Evaluation of the Performance of Different Organic Fertilizers on Maize Yield: A Case Study of Kampala, Uganda
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uganda. Journal of Agricultural Science
Abstract
In Kampala city about 60% of animal manure generated is discarded leading to health and environmental
challenges. However about 30% of this manure is used as fertilizer mainly in the form of stored animal manure.
The manure could also be vermicomposted or anaerobically digestated and used in crop production. However, it
has not yet been clearly established which of these options would be most beneficial in producing better crop
yields when applied to soils in Kampala. This study evaluated the performance of different organic fertilizers
namely vermicompost, digestate and stored cattle manure and unfertilized control on growth and yield of maize
(Zea mays spp). The experiment was carried out at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute
Kabanyolo for two seasons (October 2013 to February 2014 and March to June 2014). No significant difference
(P > 0.05) in the different organic fertilizers was noted in both the growth and yield of maize in each season.
However a significant difference (P < 0.05) in both crop growth and yield was noted when the organic fertilizers
were compared with the control. In addition when the different seasons were compared, the growth and yield of
maize in season two was generally found to be better (P > 0.05) than that of season one. The interviews
conducted with farmer groups showed they generally preferred using stored manure and vermicompost. It can
thus be concluded that these fertilizers are best for Kampala thus should be promoted by the municipal
authorities to address the rampant poor disposal of manure in Kampala.
Description
Keywords
animal manure, crop production, vermicompost, crop growth
Citation
Komakech, A. J., Zurbrügg, C., Semakula, D., Kiggundu, N., & Vinnerås, B. (2015). Evaluation of the Performance of Different Organic Fertilizers on Maize Yield: A Case Study of Kampala, Uganda. Journal of Agricultural Science, 7(11), 28.