Influence of kraal manure application time on emergence, growth and grain yield of maize grown in two soils with contrasting textures

In order to establish the best time of applying two types of manure in different soil types, cattle and chicken manure were applied in pots at a rate equivalent to 10 t ha(-1) at one week before planting and the other at planting. The emergence of seedlings was higher in cattle than chicken manure-amended soils. The application of chicken manure at planting time tended to significantly reduce maize emergence in both soils. Similarly, in both soils, the height of maize was significantly higher in soils where manure was applied before planting. The maize grown in chicken manure-amended soils was significantly taller than that grown in cattle manure-amended soils. A similar trend was observed for maize grain yield. In general, the maize grown in the heavy clay soil performed better than that on the loamy sand for all the variables that were measured. Except for seedling emergence, chicken manure produced superior growth and yield of maize in both soils. The results indicate that the time of application of manure to the soil has an important bearing on the growth and grain yield of maize and suggest that soil texture has an important role in determining the response of maize to manure application. It was concluded that for both soils, the optimum time of application for cattle manure was two weeks before planting while for chicken manure it was at planting. Adoption of the appropriate manure application time and method would ensure high maize grain yields for small-scale farmers.