Effect of Chimato Composts Made Using Optimal Blending Composition of T. diversifolia on Fertilizer Requirements and Maize Yield

A field experiment was conducted to determine amount of inorganic fertilizer saved by using chimato composts TD60 produced by blending 60% of Tithonia diversifolia with 40% maize stalks in maize production. In this experiment, 0 g, 100 g, 200 g and 400 g of TD60 were supplied per maize planting station in combination with 0%, 33%, 67% and 100% of recommended rates of NPK (23-21-0+4S) inorganic fertilizer. Maize growth parameters and yield were measured. Results showed that maize cob length, cob circumference, leaf length and maize grain mass in treatment supplemented with 200 g of TD60 combined with 33% of NPK were significantly different from those supplemented with lower quantities of chimato composts and were not significantly different from those supplemented with TD400 combined with 23-21-0+4S quantities of equal to or greater than 33% of the recommended rates. However, maize cob length and cob circumference were not significantly different in maize plants supplemented with 400 g and 200 g of TD60. Yield of maize were maximal in planting stations supplemented with 200 g and 400 g of TD60 combined with 67% and 33% of recommended rates of NPK respectively. It is concluded that application of 200 g and 400 g of TD60 combined with 67% and 33% of recommended rate of NPK respectively are likely to produce optimal growth parameters as well as optimal maize yield if recommended to smallholder farmers.