WRJAS

World Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Vol. 5(2), pp. 147-156, November, 2018. ©www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 3115-2864

Research Article

Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield

Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999
Super” Maize Cultivar
*Agbesi Kwadzo Keteku1, Pumisak Intanon2, Suwat Terapongtanakorn3, Ruankwan Intanon4
1,2Facultyof Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
3Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
4Faculty of Business, Economics and Communication, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

This fertilizer management trial on maize was conducted to offer research evidence to the
universal dispute on the economic viability and productivity of divergent fertility management
strategies. We compared six treatments including a control or no fertilizer (T1), T2 NPK (15-15-
15), T3 chemical and granular organic fertilizer with hormone mixed formula 1 (HO-1), T4 formula
2 (HO-2), T5 formula 3 (HO-3), T6 granular organic fertilizer (GOF). The trial was replicated thrice
in a Randomized Complete Block Design with a plot size of 6 m x 5 m. The maize cultivar (Pacific
999 Super) and a fertilizer dose of 0.9 kg plot-1 were used. The results revealed that HO-3 produced
the highest yield components and a significant (p < 0.05) yield (8,276.69 kg ha-1), representing an
increase of (50 %) over the control. Also, HO-2 and NPK treatments recorded equal effects on
maize yield (7,420.00- and 7,266.69 kg ha-1, respectively). The production cost, revenue and profit
of HO-3 were highest (31,317.37-, 72,896.82- and 41,579.45-baht rai-1, respectively). A significant
17.4 % rise in profit was realized with HO-3 application over NPK treatment. The Benefit: Cost ratio
of HO-3 fertilizer was the best (2.33) and suitable for farmers to maximize returns.

Keywords: maize; fertilizer; hormone, yield improvement; profit

INTRODUCTION

Efficient management of agricultural resources to meet
human demands while conserving ecology is sustainable
farming (Abera and Belachew, 2011). To attain global food
security, the world agriculture must achieve food
production volume that ensures adequate food supply to
meet the increased growth in population through intensive
cropping. This makes agriculture sustainability a major
social development and environmental issue, notably in
tropical regions (Omotayo and Chukwuka, 2009). To
aggravate the situation, household cultivable land has
decreased due to increased population and the nutrient
extractive nature of most agriculture systems in the tropics
leads to soil organic matter depletion, raising several
production systems concerns (Abera and Wolde-Meskel,
2013; Abera and Belachew, 2011; Khaliq et al., 2006).
Science and technology are therefore, challenged on how
to intensify and sustain agricultural productivity (Kwadwo
and Samson, 2012). There are numerous complains about
soil fertility depletion due to the replacement of organic
fertilizers with chemical fertilizers (Blanchet et al., 2016;
Wei et al., 2016; Khaliq et al. 2006), while others
conversely suggested that, balanced application of
inorganic fertilizers increases crop yields and maintains
soil productivity (Wang at al., 2015; Lindquist, 2007).
*Corresponding Author: Agbesi Kwadzo Keteku, Faculty
of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment,
Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand. E-mail:
keteku.agbesi@yahoo.com; Tel: +66-064-326-6752 Co-
Author E-mail: 2pumisak_intanon@hotmail.com; Tel:
+66-0876391007; 3suwat.t@ubu.ac.th, +660812640734;
4
ruankwanintanon@hotmail.com, +660894437704;

Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
Keteku et al. 148
However, increasing cost and the inability of inorganic soil amendments substances, bio-liquid fertilizer, bio-liquid
fertilizers to condition the soil has redirected attention to hormone, and herbal plant extracts liquid (Table 1),
natural nutrient sources. According to (Hossain et al., combine in a specific ratio into a single fertilizer granule.
2016; Wei et al., 2016), to intensify production, soil fertility The granules are coated to ensure slow nutrient release.
must be maintained through integrated nutrient This fertilizer conditions the soil, supply balanced nutrients
management. Hence technologies that integrate inorganic and maintains soil quality required for proper maize growth
fertilizers with organic nutrient sources can be regarded as and yield (Intanon et al. 2017; Japkaew and Intanon,
a better method to supply a more balanced plant nutrients 2010).
and increase fertilizer use efficiency (Schulz and Glaser,
Table 1: Material composition of the HO fertilizers
2012; Zhang et al., 2012). Previous study (Saleth et al.,
Material components for maize Kg
2009) in Thailand, showed that clay-based amendments
HO-1 HO-2 HO-3
and organic amendments provide useful ecological and
Chemical fertilizer (macro 25 30 40
economic gains. elements 70%; secondary
elements 20%; minor element
Considering that maize ranks 3rd and 1st among the world 10%)
cereals production and productivity respectively, Mixed effective compost 25 25 20
accounting for about 30% of worldwide cereal food and a Soil amendments 20 20 15
major source of food for over 1/3 of the world populations Bio-liquid fertilizer 15 11 10
(Shiferaw et al., 2011). Shiferaw et al. (2011) mention that Bio-liquid hormone 10 10 10
maize contributes directly or indirectly to about 30% of the
Herbal plant extracts 5 5 5
total energy needs in 94 developing countries of
Total 100 kg 100 kg 100 kg
approximately 4.5 billion people. Therefore, technologies
that enhance maize yield, will be of enormous benefit to
the world. Improving maize productivity is still a dominant Fertilizer Analysis
challenge in many developing countries of the world, as in Total NPK contents were analyzed by the Kjeldahl method,
Africa, South America and Asia (Tilman et al., 2011). Bray’s no. II method and Neutral N ammonium method
Projections indicate that food and other non-food products (Zasoski and Burau, 1977). Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn
demand may double universally from 2010 - 2050 were analyzed following wet digestion (Nitric – perchloric
(Shiferaw et al., 2011; Tilman et al., 2011). To ensure food digestion) method (Zasoski and Burau, 1977). Soil pH was
security in the next four decades, maize productivity must measured at a fertilizer water ratio of 1:1.5 by electrode
grow by approximately 3.7% yearly (Shiferaw et al., 2011). (H19017 Microprocessor) pH meter. Walker and Black
Hence, an urgent demand arises to further intensify land (1934) method of potassium dichromate oxidation was
and resource use efficiency to boost maize productivity as adopted to determine organic matter (OM) while cation
there is limited scope to extend cultivable land (Hochman exchange capacity (CEC) was determined by the method
et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2012). Global shortfalls in maize of Ammonium acetate (Lu, 1999). All laboratory works
production and rising consumer demand have were conducted at the Agriculture Faculty, Naresuan
exacerbated market unpredictability and contributed to University, Thailand.
inflated maize prices. Lest vigorous and concerted efforts
are made to resolve these problems and accelerate Study Area
production, food insecurity and hunger will be the end
This on farm research was conducted at the Phitsanulok
result for millions of poor people. Accordingly, our study
province of Thailand during June-October 2017. The field
investigated the production impact of a new complete
study area (16° 55′ 0′′ N / 100° 30′ 0′′ E), is one of the major
fertilizer and other commercial fertilizers on maize yield,
maize growing areas in the province due to uniform
production cost and farmer income.
distribution of rain and temperature during crop growing
seasons. The annual mean temperature is 27.8 °C, while
MATERIALS AND METHODS
maximum and minimum average monthly temperatures
are 37.2 °C in April and 18.6 °C in December, respectively.
The Chemical and Granular Organic Fertilizer with
Annual average precipitation is 1339 mm, 2/3 of it falls
Hormone Mixed Formula (HO).
within June - October. The soil of the research location falls
under the Ultisols classification and was sandy loam in
The chemical and granular organic fertilizer with hormone texture. From the (Figure 1) the average monthly rainfall
mixed formula (HO) is a new innovative compound during the trial was 73.12 mm, while maximum and
fertilizer, developed in the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural minimum temperatures ranged from (34.1- to 24.6 °C).
Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Also, relative humidity ranged from (84.33- to 79.70%).
Thailand, specifically for maize crop. It consists of six The climatic conditions of the study area were ideal for
optimum maize yield.
major plant growth and yield promoting substances,
namely: chemical fertilizer, mixed effective compost (OM),
Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
 World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 149

Production economic was analyzed based on (Byerlee,

1988) method, with emphasis on cost and revenue which
varied among the various treatments. Individual treatment
inputs and outputs were considered to calculate the cost
of production and gross income of each treatment. Costs
of cultivation under various treatments were estimated
based on market prices at Phitsanulok. Benefit cost ratio
of each treatment was worked out as total revenue divided
by cost of production.

Shelling percentage = grain weight plot-1 (kg) × 100

cob weight plot-1 (kg) (1)
Figure 1: Rainfall conditions during crop growth period
Dry matter translocation %
(June-October 2017)
= SW plant-1 at harvest - SW plant-1 at flowering × 100
Grain weight at harvest (2)
Experimental Plan
SW = Stover Weight
The experiment was setup in RCBD with six treatments:
Data Analysis
T1 control (no fertilizer), T2 NPK (15-15-15), T3 chemical
and granular organic fertilizer with hormone mixed formula
All data collected were analyzed statistically using analysis
1 (HO-1), T4 formula 2 (HO-2), T5 formula 3 (HO-3), T6
of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS 17.0 for Windows (SPSS
granular organic fertilizer (GOF) and replicated in 3 blocks.
Inc., Chicago, USA). Duncan’s Multiple Range Test
Individual treatment plots measured 6 m x 5 m. Hybrid
(DMRT) was performed and presented in tables, in
maize (Pacific 999 Super) was planted in mid-June at a
alphabets with ‘a’ depicting the highest value. All
row spacing of 75 cm and an intra-row spacing of 25 cm.
procedures were performed at (p < 0.05). Correlation
Seed rate was at 18 kg ha-1. Two seeds were drilled per
graphs were used to show relationships between some
hill and thinned out after 5 days to one seedling per hill.
key parameters measured.
The fertilizers rate of (0.9 kg plot-1) were side placed in two
split; first 30% at 14 days after planting (DAP) and 70% at
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
45 DAP. A total of 300 kg fertilizer was used ha-1.
Harvesting was done in early October 2017.
Analysis of Fertilizers
Yield Measurement and Production Economics
The results in (Table 2) showed that, nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium content were highest in T2 (NPK: 15-15-
Cobs were harvested plot-wise at full maturity (120 days)
15) followed by HO-3 (10.96-, 9.303 AND 9.215 %,
and air dried for 2 weeks. Total cobs in each respective
respectively). Also, the HO fertilizers and GOF contained
plot were individually measured for the following yield
(Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn), which are absent in T2.
component indices: cob number plant-1, cob length plant-1,
The highest secondary and supplement nutrients were
cob diameter plant-1, cob weight plant-1, grain number cob-
1, grain rows cob-1, husk weight cob -1, grain weight cob-1, observed in HO-3 (7.97-, 1.628-, 0.055-, 14.24-, 0.043-,
1.679 and 1,750 mg kg-1, respectively). Fertilizer pH was
100 seeds weight, spindle weight cob-1 and withered seeds
ideal in all fertilizer while OM and CEC were again highest
cob-1. The grains were hand shelled and weight
in HO-3 (1.37 % and 21.97 cmol kg-1, respectively).
measurements taken at 12% moisture content using
moisture meter (FARMEX model, Delhi, India). Also gain,
Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield Components
husk, spindle and stover yields were recorded on plot-wise
basis and expressed in kg ha-1. One representative plant
The fertilizer treatments significantly (p <0.05) influenced
sample was uprooted plot-1 after flowering (54 DAP) for dry
dry matter production. In (Figures 2A and B) dry matter
matter analysis in the various plant parts. Shelling %, and
accumulation into various plant parts; flower (7.93 g), leaf
dry matter translocation % (from stover to cob and grain
blades (41.27 g), leaf sheath (24.73 g), stem (50.83 g) and
within flowering to harvesting period) were calculated
roots (57.7 g) were highest in HO-3. Maize yield
using Equation (1 and 2). Nitrogen content was
components via; cob length plant-1, cob diameter plant-1,
determined by Kjeldahl digestion method and it content
cob weight plant-1, grain number cob-1, grain weight cob-1,
quantified by an auto analyzer (Yahya, 1996). Ahmad
husk weight cob-1, spindle weight cob-1, 100 seeds weight
(1993) method of hydrochloric and nitric acid treatment
and withered seeds cob-1 were all significantly (p < 0.05)
and spectrometry techniques were followed to determine
influenced by treatments (Table 3). Cob number plant-1
P, K, Ca and Mg. Also, crude protein content was
and grain rows cob-1 did not vary significantly between
calculated by multiplying the percent nitrogen content in
treatments, despite some important numerical variations.
grain ith the convection factor 5.68 (Sriperm et al., 2011).
Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
Keteku et al. 150

Table 2: Analysis of experimental fertilizers

Fertilizer treatments
Soil properties T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 CV
(NPK:15-15-15) (HO-1) (HO-2) (HO-3) (GOF) (5%)
Primary nutrients N % 15a 7.021d 8.714c 10.92b 4.880e 4.68
P % 15 a 6.517d 7.802 c 9.272 b 4.650e 5.00
K % 15 a 6.411d 7.755 c 9.175 b 4.800e 0.94
Secondary nutrients Ca mg kg -1 0 6.560b 6.630 b 7.990 a 2.370c 2.47
Mg mg kg -1 0 1.549c 1.610 b 1.651 a 0.983d 0.97
S mg kg -1 0 0.052a 0.052 a 0.057 a 0.023b 1.03
Supplementary nutrients Zn mg kg -1 0 1.503a 1.592 a 1.659 a 0.497b 3.87
Cu mg kg -1 0 0.048a 0.049 a 0.057 a 0.025b 0.92
Fe mg kg -1 0 9.62c 11.24 b 14.12 a 2.43d 3.03
Mn mg kg -1 0 1.321c 1.518 b 1.746 a 0.757d 0.91
(pH) = 1:1.5 6.2 d 7.2b 7.5a 7.6 a 6.9c 1.32
Organic matter (OM) % 0 1.06c 1.14 c 1.256 b 1.38a 1.70
CEC (cmol kg )-1 10.54 d 18.66b 21.88 a 22.01 a 10.82c 2.37
Note: mean values with different superscript letter within each column denotes significance (p < 0.05) between different
groups (n = 3). CV = coefficient of variation
Table 3: Impact of fertilizers on maize yield components
Treatments Cobs Cob Cob Cob Grain Grains Grain Husk Spindle 100 seeds Withered
no. length diameter weight rows no. weight cob- weight weight weight (g) seeds cob-1
plant-1 plant-1 plant-1 plant-1 (g) cob-1 cob-1 1 (g) cob-1 cob-1 (g)
(cm) (mm) (g)
T1 (control) 1.00 11.37b 34.71e 118.7d 12.27 423.50d 92.47d 12.30b 14.03b 27.67c 19.50c
T2 (NPK: 15- 1.11 17.60a 44.50bc 192.43b 13.33 513.33abc 150.37b 19.90a 21.97a 32.31b 5.43a
15-15)
T3 (HO-1) 1.10 16.27a 44.07c 190.40b 12.97 501.13bc 149.56b 19.47a 21.36a 32.10b 6.23a
T4 (HO-2) 1.11 18.17a 46.63ab 196.43b 13.5 542.57ab 153.53ab 20.33a 22.63a 33.23ab 5.44a
T5 (HO-3) 1.11 18.36a 46.90a 214.96a 13.5 567.77a 169.20a 21.53a 23.67a 34.57a 5.37a
T6 (GOF) 1.00 15.81a 39.37d 148.87c 12.77 463.90cd 119.90c 13.57b 15.43b 29.07c 8.57b
CV (5%) 4.49 10.25 2.96 6.21 4.5 6.41 7.37 9.91 8.51 5.5 12.59
Note: mean values with different superscript letter within each column denotes significance (p < 0.05) between different
groups (n = 15). CV = coefficient of variation
Cob length plant-1 (18.36 cm) and cob diameter plant-1 Soil fertility is the most important and controllable factor
(46.90 mm) were highest in (HO-3). The results also reveal influencing plant nutrition (Wei et al., 2016; Khaliq, 2006).
that maximum cob weight plant-1, grain weight cob-1, grain The type, value and rate of fertilizer application directly
number cob-1, husk weight cob-1, spindle weight cob-1 and influences the level of nutrients available in plants and
100 seeds weight of (214 g, 169.20 g, 567.77, 21.53 g, indirectly affects maize yield components, namely; cob
23.67 g and 34.57 g, respectively) were recorded in (HO- length plant-1, cob diameter plant-1, cob weight plant-1,
3). In contrast, a significantly higher number of withered grain number cob-1, grain weight cob-1, husk weight cob-1,
seeds cob-1 (19.50) were observed in the control. spindle weight cob-1, 100 seeds weight and withered seeds
Specifically, cob diameter plant-1, cob weight plant-1, 100 cob-1. The results reveals that maximum cob weight plant -
seeds weight and grain weight cob-1 were significantly 1, grain weight cob-1, grain number cob-1, husk weight cob-

influenced by HO-3 (46.90 mm, 214.96 g, 34.57 g, 169.20 1, spindle weight cob-1 and 100 seeds weight of (214 g,

g, respectively) in comparison to NPK treatment (44.50
mm, 192.43 g, 32.31 g, 150.37 g, respectively). The
treatment T5 (HO-3) gave the highest yield components
while T1 (control) recorded the lowest yield components.
In addition, dry matter translocation percentage (43.40 g
and 55.18 g, respectively) in cob and grains were
169.20 g, 567.77, 21.53 g, 23.67 g and 34.57 g,
respectively) were recorded in (HO-3). In contrast,
maximum number of withered seeds cob-1 (19.50) was
recorded in the control, indicating the positive impact of
fertilization on maize yield. Particularly, cob diameter plant-
1, cob weight plant-1, 100 seeds weight and grain weight

maximum in HO-3 (Table 4) and the lowest observed in cob-1 were influenced significantly by (HO-3), in
the control (36.7 g and 37.12 g, respectively). Also the comparison to the commonly used NPK fertilizer, (Table
correlation coefficient between total dry matter and grain 3). The similarity in maize yield components between (HO-
weight (R2 = 0.923) and that between withered seeds and 3 and HO-2) could be attributed to their balanced nutrients
100 seed weight (R2 = 0.7085) were positive and negative content and synergism between micro and major nutrients.
respectively (Figure 3A and B).
Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
 World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 151
Babaleshwar et al. (2017) and Siddika et al. (2016) Table 4: Dry matter translocation % in cob and grain
mentioned the significant role of micro nutrients on major Treatments Translocation Translocation
nutrients uptake, plant growth and other biochemical and (%) in cob (%) in grain
physiological activities Also (Siddika et al., 2016; T1 (control) 36.7b 47.12c
Potarzycki and Grzebisz, 2009) emphasized on Zn as a T2 (NPK: 15-15-15) 41.8a
53.43ab
major yield limiting micro nutrients for cereal grain crops.
T3 (HO-1) 41.8a 53.33ab
Our findings concur with (Potarzycki and Grzebisz, 2009). a
T4 (HO-2) 41.8 53.54ab
Integration of mineral fertilizers and organic amendments a
improves fertilizer use efficiency, stimulates greater dry T5 (HO-3) 43.4 55.18a
a
matter accumulation into various plant parts (Figure 2A), T6 (GOF) 41.8 51.96b
and finally results in higher yield components (Doan et al., CV (5%) 3.98 3.36
2015). In support to their statement, from our results in Note: mean values with different superscript letter within
(Figure 3A), increase in dry matter weight correlated each column denotes significance (p < 0.05) between
strongly (R2 = 0.923) to a rise in grain weight cob-1. In different groups (n = 3) CV = coefficient of variation
addition, HO-3 increased the average grain weight cob-1
by 45.3 % compared to the control and by 11.1 % in
comparison to the NPK treatment, which explains the
increase in grain yield.

(A) (B)
Figure 2: Dry matter (A) distribution to various plant parts at flowering at (54DAP); (B) sample root image under the various
treatments.

(A) (B)
Figure 3: Correlation coefficient between total dry matter plant-1 and grain weight cob-1 (A); between withered seeds cob-
1 and 100 seeds weight (B)

Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
Keteku et al. 152
According to (Xu et al., 2017) the endosperm of maize
constitutes approximately 80% of the total grain weight,
hence greater kernel sink capacity and endosperm cells
number can be accelerated by plant growth hormones that
influence cell proliferation for grain yield increment. Xu et
al. (2017) investigated the effect of two hormones (6-
Benzyladenine and Brassinolide) on endosperm cell
division in maize crop. Results revealed that, hormones
improved photosynthesis by hindering leaf senescence
and most importantly, caused a 6.2 - 40.4% rise in grain
endosperm cells, which accelerated kernel filling rate and
grain weight by 2.9 - 16.0% over the control. Xu et al.
(2017) concluded that treating maize with 6-
Benzyladenine and Brassinolide at flowering improves the
source and sink capacity of maize for higher yield.
Similarly, a significantly different (13.8 -19.9%) increases
in 100 seeds weight were noticed among our HO fertilizers
compared to the control. Previous works (Gao et al., 2017;
Ren et al., 2016; Cai et al., 2014) also stated the beneficial
impact of added hormone treatments on grain yield. The
significance of effect microganisms on nutrient availability
and uptake has been demonstrated (Khaliq et al., 2006).
Consistent to our findings, (Shahzad et al., 2013) revealed
in an experiment that addition of P. thivervalensis to 75%
chemical fertilizer, significantly increased 1000-grain
weight in comparison to the untreated control plot. Number
of withered seeds cob-1 decreased significantly (p < 0.05)
by (72.5%, 72.2%, 72.1%, 68.1% and 56.1%, respectively)
in (HO-3, NPK, HO-2, HO-1 and GOF) compared to the
control treatment and it also correlated negatively to test
weight, shown in (Figure 3B).
Yield
The (Table 5) summarizes the post-harvest results
obtained. Treatments applied significantly (p < 0.05)
influenced grain yield and dry biomass yield. Maximum
cob yield plot-1, grain yield plot-1, husk yield plot-1, spindle
yield plot-1 and stover yield plot-1 were in the order (HO-3
Table 5: Impact of fertilizers on maize yield
Treatments Cob yield Husk yield Grain yield
Plot-1 (kg) plot-1 (kg) Plot-1 (kg)
T1 (control) 16.26d 1.67b 12.67d
T2 (NPK: 15-15-15) 27.90 b 2.89 a 21.80b
T3 (HO-1) 25.48 b 2.82 a 19.72bc
T4 (HO-2) 28.47 a 2.93 a 22.26ab
T5 (HO-3) 30.98 a 2.95 a 24.83a
T6 (GOF) 22.50 c 1.97 17.39c
CV (5%) 6.22 9.26 7.79
Note: mean values with different superscript letter within
groups. CV = coefficient of variation
Chemical Composition
The results in the (Table 6) showed significant (p <0.05)
influence of fertilization on the maize grain quality
parameters measured. The percentage content of NPK
Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
> HO-2 > NPK > HO-1 > GOF > control). The highest
maize grain yield ha-1 was recorded in HO-3 (8,276.69 kg)
followed by HO-2 (7,420.00 kg) and NPK (7,266.69 kg)
while the lowest was in the control (4,223.31 kg). A similar
trend was observed for shelling percentage, despite
numerical variations (80.14% in HO-3) significant
differences were not observed among treatments. Gain
yield increased by (50.0%, 43.3% and 41.9%),
respectively in (HO-3, HO-2 and NPK) compared to the
untreated plot. Seed yield increment resulted from the
greater yield components accumulated by these
treatments, cob diameter plant-1, cob weight plant-1, grain
weight cob-1 and weight of 100 seeds in (Table 3) were
significant in HO-3 over the NPK treatment. This explains
the difference noticed in the economic yield. Moreover,
(Alam, 2013) mentioned that, the yield of a crop can be
expressed as the product of two components; kernel
number and kernel weight. His ascension is confirmed by
our results in (Table 3) as HO-3 recorded highest kernel
number and kernel weight. Our findings are also in
agreement with (Khaliq et al., 2006) statement that, a
combination of NPK + EM + OM gave the maximum cotton
seed yield (2,470 kg ha-1), accounting for a significant 44%
yield increment over the control. Earlier studies (Intanon
et al., 2017; Doan et al., 2015; Intanon, 2013a; Japkaew
and Intanon, 2010) also agree with our yield results.
According to (Lekfeldt et al., 2017) application of OM and
mineral fertilizer improved solute transport system in top
soil. From this assumption, the performance of the HO
fertilizers could also be explained. In (Figures 2A and B),
it is evident that the HO-3 and HO-2 treatments
accumulated higher root biomass, as well as dry matter
weight. OM decreases leaching of soil colloids (Lekfeldt et
al., 2017), implying a reduction in nutrient loss, as plant
nutrients usually binds to soil colloids. Therefore, in the
presence of a good solute medium, roots can absorb
adequate nutrients needed for maximum yield. The
resulting effect of this, was higher yield, shown in (Table
5).
Spindle Yield Stover yield Shelling % Cob yield Grain yield
plot-1 (kg) Plot-1 (kg) ha-1 (kg) ha-1 (kg)
1.92 c 21.80 d 77.92 5420.00 d 4223.31d
2.85 b 29.20 b 78.14 9300.00 b 7266.69b
2.63 bc 27.40 b 77.39 8493.31 b 6573.31bc
3.28 a 29.90 ab 78.19 9490.00 ab 7420.00ab
3.43 a 31.47 a 80.14 10324.69 8276.69a
a
2.24 c 24.27 c 77.29 7500.00c 5796.69c
9.93 5.97 1.9 6.22 7.79
each column denotes significance (p < 0.05) between different
were highest in HO-3 and T2 (NPK15-15-15), with average
values of (1.520, 1.410; 0.540, 0.530 and 0.860, 0.850 %,
respectively). N and P contents between NPK (15-15-15)
and HO-2 were not significantly different. Ca contents
were similar between the fertilizer types, however the
 World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 153

highest was measured in HO-3 (0.047%). The treatments
did not show any significant differences with regards to Mg
content. Also, the maximum crude protein content
(8.634%) was again noted in HO-3. From the results, T1
(control) recorded the least values in all the parameters
assessed. Soil microorganisms has long been reported to
influence nutrient availability, solubility and absorption by
plants (Zaredost et al., 2014; Shahzad et al., 2013; Khaliq
et al., 2006). Effective microorganism and bio-fertilizers
have the ability to convert nutritionally important elements
(N and P) from unavailable to available forms via biological
processes such as nitrogen fixation and solubilization of
rock phosphate (Dikr and Belete, 2017; Intanon et al.,
2011). Therefore, the higher chemical composition of HO-
3 noticed in our studies can be attributed to the role of the
effective microorganism present in this fertilizer (Table 1).
Among the HO fertilizers, HO-3 contained the best
balanced nutrients (Table 2), this may had facilitated
nutrients absorption by plant roots. The NPK content in
grain were also high in T2 (NPK 15-15-15), however it was
in most cases not significant from HO-2. Additionally, the
highest crude protein content of grains under HO-3
nourishment compared to the T2 (NPK 15-15-15) is a good
improvement in grain quality, although not significant.
Percentage increment of crude protein in the treatments in
comparison to the control were (39.5%, 34.7%, 27.6%,
10.7% and 6.1%) in HO-3, NPK (15-15-15), HO-2, HO-1
and GOF respectively. Our work concurs with (Zilic et al.,
2011) who reported 10.13 -13.27% protein in the grains of
some hybrid maize varieties.

Table 6: Chemical composition of maize grains

Treat-ments N% P% K% Ca% Mg% Crude Protein content %

T1 (control) 0.920c 0.270c 0.530d 0.030b 0.012 5.226c
T2 (NPK: 15- 1.410ab 0.530a 0.850a 0.040ab 0.015 8.009ab
15-15)
T3 (HO-1) 1.030c 0.420b 0.740b 0.040ab 0.016 5.850c
T4 (HO-2) 1.270b 0.510a 0.770b 0.045a 0.016 7.214b
T5 (HO-3) 1.520a 0.540a 0.860a 0.047a 0.018 8.634a
T6 (GOF) 0.980c 0.360b 0.670c 0.038ab 0.015 5.566c
CV (5%) 9.65 8.86 3.54 8.66 6.74 9.65
Note: mean values with different superscript letter within each column denotes significance (p < 0.05) between different
groups (n = 3) CV = coefficient of variation

very evident (Table 8). The treatment HO-3 recorded a

Production Cost
The economic performance of a fertilizer is the most
important factor affecting farmer’s choice. The cost of
production, revenue and profit of each treatment
presented in (Table 7 and 8) showed that production cost
of treatments were highest in the order HO-3 (31,317.37-
baht ha-1), NPK (29,903.37 baht ha-1), HO-2 (29,518.00
baht ha-1), HO-1 (27,732.64 baht ha-1), GOF (25,265.37
baht ha-1) and Control (19,062.64 baht ha-1). However,
after the sale of produce (grain, husk, spindle and stover),
the total revenue realized were significantly (p < 0.05)
different among treatments. Maximum revenue was in the
pattern (72,896.82; 65,729.54; 64,239.17; 58,311.83;
51,362.22 and 37,426.61 bahts ha-1) in (HO-3, HO-2, NPK,
HO-1, GOF and Control, respectively). Similarly, after
calculation of profit, variations between treatments were
significantly highest profit of (41,579.45-baht ha-1)
compared to other treatments. From the economic
analysis results HO-3 reduces the amount of NPK fertilizer
by about 50%, not in cost but with regards to a reduction
of sole chemical usage, implying that with the HO-3
fertilizer, we can reduce the amount of synthetic chemical
deposited into our soils. HO-3 increased grain yield and
profit by (12.2% and 17.4%, respectively) compared to
sole NPK application. (Khaliq et al., 2006; Intanon et al.,
2017) reported a similar finding. Benefit: cost ratio (B: C
ratio) showed a significant treatment variation and the
highest B: C ratio (2.33) was recorded for (HO-3), showing
that, it is economically worthwhile nourishing maize with
HO-3 fertilizer. Moreover, the B: C ratio of all treatments
was in an acceptable range. Similar improvement in yield
and profit was reported by (Intanon et al., 2o17; Japkaew
and Intanon, 2010).

Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
Keteku et al. 154
Table 7: Production expense
Expenditure Cost
Price unit-1 baht Quantity baht ha-1 baht ton-1
Materials costs
Basic material costsꓽ-
Seed cost 1250 3.6 bags 4500
Allacore weed control pill 100 6 box 600 5,100
Fertilizer costꓽ- 50 kg bag-1
T1 Control - -
T2 Chemical Fertilizer cost NPK:15-15-15 880 6 5,280
T3 HO-1 680 6 4,080
T4 HO-2 780 6 4,680
T5 HO-3 880 6 5,280
T6 Granular organic fertilizer (GOF) 450 6 2,700
Labour cost
Basic labour costsꓽ-
Labor cost For 2x ploughing 2000 2 4000
Labour cost for spraying herbicide 600
Labour cost for planting 3150 7750
Labour cost for fertilizer application 1000
Labour cost for harvesting 450
Labour cost for transporting yield 500
Other costs
Basic other cost (oil for pumps and spraying) 300
Fertilizer transportation cost 300
Maize threshing cost 250
Cost of storage sacks (50 kg sack-1: 10 baht sack-1) 200

Table 8: Cost of production, revenue and profit of treatments

Treatments T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 CV
(Control) (15-15-15) (HO-1) (HO-2) (HO-3) (GOF) 5%
Grain yield (kg ha-1) 4,223.31 7,266.69 6,573.31 7,420.00 8,276.69 5,796.69 -
Husk yield (kg ha-1) 500.44 963.31 940.00 976.69 983.31 656.69 -
Spindle yield (kg ha-1) 640.00 950.00 876.69 1,093.19 1,143.31 746.69 -
Stover yield (kg ha-1) 5,700.00 9,733.31 9,133.31 9,966.69 10,490.00 8,090.00 -
Material Cost
Total basic material cost (baht ha-1) 5,100.00 5,100.00 5,100.00 5,100.00 5,100.00 5,100.00 -
Fertilizer cost (baht ha-1) - 5,280.00 4,080.00 4,680.00 5,280.00 2,700.00 -
Labour Cost
Basic labour cost (baht ha-1) 7,750.00 7,750.00 7,750.00 7,750.00 7,750.00 7,750.00 -
Fertilizer application cost (baht ha-1) - 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 -
Harvesting cost (baht ton-1) 1,900.49 3,270.01 2,957.99 3,339.00 3,724.51 2,608.51 -
Yield transportation cost (baht ton-1) 2,111.66 3,633.35 3,286.66 3,710.00 4,138.35 2,898.35 -
Other cost
Total basic other costs (baht ha-1) 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 -
Fertilizer transportation cost (baht ha-1) - 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 -
Maize threshing cost (baht ton-1) 1,055.83 1,816.67 1,643.33 1,855.00 2,069.17 1,449.17 -
Maize storage sacks (baht ton-1) 8,44.66 1,453.34 1,314.66 1,484.00 1,655.34 1,159.34 -
Total production cost (baht ha-1) 19,062.64 29,903.37 27,732.64 29,518.00 31,317.37 25,265.37 -
Revenue
Grain (8.0 baht kg-1) 33,786.48 58,133.52 52,586.48 59,360.00 66,213.52 46,373.52 -
Husk (0.3 baht kg-1) 150.13 288.99 282.00 293.01 294.99 197.01 -
Spindle (1.0 baht kg-1) 640.00 950.00 876.69 1,093.19 1,143.31 746.69 -
Stover (0.5 baht kg-1) 2,850.00 4,866.66 4,566.66 4,983.35 5,245.00 4,045.00 -
Total revenue (gross profit; baht ha-1) 37,426.61d 64,239.17b 58,311.83bc 65,729.54ab 72,896.82a 51,362.22c 7.29
Net profit (baht ha-1) 18,363.97e 34,335.80b 30,579.19c 36,211.54b 41,579.45a 26,096.85d 4.64
Benefit: Cost ratio (B:C) 1.96d 2.15bc 2.10bc 2.23ab 2.33a 2.03cd 3.33
Ranking (1=best, 6= last) 6 3 4 2 1 5
Note: mean values with different superscript letter within each column denotes significance (p < 0.05) between different groups,
CV = coefficient of variation.
Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar

CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the results from our studies, we conclude
that, HO-3 fertilizer which contain balanced proportion of
essential plant nutrients, soil amendments, EM and
hormones produced the maximum yield and yield
components (Table 3 and 5). Also, NPK and HO-2
treatments recorded equal maize yield. Increase in grain
yield is due to the balanced nutrient status of these
fertilizers, coupled with the fact that, the HO fertilizers
contain OM and EM which improves nutrients availability
and uptake. The hormones enhance growth and
translocate maximum dry matter from source to sink,
resulting in higher yield components. Chemical anaylsis of
maize grain revealed maximum (N,P,K,Ca,Mg and crude
protein) contents in HO-3 (Table 6). From the economics
analysis (Table 8), the highest fertilizer production cost
was with (HO-3). On the basis of profit and B: C ratio, HO-
3 is the best fertilizer treatment suitable for farmers to
maximize returns. A significant 17.4% rise in profit was
realized with HO-3 application over NPK treatment.
Therefore, HO-3 is the ideal fertilizer for maize farmers.
However, further search for a more suitable hormone is
necessary to reduce the amount of dry matter apportioned
to the roots (Figure 2A) and translocate them to the cobs.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors are immensely grateful to Naresuan
University International Scholarship Scheme for funding
this PhD program in Agriculture Science. The authors also
appreciate the contributions and collaborative efforts of the
International Development Center, and the Faculty of
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment,
Naresuan University, Thailand.
REFERENCES
Abera G, Wolde-Meskel E. (2013). Soil properties and soil
organic carbon stocks of tropical Andosol under
different land uses. OJSS. 3: 153-162.
Abera Y, Belachew, T. (2011). Effects of land use on soil
organic carbon and nitrogen in soils of Bale,
Southeastern Ethiopia. Trop. Subtrop. Agroecosyst. 14:
229-235.
Ahmad AW. (1993). Inductively coupled plasma (ICP)
emission spectrometric analysis of inorganic elemental
content of plant material. Trans. Malaysian Soc. Plant
Physiol. 4:5-16.
Alam MS. (2013). Growth and yield potentials of wheat as
affected by management practices. Afr. J. Agric. Res.
8: 6068-6072.
Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 155
Babaleshwar SB, Koppad SR, Dharmatti PR, Math KK.
(2017). Impact of micronutrients on growth, yield and
quality of onion (Allium cepa). Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.
5: 1205-1209.
Blanchet G, Gavazov K, Bragazza L, Sinaj S. (Byerlee D.
(1988). An economics training manual. Agronomic data
to farmer’s recommendation, CIMMYT, Mexico. pp. 31-
33.
Cai T, Xu H, Peng D, Yin Y, Yang W, Ni Y. (2014).
Exogenous hormonal application improves grain yield
of wheat by optimizing tiller productivity. Field Crops
Res. 155: 172-183.
Dikr W, Belete K. (2017). Review on the effect of organic
fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers (NPK)
on growth and flower yield of marigold (Targets erecta
L.). J. Agri. Sci. Res. 5:192-204.
Doan TT, Tureaux TH, Rumpel C, Janeau JL, Jouquet P.
(2015). Impact of compost, vermicompost and biochar
on soil fertility, maize yield and soil erosion in Northern
Vietnam: A three year mesocosm experiment. Sci.
Total Environ. 514: 147-154.
Gao Z, Liang XG, Zhang L, Lin S, Zhao X, Zhou L, Shen
S, Zhou SL. (2017). Spraying exogenous 6-
benzyladenine and brassinolide at tasseling increases
mark maize yield by enhancing source and sink
capacity. Field Crops Res. 211: 1-9.
Hochman Z, Gobbett D, Horan H, Navarro GJ. (2016).
Data rich yield gap analysis of wheat in Australia. Field
Crops Res. 197: 97-106.
Hossain MS, Hossain A, Sarkar MAR, Jahiruddin M,
Teixeira da Silva JA, Hossain MI. (2016). Productivity
and soil fertility of the rice-wheat system in the High
Ganges River Floodplain of Bangladesh is influenced
by the inclusion of legumes and manure. Agric.
Ecosyst. Environ. 218: 40-52.
Intanon P, Keteku AK, Intanon R. (2017). Effect of different
materials on soil pH improvement, soil properties,
growth, yield and quality of sugarcane. Proceeding Soil
Quality for Food Security and Healthy Life. . 13th
International Conference of the East and Southeast
Asia Federation of Soil Sciences (13th ESAFS),
Pattaya, Thailand. , pp. 50-59
Intanon P, Sawamichai R, Kluay-Ngern B. (2011).
Development of compound granular organic fertilizer
for lower cost of rice production. NUJST. 19: 60-70.
Intanon P. (2013a). The influence of different types of
fertilizers on productivity and quality of maize in the
area of Kwaew Noi Bamrungdan Dam, Phitsanulok
Province, Thailand. IJERD. 4: 15-20.
Japkaew S, Intanon P. (2010). The effect of organic pellet
fertilizer, organic and chemical fertilizer, chemical and
granular organic fertilizer with hormone mixed formula
to the growth and yield of rice. Proceeding of the 7th
Naresuan research conference. Naresuan University,
Phitsanulok, Thailand. pp. 250-255.
Khaliq A, Abbasi MK, Hussain T. (2006). Effects of
integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources
with effective microorganisms (EM) on seed cotton
Keteku et al. 156
yield in Pakistan. Bioresour. Technol. 97: 967-972.
Kwadwo AO, Samson J. (2012). Increasing agricultural
productivity and enhancing food security in Africa, new
challenges and opportunities. In: Synopsis of an
International Conference. International Food Policy
Research Institute, Washington, DC.
Lekfeldt JDS, Kjaergaard C, Magid J. (2017). Long-term
effects of organic waste fertilizers on soil structure,
tracer transport, and leaching of colloids. J. Environ.
Qual. 46: 862-870.
Linquist BA, Phengsouvanna V, Sengxue P. (2007).
Benefits of organic residues and chemical fertilizer to
productivity of rain-fed lowland rice and to soil nutrient
balances. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst. 79: 59-72.
Lu RK. (1999). Analytical methods of soil and agricultural
chemistry. 2nd edn. Beijing, China: China Agricultural
Science and Technology Press.. pp. 107-240.
Omotayo OE, Chukwuka SK. (2009). Soil fertility
restoration techniques in sub-Saharan Africa using
organic resources. Afr. J. Agric. Res. 4: 144-150.
Potarzycki J, Grzebisz W. (2009). Plant Effect of zinc foliar
application on grain yield of maize and its yielding
components. Soil Environ. 55: 519-527.
Ren B, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Dong S, Liu P, Zhao B. (2016).
Effects of spraying exogenous hormone 6-
benzyladenine (6-BA) after waterlogging on grain yield
and growth of summer maize. Field Crops Res. 188:
96-104.
Saleth RM, Inocencio A, Noble AD, Ruaysoongnern S.
(2009). Economic gains of improving soil fertility and
water holding capacity with clay application: the impact
of soil remediation research in northeast Thailand. J.
Dev. Eff. 1: 336-352.
Schulz H, Glaser B. (2012). Effects of biochar compared
to organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and
plant growth in a greenhouse experiment. JPNSS. 175:
410-422.
Shahzad SM, Arif MS, Riaz M, Iqbal Z, Ashraf M. (2013).
PGPR with varied ACC-deaminase activity induced
different growth and yield response in maize (Zea mays
L.) under fertilized conditions. Eur. J. Soil Biol. 57: 27-
34.
Shiferaw B, Prasanna BM, Hellin J, Bänziger M. (2011).
Crops that feed the world 6. Past successes and future
challenges to the role played by maize in global food
security. Food Security. 3: 307.
Siddika A, Joinul AM, Hoque TS, Hanif A, Ray PC. (2016).
Effect of different micronutrients on growth and yield of
rice. IJPSS. 12: 1-8.
Sriperm N, Pestia G, Tillmanb PB. (2011). Evaluation of
the fixed nitrogen-to-protein (N: P) conversion factor
(6.25) versus ingredient specific N: P conversion
factors in feedstuffs. J. Sci. Food Agric. 91:1182-1186.
Tilman D, Balzer C, Hill J, Befort BL. (2011). Global food
demand and the sustainable intensification of
agriculture. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences. 108: 20260-20264.
Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of “Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar
Wang JY, Yan XY, Gong W. (2015). Effect of long-term
fertilization on soil productivity on the North China Plain.
Pedosphere. 25: 450-458.
Wei W, Yan Y, Cao J, Christie P, Zhang F, Fan M. (2016).
Effects of combined application of organic amendments
and fertilizers on crop yield and soil organic matter: An
integrated analysis of long-term experiments. Agric.
Ecosyst. Environ. 225: 86-92.
Xu C, Gao Y, Tian B, Ren J, Meng Q, Wang P. (2017).
Effects of EDAH, a novel plant growth regulator, on
mechanical strength, stalk vascular bundles and grain
yield of summer maize at high densities. Field Crops
Res. 200: 71-79.
Yahya A. (1996). Effects of fertilizer rate on leaf nutrient
composition, growth, flowering and quality of marigold
plants. MARDI Res. J. 24:13-18.
Zaredost F, Hashemabadi D, Ziyabari MB, Torkashvand
AM, Kaviani B, Solimandarabi MJ, Zarchini M. (2014).
The effect of phosphate bio-fertilizer (Barvar-2) on the
growth of marigold. J. Environ. Biol. 35:439-443.
Zasoski RJ, Burau RG. (1977). A rapid nitric‐perchloric
acid digestion method for multi‐element tissue analysis.
Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 8: 425-436.
Zhang F, Cui Z, Chen X, Ju X, Shen J, Chen Q, Liu X,
Zhang W, Mi G, Fan M, Jiang R. (2012). Chapter one -
Integrated Nutrient Management for Food Security and
Environmental Quality in China. In D. L. Sparks (edn.),
Advances in Agronomy, Academic Press. pp. 1-40.
Zilic S, Milasinovic M, Terzic, D, Barac, M, Ignjatovic-
Micicet D. (2011). Grain characteristics and
composition of maize specialty hybrids. Span. J. Agric.
Res. 9: 230-241.
Accepted 1 November 2018
Citation: Keteku AK, Intanon P, Terapongtanakorn S,
Intanon R. (2018). Evaluation of Fertilizer Management on
Yield and Yield Components and Production Economics of
“Pacific 999 Super” Maize Cultivar. World Research
Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 5(2): 147-156.
Copyright: © 2018 Keteku et al. This is an open-access
article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author and source are cited.