Feasibility of Replacing Chemical Fertilizer by Organic Fertilizer in Maize (Zea mays L.) Production in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Present research work conducted at the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from November 2011 to April 2012 to study the feasibility of replacing chemical fertilizer by organic fertilizer in maize production. The experiment comprised of 10 treatments with organic manure and inorganic fertilizer viz., T0: Control (without any fertilizer), T1: All chemical fertilizers (recommended dose), T2: Cowdung (Recommended dose), T3: Compost (recommended dose), T4: ½ Compost + 1/2 Cowdung, T 5: Full cow dung + Full compost, T6: Full cow dung + 1/2 Chemical fertilizer, T7: Full compost + ½ Chemical fertilizer, T8: Full cow dung + Full compost + 1/2 Chemical fertilizer, T9: 1/2 Cowdung + 1/2 Compost + 1/2 Chemical fertilizer. Maize variety of BARI hybrid bhutta 9 was the test crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results indicated that the highest cobs plant-1 (1.67), cob length (22.27 cm), cob diameter (14.12 cm), grains cob-1 (531.90), weight of 1000 grain (305.30 g), grain yield (11.75 t ha-1) and stover yield (13.97 t ha-1) was obtained from T1. Treatments T7, T8 and T9 gave statistically similar values in respect of yield and yield contributing characters. Treatment T9 (1/2 Cowdung + 1/2 Compost + 1/2 Chemical fertilizers) could be ideal fertilizer management for maize cultivation keeping chemical pollution minimum with improved soil condition and increased grain yield.