Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Profitability of Maize Varieties with Different Maturity Classes in Semi-Arid Ghana

Optimizing the efficiency of fertilizer use is critical for sustainable maize production and food security, particularly in smallholder systems. Sub-optimal application rates pose a significant risk of soil nutrient depletion and low productivity. Split plot experiments were conducted across four locations in Ghana’s Guinea Savannah using seven maize varieties from three different maturity classes. The study assessed the response to nitrogen fertilizer applications (0, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha−1) regarding yield, Agronomic Efficiency (AEN), Water Use Efficiency (WUE), and economic feasibility. Grain yields across locations and varieties demonstrated a strong linear response to nitrogen fertilization. The 90 kg N ha−1 application generally produced the highest AEN for all sites and varieties. Gross Revenue (GR) and WUE increased with higher N rates, with Value-to-Cost Ratios (VCR) consistently exceeding 2. Applying 90 kg N ha−1 resulted in statistically similar Gross Revenues (GRs) to the 120 kg N ha−1 fertilization. Different maturity classes significantly impacted fertilizer efficiency in semi-arid Ghana, with intermediate varieties outperforming extra-early ones. Though a 90 kg N ha−1 rate was generally identified as the economically optimal rate of N fertilization for the locations, targeted fertilizer recommendations based on maize maturity groups and location are strongly advised.