Effect of organic manure on the growth performance and yield of maize (Zea mays)

Research to investigate the effects of organic manure (Cattle manure (CM), Rabbit urine manure (RUM), Swine manure (SM) and Poultry manure (PM)) on growth performance and yield of Maize (Zea mays) was conducted on the research farm of Peace House Agricultural Training Institute during the 2024 planting season. The experimental site was cleared and cultivated (tilled and managed). The measured variables were plant height, foliage, leaf area index and crop yield obtained. The data collected was subject to variance analysis (ANOVA). CM and RUM significantly increased the foliage of maize crop when compared to the control. The foliage of maize crop planted with RUM was significantly higher than all other manure (SM, CM, and PM). RUM provides the highest crop height at week 7 when compared across all treatment groups (Control, SM, CM and PM), this was followed by SM, CM and PM while the control provided very little crop height. There was a significant increase in the height of maize crop of RUM when compared to control. All the plots treated with organic manure had increased leaf area index compared to the control. RUM has the highest maize yield across all the treatment groups and it was significant when compared with the control but there was no significant difference in yield of maize across the different manure group except for PM From this research, RUM consistently increased foliage, plant height and crop yield significantly and it is recommended for Maize production.