YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) FERTILIZED WITH SIAM WEED (Chromolaena odorata L.) LEAF POWDER

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in the late cropping season (August 2024) at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City (06° 23'58''N 5 ° 37' 45''E 94.02m asl) in the Rainforest of Nigeria to evaluate the effects of Chromolaena odorata leaf powder on maize growth and yield. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated 3 times. The treatment comprised five rates of C. odorata leaf powder (0.0, 30.0, 60.0, 90.0, 120.0 kg ha^-1). Plant height, ear height, grain yield and stover yield were evaluated.The results showed that the leaf powder significantly improved maize growth and yield. The highest yield was obtained from the treatment with 120kg N ha^-1 of C. odorata leaf powder. The study concludes that Chromolaena odorata leaf powder is a viable organic fertilizer for improving maize yield and growth, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.