Productivity Of Newly Released Maize Varietiesby Fertilizer Application In Moshi Ruraldistrict, Kilimanjaro Region

ABSTRACT

In Northern Tanzania, yield of maize ranges between 0.5 – 0.8 t ha-1 compared with the yield potential of 4–6 t ha-1 under research conditions resulting to yield gap of 5.2 t ha-1. Major cause of low maize yield is low soil fertility due to insufficient use of fertilizers. A study was undertaken at Miwaleni (3º 25´ 30´´S and 37º 26´ 45´´ E) to determine the productivity of newly released maize varieties by fertilizer application in maize growing area of Moshi rural districtin Kilimanjaro region. Soils sampleswere collected from the experimental site. The objective of the study was to determine the response of maize yield on Nitrogen (Urea), Phosphorus (DAP, Minjingu Mazao, NPK cereal) fertilizers.The first experiment was conducted as split plot design in randomized completete block layout replicated three times. The factors were maize varieties (Situka MI, Meru HB 513 and Faru HB) while subplot factors were fertilizers types namely; DAP, at 62kg Pha-1, Minjingu Mazaoat 71kg P ha-1 and NPK Cereal at 124kgP ha-1. The second experiment was conducted as split split plot design in randomized completete blocklayout replicated three times. In the second experiment main and subfactor comprised four levels that were nitrogen ratesnamely; Nitrogen at 37.5, 50, 62.5 kg N ha-1 and no fertilizer application. Results obtained from the site, showed that the three phosphatic fertilizers applied, top dressed with respective nitrogen levels produced highly significant (P