Abstract

Maize Zea mays L is the most abundantly produced and consumed cereal in the world Major challenge in maize production in Africa is low soil fertility due to lack of sustainable soil fertility restoring inputs among others This study investigated the potentials of Moringa-bananamaize mix a biodegradable environment friendly and abundantly available free gifts of nature in soil fertility improvement The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the mixture of Moringa olifera leaves MO Banana Peels BL Maize Stalks MS on yield and profitability of maize production Specifically to choose the right combination of the mix and determine the correct mode of application Field and screen house experiments were conducted in 2020 planting seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of Kwara State University Malete Four treatments were considered and each represented a technology on field screen trials These include A 100N 40P 30K B 120N 50P 40K C 70N 30P 20K and the control using the national recommended dose of 90kg ha of NPK fertilizer for comparison The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design RCBD with three replicates Data were collected on maize growth parameters crop yield cost and returns These were subjected to statistical and economic viability analyses Results showed that application of the mixed MO leaves BP MS at the rate of B 120N 50P 40K significantly P 0 05 increased the maize net income It had the highest net income across the trials 1 733 500 US 3 467 It was also discovered that the mixture was most effective when applied in solid form and in the open field On the basis of these findings the use of moringa banana maize mixture a bio-organic fertilizer applied at the rate of 120N 50P 40K was recommended for adoption by maize farmers