Effect of mulch types on nutrient composition, maize (Zea mays L.) yield and soil properties of a tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Field investigations were carried out to evaluate the influence of shrub and herbaceousmulch types on soil properties and nutrient composition of maize (Zea mays L.) at theTeaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure in therainforest zone of southwestern Nigeria in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The shrubmulch; Gliricidia sepium and Tithonia diversifolia, herbaceous mulch; Calopogoniummucunoides and Moringa oleifera were applied at the rate of 5 t ha-1. Application of NPK(20:10:10) fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg ha-1 was included as the standard treatmentfor the experiments. The treatments were laid out in randomized complete blockdesign (RCBD) with three replication. The growth, agronomic parameters andnutritional quality of maize (Zea mays L.) were monitored and determined in bothexperiments. Results indicated that herbaceous mulch types and NPK fertilizersignificantly (P