Influence of plant density and fertilizers on maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Niger

Abstract In Niger, maize ( Zea mays L.) is widely consumed by the population, despite its low production in the national territory, which is linked to climatic constraints and soil. Hence, a study on the influence of plant density and fertilizers on maize yield of was carried out at the Maradi regional agricultural research center in Niger. The experimental set–up used is a split-plot with three replicates with the fertilization factor at four levels (F1: control, F2: farmyard manure applied at the rate of 5t/ha, F3: NPK fertilizer applied at the rate of 100kg/ha, F4: farmyard manure applied the rate of 5t/ha plus NPK fertilizer applied at the rate of 100kg/ha) in large plots and the sowing density factor at two levels (P1: one plant per poquet and P2: two plants per poquet) in small plots. The parameters measured are the biomass weight, the weight of cob, the weight of grains and the weight of 1000 grains. Analysis of results shows that the combination of farmyard manure applied at the rate of 5t/ha plus NPK fertilizer applied at the rate of 100kg/ha gave the highest biomass and grain yield. Analysis of results also shows that there is a significant difference between the treatments for all the parameters considered except for grain yield. Therefore, increasing plant density and application of fertilizer increases the biomass and maize grains yield, thus contributing to the achievement of food security.