GRAIN YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AS INFLUENCED BY WATER STRESS AND MANURE TYPES IN SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

This research evaluated the effects of irrigation schedule, manure types, and rates on maize grain yield in Sudan Savannah, Nigeria during 2019 and 2020 dry season. The treatments consisted of four irrigation intervals (3, 6, 9, and 12 days), two manure types (cow dung and poultry droppings) and four application rates each (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5t/ha). The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design, replicated three times. Irrigation interval was assigned to the main plots, manure types were assigned to sub-plot and manure rates were allocated to the sub-sub-plot. Characters on number of seeds per cob and grain yield were obtained at harvest. The data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and where significant differences were observed; the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. The results revealed significant variations in number of seeds per cob and grain yield due to irrigation frequency, manure type, and application rates. Irrigation intervals of 3 or 6 days produced the highest number of seeds per cob and grain in both seasons and combined. Poultry droppings outperformed cow dung, with combined yields of 0.95 t/ha and 0.82 t/ha, respectively. Manure application rates of 7.5 t/ha yielded the highest combined output (1.63 t/ha), followed by 5 t/ha (1.22 t/ha), while the control (0 t/ha) recorded the lowest yield (0.25 t/ha). Significant interactions were observed between irrigation intervals and manure rates, as well as between manure types and rates. Thus, for cultivation of maize in the dry Savanna of Nigeria, application of water at 6 days interval in combination with cow dung or poultry dropping is recommended.