Effect of Municipal Solid Waste and Fertilizer on Growth and Productivity Indices of Maize and Groundnut Intercrop in Asaba Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out in the Teaching and research Farm of Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba during the 2023 cropping seasons. The objective of the study was to determine the Effect of Municipal Solid Waste and NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Productivity Indices of Maize and Groundnut Inter-crop. The experimental design was 6 x 3 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The two factors studied were nutrient sources and cropping system. The six nutrient sources applied were 0 control, 100% MSWC, 100% NPK, 50%MSWC+50% NPK, 75% MSWC+25% NPK and 25% MSWC+ 75% NPK, while cropping system used were sole maize, sole groundnut and maize/groundnut inter-crop. 100% municipal solid waste was applied at the rate of 3.24kg/plot while 100% NPK was 324g/plot. The following data were collected plant height, inter-crop productivity of maize and groundnut were derived from the following indices: land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient and aggressivity index. Data collected were analyzed using Genstat (3) Discovery edition package for statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA). Separation of treatment means were carried out using Fisher’s Least significant Difference (F – LSD). Vegetative growth increased with the application of 75% MSWC+25%NPK. . Early planting season performed better than late planting season. It was recommended that farmers should combine MSW and NPK fertilizer than sole application of NPK for increased yield and less pollution of the environment. The study established that application of 75%MSW +25%NPK has the potential of increasing growth and productivity of maize and groundnut.