Effect of jack bean (canavalia enformis) green manure on maize growth and yield

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of jack bean green manure on the growth and yield of maize. The experiments were set up in two locations using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments: control (CTRL), jack bean green manure grown at the experimental site (JBW), jack bean green manure grown elsewhere and imported to the experimental site (JBI) and NPK fertilizer used as a check. These treatments were replicated three times on plots that measured 5m by 5m. Data was collected on the soil fertility status of the experimental sites, maize plant height at four and eight weeks after germination, fresh plant biomass at tussling stage , root length at tasseling stage, and total dry biomass, cob weight and grain weight at harvest. This data was analyzed using SPSS and Genstat (12th edition). The results show that soils at both sites were low in organic matter, Nitrogen, available phosphorous, cation exchange capacity. Jack bean green manure application significantly increased their contents in the soil. Maize plant height, fresh biomass, root length, total dry matter, cob weight and grain weight were all significantly improved by jack bean green manure application and more especially the JBW. From the results above, it is concluded that jack bean green manure can be used to enhance maize production. Based on the above conclusion, it is recommended that extension workers and NGOs should promote jack bean as a better alternative to use of inorganic fertilizers in the production of maize