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Author
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Murefu, Brandon
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Title
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A Comparative study of foliar fertilizer (Pflanzen Booster) with conventional granular inorganic fertilizer effects on maize (Zea Mays L) production
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Abstract
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In modern agriculture, fertilizers play a critical role in enhancing crop productivity, yet the overreliance on conventional inorganic fertilizers has raised significant environmental and economic concerns. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a foliar fertilizer, Pflanzen Booster, compared to Ammonium Nitrate (a conventional granular inorganic fertilizer), and a combined application of both, on the growth, phenology, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments: (1) Control (no top dressing), (2) Ammonium Nitrate, (3) Pflanzen Booster, and (4) a combination of Ammonium Nitrate and Pflanzen Booster. Treatments were replicated three times. Key agronomic parameters measured included leaf length, plant height, cob length, number of days to 50% flowering, and final grain yield. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in GenStat (17th Edition). The results showed that Pflanzen Booster significantly enhanced vegetative growth, led to earlier flowering, and achieved the highest grain yield, statistically comparable to Ammonium Nitrate. The combined treatment did not yield additive benefits, often underperforming due to potential nutrient antagonism or over-application stress. These findings indicate that foliar fertilization is not only a viable alternative to conventional fertilizers but may offer greater efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness, especially for smallholder farmers. The study concludes that Pflanzen Booster foliar fertilizer can be effectively integrated into sustainable maize production systems, supporting both food security and environmental stewardship.
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Date
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June 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Foliar fertilizer
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Soil fertility
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Maize production
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Supervisor
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Ms A. Kamota
Murefu - Crop.pdf