Effect of different rates of sawdust - piggery compost on soil properties and yield of maize in nutrient depleted soil

Compost is an important source of organic fertilizer that can be used to amend degraded soil to improve soil nutrient and crops yield. This experiment was to evaluate the effect of sawdust – piggery compost on soil properties, growth and yield of maize and it was carried out at the Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Emaudo, Ekpoma, Edo State. The experiment was fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replicates. The treatments were; control (0), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 tonnes of sawdust – piggery compost per hectares (ha-1). Data collected were analysed using ANOVA and LSD was used to separate means. Soil nutrients were below critical levels and the application of compost improved fertility status of the soil. Growth parameters, dry matter yield, cob weight, grain yield and nutrient uptake were determined. It was observed that application of Sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the growth of maize compared to control. The application of 8 to 12 tonnes of sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the plant height, leaf area and stem girth of maize compared to other treatments. The application of 8 to 12 tonnes per hectares (ha-1) of sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the cob weight, grain and dry matter yield of maize compared to other treatments, however, the application of 10 t ha-1 of compost to maize increased grain yield of maize than others rate of applications with the yield value of 4.60 t ha-1. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were higher with application of 12 tonnes of compost. In conclusion, the application rates of 10 t ha-1 of sawdust – piggery compost per hectare on nutrient depleted soils will improve the growth and yield of maize.