| dc.description.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 | en_US |
