Abstract
The experiments were carried out to determine the influence of different rates of nitrogen fertilizer and soil types on the growth and stability of vegetable maize (Zea mays saccharata) in Yola. Yola lies between latitude 9o10 to 9o20N and longitude 12o20 to 12o35E. Field experiments were conducted during the 2010, 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (Sandy-loam soil) and a private farm in Karewa area of Yola (Clay-loam soil). The sandy-loam soil was located on latitude 9o21.276 to 9o21.281N and longitude 12o30.189 to 12o30.200E and the clay-loam soil was located on latitude 9o14.733 to 9o14.738N and longitude 12o26.250 to 12o26.261E. Rainfall in Yola ranges between 556.1 mm to 786.9 mm which commences in early May and terminates in late October. Treatments consisted of five levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80,120 and 160 kg N/ha) applied as urea while phosphorus and potassium were maintained at 60 kg/ha each applied as Single superphosphate and Muriate of potash on the sandy-loam and clay-loam soils. The experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Parameters measured included emergence and establishment count expressed in terms of percentage, plant height, stem girth, days to 50% taselling and silking. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) appropriate to RCBD using statistical package SAS for Windows Release 9.2 and Least Significant Difference (LSD) method was used to compare the difference between means. Growth parameters such as emergence and establishment count expressed in percentage were not affected by rates of nitrogen fertilizer and soil types, however, plant height was significantly affected by rates of nitrogen and soil types. Based on the finding of the study, applying the rate of 160 kg N/ha on sandy-loam soil appeared to be promising for sustainable growth of vegetable maize plant in Yola and is therefore, recommended to farmers in Yola.