Performance of NPK nutrients on maize cultivation in Togo

Maize(Zea mays L.) is an important cereal in Togo. However, yields remain low. To optimize the mineral nutrition of maize for increased yields, optimal combinations of specific fertilizers need to be developed. Thus, the overall objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of different nutrient formulations that limit maize cultivation. The study is conducted at the Station d'Expérimentation Agronomiques de Lomé during the great rainy season of 2018, and focused on the variety TZEE. In order to achieve this objective, a subtractive trial is being conducted using a randomized complete block experiment with split-plot, two (2) factor and three (3) replicates. The study consisted of a combination of three major elements including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and the omission of one element by providing the other two at non-limiting rates of 139 kg/ha of N, 60 kg/ha of P and 60 kg/ha of K. The results of the trial allow the three nutrients studied to be ranked by priority need for supply to the maize crop in descending order of N>P>K.