Agronomic performance

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most important cereal crop worldwide. It contains starch, proteins, fibers, oils, and sugars. It plays a significant role in human and livestock nutrition. Nitrogen (N) is essential for crop growth and yield. The most common sources of nitrogen are NPK and urea. However, consistent usage of these inorganic fertilizers can have adverse effects on the soil which includes soil acidification, reduced soil microorganisms, alteration of soil PH, which in turn can affect the soil fertility. This has made it essential to utilize organic fertilizers like plant residues, which can improve soil fertility without causing damage to the soil. Chromolaena odorata (L.) shows promise in boosting plant nutrient levels as mulch. Hence, this study is aimed to assess the agronomic performance of maize fertilized with C. odorata. The trial was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated four times. The treatment involved the use of four rates of freshly cut C. odorata leaf residues (0, 1, 3, 5 kg m-2). The variables studied were plant height, cob yield, grain yield and stover yield. Maize plant height and cob, grain and stover yields increased with increase in the levels of C. odorata plant residues (0-5 kg m-2). Based on the present
study, C. odorata residues has potential for use as a mulch in improving maize yield and soil quality.