Summary
This field trial evaluated five cattle manure treatment methods and synthetic fertiliser (DAP) applied to maize at equal nitrogen rates (50 kg N ha⁻¹) in Uganda across two seasons. Whilst all fertiliser treatments significantly increased maize growth and yield compared to unfertilised control plots, there were no significant yield differences among the different fertiliser types. Vermicompost emerged as the most economically attractive option for smallholder farmers due to low operating costs, superior return on investment, and co-production of earthworm biomass as livestock feed.
UK applicability
The findings on comparative fertiliser efficacy may have limited direct relevance to UK maize production, which typically operates at higher input levels with better access to synthetic fertilisers. However, the economic and sustainability framework—particularly the evaluation of locally-available organic amendments and vermicompost viability—may inform UK regenerative farming initiatives and resource-constrained systems.
Key measures
Number of leaves, plant height, cob yield, grain yield, economic viability metrics (operating costs, return on investment)
Outcomes reported
The study measured maize growth parameters (leaf number, plant height), cob and grain yields, and conducted economic assessment of different fertiliser treatments. Both organic and inorganic fertilisers significantly increased yields compared to control, with no significant differences between treatment types, though vermicompost proved most economically viable.
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