Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Different Types of Liquid Organic Fertilizers on the Nutrient Composition of Maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizers (LOF) produced from rabbit wastes had been found as a good substitute to chemical fertilizers such as NPK for a viable maize production. Maize (zea mays) is a staple food with great potentials for enhancing food and nutrition security in Nigeria. We need to evaluate the effects of the organic fertilizers on the nutrients content of maize as a staple crop consumed by majority of people in Nigeria and globally. Maize (Quality protein maize) was planted with the application of LOFs, NPK, and ZERO application control plot. Samples of maize yield were harvested fresh, dried to 10% moisture content, ground into powder and evaluated for proximate, mineral, vitamins and antinutrients content. Correlation analysis showing the relationship of the attributes was also carried out. Results showed that protein content was significantly highest (p<0.05) in maize sample from soil treated with urine from concentrate and forage +fecal from concentrate and forage + banana root +neem (12.64%)  (TRT6) while crude fibre was significantly highest (p<0.05) in maize sample from soil treated with urine from rabbits fed with forage +fecal from forage+ Corn cob+ Banana root +Neem (2.01%) (TRT7). Sample TRT 7 recorded the highest magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, zinc and iron and also contained the highest vitamins B1 and B2. Sample TRT10-the control (No LOF, no NPK) recorded the least antinutrients content followed by sample TRT2 (Urine from forage and concentrates only). Fat and protein, protein and ash, ash and crude fibre had strong positive correlation. Application of liquid organic fertilizer from rabbit wastes fed with forage yielded positive effect on the nutritional status of maize. The technology is recommended for application to other crops cultivation for enhanced crop nutrients.

Key words: Organic fertilizer, forage, maize, nutrients, antinutrients

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/127-05

Publication date: September 28^th 2026