The growth and yield of three maize cultivars were examined in relation to the impact of Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) enriched soil. According to the results, plants grown on soil treated with MSW and inorganic fertilizer (NPK) produced significantly (P≤0.05) taller plants, larger leaves and higher number of leaves than plants grown on the control soil. On the other hand, plants grown on soils fertilized with MSW 1 showed significantly (P≤0.05) greater values of these indicators. The study also demonstrated that maize cultivar TZE yellow, EVDT 99 and Comp-1-synthetic showed no significant variation at the later growth stage but TZE yellow significantly (P≤0.05) had taller plants, larger leaves, and higher number of leaves at the early stage of crop growth. Comp-1-synthetic produced more grain and more grains per cob which was statistically at par with TZE yellow but differ significantly (P≤0.05) from EVDT 99. Crops grown on MSW and NPK treated soils had significantly (P≤0.05) higher grain yields and more grains per cob than those grown on the control soil. However, compared to NPK treated soils, MSW treated soils significantly (P≤0.05) produced better grain yield and number of grains per cob. The maize cultivars’ differences in crude protein content were significant at P≤0.05. The crude protein content of TZE yellow was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than that of EVDT 99 and Comp-1-synthetic. Additionally, plants cultivated on MSW 1 treated soil had considerably higher crude protein content than plants grown on other soil types. Therefore, if municipal solid wastes are sorted and handled, MSW enriched soils could be employed to boost maize production.
Keywords: Grain Yield, municipal solid waste (MSW); maize cultivars
