Application Rates of Moringa (Moringa stenopetala) Leaf Powder Enhanced Maize Growth, Yield Components, and Soil Chemical Properties

This study was aimed to determine the effects of different rates of MLP application on maize growth, yield components, and soil chemical properties under greenhouse conditions. The experiment consisted of four treatments having 0 (control), 25g, 50g, and 75g of MLP, along with 2.1 g of Di-ammonium phosphate and 2.1g of UREA. The treatments were assigned in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The analysis of variance indicated that most maize growth parameters at 40, 70, and 100 days after planting (DAP) were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by MLP application rates. The highest maize growth parameters at all growth stages were recorded in pots treated with 75g of MLP. However, most of the maize yield components were higher under CF. Results also revealed that almost all tested soil chemical parameters at six weeks of incubation and 100 DAP were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by MLP application rates, with the highest values recorded in pots treated with 75g of MLP. In conclusion, the highest maize growth, yield components, and soil chemical properties were obtained from the pots treated with 75g of MLP. The results of this study suggest that the application of MLP at a rate of 75g can enhance maize growth and improve soil chemical properties under greenhouse conditions. However, further studies should be conducted on economic feasibility under field conditions to provide conclusive recommendations.