USE OF ASH TO IMPROVE THE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF AN ULTISOL AND ITS EFFECT ON MAIZE (Zea mays L.) GROWTH AND DRY MATTER YIELD

This study evaluated the effect of ash from different sources on soil properties ,growth and dry matter yield of maize( Zea mays L) in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with four treatments [wood ash(WA), cocnut shell ash( CA) and mixture of WA+CA (WCA)] and five replications. A control was also included. Ash application significantly ( p=0.05) increased soil pH, % OM, available P,and Total N in both seasons. Results also show increased ca,k,Na,Mg and ECEC in ash amended plots relative to the control in both seasons. Similarly significantly higher plant height,and dry matter yield were observed in ash amended plot compared to the control in both seasons .Observed results show highest improvement in dry matter yield, plant height and soil properties in plots amended with mixed ash(WCA) in both seasons.