Effect of Urea [CO(NH-2) 2] 46% Nitrogen With and Without Compost on the Yield of White Corn (Zea mays L.)

Author(s)

Bassel Altabbaa , Fanson Kidwaro ,

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Volume 10 - October 2026 (10)

Abstract

White corn (Zea mays L.) is a food-grade grain widely used in tortillas, snacks, and chips, and its productivity depends on effective nutrient management. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and compost application on grain yield during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. A split-plot field design was used, with compost application as the main plot factor and four nitrogen rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N/ha) as subplot treatments. Compost consisted of decomposed manure, straw, leaves, and microbial materials. Grain yield was analyzed using a general linear model. Nitrogen rate, compost application, and year significantly affected grain yield. Nitrogen application increased yield, with the highest yield observed at 168 kg N/ha. Compost effects varied between years, with a slight increase in yield in 2023 and a decrease in 2024. A significant interaction between year and nitrogen rate indicated that crop response depended on seasonal conditions, whereas no interaction between compost and nitrogen rate was detected. Nitrogen fertilization improved white corn yield, while compost did not consistently enhance short-term productivity under field conditions but may contribute to long-term soil improvement.

Keywords

White corn, nitrogen, compost, yield, sustainability

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