Evaluation of Maize Response (Zea mays L.) to Various Modes and Moments of Chicken Manure Spreading in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Soils of sub-saharan countries have low inherent fertility, this deficiency is main factor determining agricultural production. Most of previous studies showed beneficial effects of organic matter in improving physical and chemical properties of soil and increasing yields. However, it remains unclear about when and how to spread the organic matter to get maximum nutrients for plants. This study was conducted in conditions of Lubumbashi to determine the influence of spreading modes and moments of chicken manure on maize yield. A trial was installed following a 2×5 factorial design. The treatments, in 3 repetitions, included 2 methods of spreading (in localization and in coverage) and 5 spreading moments (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks before sowing).

Chicken manure obtained at DAIPN farm (Kilobelobe) were used as organic manure. A sample of chicken manure was analyzed in the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (UNILU) showed high percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus. This study revealed that all treatments were statistically similar regarding all growth and yield parameters. Although, the result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is no significant difference between the treatment, it is observable that spreading in coverage to a week before sowing gave the best yield (4.4 t haG1). In the conditions of Lubumbashi, where maize is a very important aliment, yield increase generated by the application of chicken manure in coverage a week before sowing would be useful.

Key words: Chicken manure, maize yield, spreading modes, spreading moments