Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Some Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea maysL) and Soil Physicochemical Properties.

Abstract

Effects of different mulching materials on some growth parameters of maize and its influence on soil physicochemical properties were studied under Igbariamagro-ecology, during the rainy season of May to August 2019. The four types of mulches were laid out in a randomized complete Block design (RCBD), with four treatments and four replications. The four mulching treatments are Black polythene, while polythene, elephant grass, and no mulch, 5t/ha of cow dung manure was added to 18 experimental plots as Blank treatments. The growth, agronomic parameters, and soil physicochemical properties were monitored. Results indicated that elephant grass mulch significantly (P<0.5) increased the number of leaves, plant height, and stem girth when compared with other treatments. The treatments generally increased total porosity compared with the control. Bulk density and dispersion ratio significantly decreased in all treatments. There was a significant increase in aeration porosity. Field capacity and plant available water were significantly increased (p = 0.05). Buffer capacity, cation exchange capacity, and electrical conductivity were significantly increased with the application of treatments (p = 0.05). Particularly striking was the effect of Elephant grass mulch treatment on soil electrical conductivity which induced a 78.4±4.1 increase compared with the control 22.1±1.0. There was no significant increase in soluble cation. Therefore, elephant grass mulch could be applied alternatively in inorganic mulch and inorganic fertilizer for improved maize production.