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Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a key global staple, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa., but its productivity is often constrained by the high cost and documented environmental risks of conventional inorganic fertilizers. This study investigated the use of Panicum maximum leaf powder, a locally available organic nutrient source, application on the agronomic response of maize. The field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Benin City. The experiment utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The treatments consisted of four rates of P. maximum application: 0kg/ha, 60kg/ha, 120kg/ha and 180kg/ha. The variables measured included percentage emergence, percentage establishment, days to tasselling, plant height, number of ears, and stover yield. Results showed that the control exhibited significantly poorer establishment, delayed tasselling, shorter plants and reduced stover yield compared to all fertilized plots. The 60kg/ha rate was sufficient to maximize benefits for establishment and maturity, though the total number of ears was not significantly affected by treatment. It is concluded that P. maximum leaf powder is an effective, sustainable organic fertilizer for enhancing maize vegetative growth and stand establishment.
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