) NPK fertilizer enhanced the uptake of N, P and K better than other treatment combinations. Application of 10t ha(-1) poultry manure alone gave the highest grain yield, which was 67.02% higher than the control in the first season. Complementary application of 5t ha(-1) poultry manure with 120kg ha(-1) NPK 20-10-10 was recommended for grain yield.