Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Two field experiments were conducted for two years at the Multipurpose crop nursery, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti from May to August, 2015 and 2016 respectively to evaluate varietal response of maize (Omankwa and Obatanpa) to integrated nutrient management of NPK and Chicken manure [3 t ha^-1 CM, ½ CM + ½ NPK (32.5:19:19 kg ha^-1 NPK) and ¾ CM + ¼ NPK]. The experimental design was a 2 x 5 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The result showed that there was a significant (p< 0.05) differences between Obatanpa and Omankwa and fertilizer type in total grain yield in both cropping seasons. Omankwa grown under 65:38:38 kg ha^-1 NPK and 3 t ha^-1 CM produced higher grain yield and longer cob length during the 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons respectively. Obatanpa grown on 65:38:38 kg ha^-1 NPK produced thicker cob diameter, higher dry matter accumulation, taller plants at 77 days after planting, and total grain yield in both cropping seasons.  Obatanpa grown under 3 t ha^-1 CM produced the longest cob length and heaviest 100 seed weight during the 2016 cropping season.  Obatanpa grown under ¾ CM + ¼ NPK produced thicker cob diameter during the 2016 cropping season. In conclusion (i) Farmers are encouraged to grow Omankwa on 65:38:38 kg ha-1 NPK or 3 t ha ^-1 CM for higher grain yield and longer cob length. (ii) Farmers who prefer inorganic fertilizers for increased grain yield, cob length and thicker cob diameter of Obatanpa maize should apply 65:38:38 kg ha^-1 NPK. (ii) Farmers who practise organic agriculture in transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana should apply 3 t ha^-1CM and ¾ CM + ¼ NPK to enhance maize grain weight, cob length  and cob diameter respectively.