ABSTRACT:

Field trials were conducted during 2023 and 2024 dry seasons at the experimental farm of Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, located at Kadawa 11°38’44” N and Longitude 8°26’52” E in Sudan savanna of Nigeria, Kano State. The treatments evaluated consisted of three maize varieties -1 [SAMMAZ 51, SAMMAZ 52 and SAMMAZ 65]; three fertilization rates [120-60-60 NPK ha ; 5 tons Poultry -1 Manure (PM) and 60-30-30 NPK + 2.5ton ha PM] and three irrigation methods [Furrow, Basin and Border]. The treatments were laid out in a split-split plot design with fertilization and irrigation methods allocated to the main plot, while maize varieties assigned to sub-sub plot and replicated three times. Data -1 were measured on plant height, ear height, number of days to 50% tasseling and grain yield (kg ha ). All the required agronomic practices were duly observed. The data collected were statistically analyzed and the means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability. The results showed that SAMMAZ 51 significantly (p< 0.05) recorded taller plants and ear heights as well as grain yield in all the years than the other two varieties. Combine application of NPK 60-30-30 + 2.5 tons PM recorded higher growth parameters and maize grain yield except days to 50% tasseling in which 5 tons PM significantly (p< 0.05) took longer days to attain 50% tasseling. Effect of irrigation method showed that, furrow method recorded taller plants and ear heights as well as grain yield than the other two irrigation methods. Basin irrigation method recorded significantly (p< 0.05) higher days to 50% tasseling than furrow and border methods. It could therefore be concluded that for an improved yield of maize in the study area, farmers are encouraged to plant SAMMAZ 51, combine application of NPK 63-30-30 + 2.5 tons PM using furrow irrigation method.