Effects of Planting Density and Manure on Maize (Zea mays L.) Agronomic Parameters in Bouaké, Côte d’ivoire

Aims: The objective of the study was to determine good practices in terms of maize planting density and the effect of manure brought to the cultivated soil on the development of maize.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the village of Kongonékro, located 10 km from the city of Bouaké, in Côte d’Ivoire. The period of the study was from March 2016 to May 2017.

Methodology: A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) trial with three replicates was set up. Each block consisted of nine 9 m x 1.5 m ridges. According to the treatments, 27 kg of chicken or sheep manure were brought to the soil of these microparcels, i.e. 20 t/ha. Seeding was performed using three different densities: i) five plants per m2 with a spacing of 0.3 m between plants, ii) four plants per m2 with a spacing of 0.4 m between plants; and iii) three plants per m2 with a spacing of 0.5 m between plants.

Results: Organic fertilizer treatment effect significantly improved the studied maize agronomic parameters, namely: the number of leaves, the size and internodes of plants, the number of internodes and the dry weights of cobs and seeds. However, this effect was better expressed with chicken manure when three plants were maintained per m2 with a spacing of 0.5 m between these plants.

Conclusion: Of the two organic amendments used, chicken manure proves more favorable to the cultivation of maize. On the other hand, high densities of planting seem unfavorable to this crop.