THE INFLUENCE OF UREA FERTILIZER ON
THE YIELD OF MAIZE
By Toyota Hilux
22 October 2024
Masunga Senior Secondary School
THE IMPACT OF UREA FERTILIZER ON MAIZE YIELD AT TAKU FARMS
1. Introduction
Maize (Zea mays) is a staple crop in Botswana and many other parts of the world,
providing essential nutrients and serving as a primary source of food and income for
farmers. In sandy soils, where nutrient retention is often low, the use of fertilizers
becomes critical for achieving optimal crop yields. Urea, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, is
commonly used to boost plant growth and productivity. However, the effectiveness of
urea in sandy soils, which tend to drain quickly and hold fewer nutrients, remains a topic
of ongoing study. Understanding how urea impacts maize yield in this context can guide
more efficient farming practices and improve food security.
Research Question: How does the application of urea fertilizer affect the yield of maize
in the sandy soils of Taku Farms?
Hypothesis: Applying urea fertilizer to maize crops in sandy soils will result in a
significant increase in yield compared to non-fertilized crops.
Purpose of the study: This study aims to evaluate the impact of urea fertilizer on the
growth and yield of maize cultivated in sandy soils, providing insights that can help
optimize fertilizer use for improved agricultural productivity.
2. Literature Review
Previous research has established that nitrogen is a critical nutrient for maize, directly
influencing leaf development, chlorophyll production, and overall biomass. Studies have
shown that urea, as a readily available nitrogen source, can significantly enhance maize
yield under suitable conditions. However, in sandy soils, rapid nutrient leaching can
reduce the effectiveness of urea, leading to inconsistent results. Despite this, limited
research has specifically focused on the sandy soils of Taku Farms, leaving a gap in
understanding the localized effects of urea application. This study seeks to fill this gap by
providing targeted data on the benefits and potential challenges of using urea in this
unique soil environment.
3. Methodology
• Research Design: This study will use a randomized field experiment at Taku Farms.
Maize plots will be divided into two groups: one group will receive urea fertilizer, while
the other will serve as a control without fertilizer.
• Sampling Method: A simple random sampling approach will be used to select plots
within the farm to ensure unbiased results.
• Data Collection: Growth parameters (e.g., plant height, leaf size) and yield data (e.g.,
number of cobs, cob weight) will be recorded at regular intervals throughout the
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growing season. Soil tests will also be conducted to measure nutrient levels before
and after the application of urea.
• Data Analysis: Collected data will be analysed using basic statistical methods to
compare the performance of fertilized and non-fertilized plots, to assess yield
differences.
4. Results
While the results of this study are yet to be collected, it is anticipated that the urea-
treated maize plots will show higher yields due to improved nitrogen availability, resulting
in larger plants and more robust cobs. These findings could provide practical
recommendations for farmers in similar sandy soil regions, promoting more efficient
fertilizer use and improved crop productivity.
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