AKSUM UNIVERSITY SHIRE CAMPUS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE

TITLE: EFFECT OF SULFUR FERTILIZER LEVEL ON MAIZE
SUBMITTED TO TEKLAY TESFAY ASSISTANCE (MCS) A COURSE OF
RESEARCH METHOD
PREPARED BY GROUP MEMBER NAME
Name
1.Abrhaley Kahsay 1209185
2.Haileselassie tesfay 1209313
 Acknowledgement
First of all, I would like to give my great thank you for almighty God who has been helping me
and give efficiency to reach at this level. Secondly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude
to my instructor teklay tesfay for their guidance and continuous support in completing my
research proposal by teach me a research method in plant science course. Finally, my special
thanks and heartfelt gratitude also extends to for my family and friends for their affection,
unreserved encouragement, inspiration and support for success of this stud
Table of Contents
Acknowledgement......................................................................................................................... 3
1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................7
1.1. Background of study.........................................................................................................................7
1.2 Objectives of the study......................................................................................................................8
1.2.1 General Objective.......................................................................................................................8
1.3 Problem Statement............................................................................................................................8
1.4. Hypothesis:.......................................................................................................................................9
2. LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................................................................9
2.1. Origin and Distribution.....................................................................................................................9
2.1.1 Agronomic practice of maize....................................................................................................10
 2.2 Effect of Sulfur Fertilizer on Yield Components.............................................................................13
2.2.1 Number of cob per plant and number of seed row per cob........................................................13
2.3 Effect of Sulfur Fertilizer on Growth of Maize................................................................................13
2.3.1 Leaf area and leaf area index....................................................................................................13
3.MATERIALS AND METHODS (METHODOLOGY).........................................................................14
3.1 Description of the study area...........................................................................................................14
3.2 Experimental Design and Treatments..............................................................................................14
3.3 Data to be collected.........................................................................................................................15
3.3.1 phenological data......................................................................................................................16
2. days to 50% flowering..............................................................................................................16
3.3.2. Growth parameters...................................................................................................................16
1. Plant height (cm.......................................................................................................................16
3. Leaf length per plant (cm.........................................................................................................16
5. Number of Internodes per plant..............................................................................................16
2. Leaf area (cm2)........................................................................................................................ 16
3. Stalk diameter or girth (cm).....................................................................................................17
3.3.3 Yield and related traits..............................................................................................................17
1. Number of cob per plant......................................................................................................... 17
2. Number of seeds per cob.........................................................................................................17
3.4 Method of Data analysis........................................................................................................ 17
4.Expected output..........................................................................................................................17
5. WORK PLAN....................................................................................18
6. LOGOSTICES BUDGET REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................18
7. REFERENCE...............................................................................................................................19
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of study
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world’s most cultivated crop after wheat and production of cereal
crop. It is also one of the major cereal crops grown in Ethiopia. The crop has wide adaptability .
It can be grown in tropical, subtropical as well as in temperate zones. But the best growth is
obtained in the temperature range of 21-27 co. Maize is a short day plant that is, flowering is hast
end and vegetative growth related by long nights. The most likely center of origin of maize is
Mexico or central America (Jones and Hungistington,1935).Maize is one of the pillar cereal
crops ranking first in total production and productivity in Ethiopian agriculture, and second to
teff in area coverage (FAOSTAT, 2017). In spite of the large area coverage under maize, the
national (Ethiopia) and regional (Tigray) average grain yields reached about 3.6 t ha-
(FAOSTAT, 2017) these yields were certainly below the world’s average yield which was about
6 .2 t ha-1(CSA, 2015). maize is used as staple food providing a major segment of nutrients and
proteins to the masses (Guzman et al., 2004).

In Tigray, maize crop production is one of the high priority food security crops and the vision
portends the intention of the government to transform the agricultural sector from a rural based
economy to commercial and industry oriented sector to boost agricultural productivity. Maize is
extensively used as food and seed. It is also used as cattle and poultry feed besides being grown
to Horses and Sheep. For house hold purpose, it is very important item of human consumption.
As the result it involves in extensive area. However, the yield obtained by the farmers in the
study areas is low due inappropriate agronomic practice, lack of stable high yielder varieties,
drought, soil erosion and poor essential soil nutrient (ATA, 2014). Deteriorating soil fertility,
shallow soil depth, high run-off and low infiltration capacity of the soil are the major restriction
for supportable agricultural production.

Sulphur is one of the 17 elements essential for crop production (Marshner, 1995). Sulphur is
considered as the fourth major nutrient element for crops (Platou and Jones, 1982). It is typically
considered a secondary macronutrient (along with calcium and magnesium), but is essential for
maximum crop yield and quality. Sulphur is often ranked immediately behind nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium in terms of importance to crop productivity (Krishnamoorthy, 1989
and Patil 1998). Sulphur is a component of the amino acids cysteine, cystine and methionine
(Gangadhara et al., 1990 and Kumar and Yadav, 2007) making it essential for protein synthesis
in plants. Plants also contain a large variety of other organic sulphur compounds such as
glutathione. Sulphur is also a constituent of vitamins (thiamine and biotin), glycosides and co-
enzyme A (Tisdale et al., 1985). In recent years sulphur deficiency has become an increasing
problem in agriculture. Saalbach (1973) reported maize yield loss to an extent of 10 to 30% and
Pal and Singh (1992) upto 35% due to Sulphur deficiency. In general, cereals have high yield
potential and low sulphur requirement. The sulphur requirement of cereals to produce one ton of
cereals is low but uptake per unit area becomes almost equal to that of oilseeds mainly due to
higher productivity of cereals (Sutar et al., 2017). Sulphur is an essential nutrient for all
organisms due to its function in a large variety of processes (Gangadhara et al., 1990).

1.2 Objectives of the study

1.2.1 General Objective

To evaluate the impact of different sulfur fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of maize

1.3 Problem Statement

Sulfur is an essential plant nutrient required for chlorophyll formation, enzyme activation, and
protein synthesis. In recent years, sulfur deficiency in agricultural soils has become a growing
concern due to reduced organic matter and limited use of sulfur-containing fertilizers. In maize
production, insufficient sulfur can result in stunted growth, poor leaf color, and reduced grain
yield. Despite its importance, sulfur fertilization is often overlooked in maize nutrient
management. There is limited research on the appropriate sulfur fertilizer levels needed to
optimize maize growth under local soil and climatic conditions. Therefore, this study aims to
evaluate the effect of different sulfur fertilizer levels on the growth and yield performance of
maize.

1.4. Hypothesis:

 Null Hypothesis (H₀): Different levels of sulfur fertilizer application have no significant
effect on the growth and yield components of maize
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Origin and Distribution
Maize is considered to be indigenous to the Americas particularly Southern Mexico. It has been
domesticated about 8000 years ago and does not exist in its wild form (Mandal, 2014). The name
maize’ is derived from a South American Indian Arawak – Carib word “Mahiz”. It was first used
for food about 10,00 years ago by Red Indians living in the area now called M exico. For
hundreds of years, the tribal people in the area gathered the grains from wild plants before they
learnt to grow maize themselves. Thus, it was also called as “Indian corn” although this did not
refer to the Asian country “India” in any way (Usha and Pandey, 2007).

The genus Zea is classified in the tribe Maydeae of the familyPoaceae/Gramineae. There is only
one species, Zea mays which is known only in cultivation. Closely related to this genus are two
other New World genera, Tripsacum (called Gama grass which is used as fodder in North
America) and Euchlaena (called Teosinte, believed to be the closest wild relative of maize).
Some taxonomists do not recognize Euchlaena as a separate genus and have transferred all the
species of this genus to Zea (Usha and Pandey, 2007). The oldest written record of maize in
China appears in Dian Nan Ben Cao by Lan Mao in approximately 1492. The original usage of
maize was as traditional Chinese medicine. Other historical accounts describe the cultivation of
maize in the hilly areas of Fujian Province on China’s southeastern coast in the 16th century.
Overall white maize occupies only 10% of the world maize production.

2.1.1 Agronomic practice of maize

2.1.1.2 and preparation of maize
The minimum tillage for field preparation has been more expensively tasted and adapted for
maize than other crops. In particular distribution between the seed bed to be firm and the root
bed, which should remain loose for as long as possible has become any accepted farming
practice in the maize growing regions. Minimum tillage for maize has generally given that where
equal to or greater than those obtained from conventional tillage (Williams, 1975).
2.1.1.2. Seed Rate

Seed rate varies according to the size of the grain, the objectives of raising the crop keeping
quality grain. For small grain variety, the seed rate is 15-16kg/ha, for medium grain 16-18kg/ha
and for large grain 18-20kg/ha (Subnis, 1938).

2.1.1.3. Manuring
Maize is a heavy feeder. It requires heavily manure field for good yields. Maize taken after
pulse crops requires little manuring (as Singh, 1984 sited on Jones, D.F and Hungitinton, 1999).

2.1.1.4. Time of sowing

Time of sowing is the most crucial factor affecting maize growth; maize should be sowing at the
beginning of the rain as much as possible. If sowing time is delayed there is a decline in yield of
maize. In late sowing season the early growth of maize is slow because the soil air moisture
condition is not ideal (most of pores are filled with water). And later in the life cycle, late sown
maize may mature or even flower after the end of rains. This is a serious risk in the short rainy
season areas although, it is less of 1a risk were the rainy season is long (Karlen, 1987).

2.1.1.5. Method of sowing of maize

There are different types of sowing maize like broad casting, drilling by making holes and
dribbling (putting seeds in the row) but, maize should be sown in row space. The row space
should run across the prevailing slope of the land following center levels to retard run land
minimize the soil erosion loses. Inter row spacing generally ranges from 75 cm. The suitable
sowing depth for maize is 2-5cm depth. Deeper sowing may prevent proper germination and the
spacing between plants to plant can be regulated to 25cm by thinning after two weeks of
germination (Martin, 1976).

Seed rate varies according to the size of the grain and the objective of raising the crop for
keeping the quality of the grain varieties. The seed rate is 25-26kg/ha for small size grain, 26-
28kg/ha for medium size grain and28-30kg/ha for large size grain (Subnis, 1999).
2.1.1.6 Importance and use of maize
Maize is an important cereal crops in the world. Maize is a staple food for an estimated 50% of
the population and provides 50% of the basic calories. It is an important source of carbohydrate,
protein, iron, vitamin B, and minerals. Africans consume maize as a starchy base in a wide
variety of porridges, pastes, grits, and beer. Green maize (fresh on the cob) is eaten parched,
baked, roasted or boiled and plays an important role in filling the hunger gap after the dry
season. Maize grains have great nutritional value as they contain 72% starch, 10% protein, 4.8%
oil, 8.5% fiber, 3.0% sugar and 1.7 % ash (Chaudhary,1983) The maize kemel , like that of other
cereal grains , includes pericarp(6%), endosperm(82%) and germ(12%) (Watson,1987)

Food products made from maize include maize oil, maize meal, maize syrup and even bourbon.
The most important refined maize products are maize sweeteners, which last year accounted for
more than 56% of the national nutritive sweeteners market. One cup of raw white corn has about
130 calories, 2 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, 29 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber
with no cholesterol. These “everyday things” are made with maize: protective sealing bands,
gypsum dry wall, warmish, spark plugs, adhesives, toothpaste, aspirin, diapers, coated paper
products and more. Maize can be used in a number of ways: Maize flour, or meal, Masa
(cornmeal treated with lime water Cornstarch is made from maize kernels Corn syrup, Kitty litter
and Corn for cows, hogs, catfish and chickens.

Table 1.Approximate Chemical Composition of Maize Kernel Parts

Chemical pericarp Endosperm germ

component
Protein 3.7 8.0 18.4
Ether extract 1.0 0.8 33.2
Crude Fiber 86.7 2.7 8.8
Ash 0.8 0.3 10.5
Starch 7.3 87.6 8.3
Sugar 0.34 0.62 10.8
Source: Watson (1987)
2.1.1.7 Ecological requirement
Grown globally from 50°N to 40°S, and from sea level up to 4000 m altitude. It is a short-day
plant. Photoperiods greater than 12 hour may increase the total number of leaves produced prior
to initiation of tasseling, and may increase the time taken from emergence to tassel initiation
(Stephanie and Brown, 2008).
Plessis (2003) indicated that maize is a warm weather crop and is not grown in areas where the
mean daily temperature is less than 19 ºC or where the mean of the summer months is less than
23 ºC. Although the minimum temperature for germination is 10 ºC, germination will be faster
and less variable at soil temperatures of 16 to 18 ºC. At 20 ºC, maize emerges within five to six
days. The critical temperature detrimentally affecting yield is approximately 32 ºC. It does not do
well when the temperature during the growing cycle averages below 190C or above 400C (ATA,
2013).
It is a warm weather plant that requires high temperature during the growing period. The crop
requires an average temperature of about 24C0. Low temperature reduces growth and extremely
high temperature may retard germination of seed particularly when it’s combined with deficient
moisture (Balasubramaniyan and Palanlappan, 2007). The optimum temperature for maize
growth and development is 18 to 32 °C. Temperatures of 35 °C and above considered inhibitory.
The optimum soil temperatures for germination and early seedling growth are 12 °C or greater,
and at tasselling 21 to 30 °C is ideal (Stephanie and Brown, 2008)

2.2 Effect of Sulfur Fertilizer on Yield Components

2.2.1 Number of cob per plant and number of seed row per cob

Several studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of sulfur fertilization on maize yield
components such as grain weight, cob length, kernel number, and overall grain yield. According
to Mohite et al. (2010), application of sulfur at 40 kg/ha significantly improved the grain yield
and 1000-kernel weight compared to the control. Similarly, Ali et al. (2012) reported that sulfur
fertilization increased the number of grains per cob and grain weight in sulfur-deficient soils.
The improvement in yield is attributed to sulfur's role in protein synthesis and photosynthetic
activity, which directly supports reproductive development.
Moreover, Sharma and Singh (2018) noted that sulfur application positively impacted cob
diameter and kernel row number, demonstrating its influence on sink strength. These findings
suggest that sulfur contributes to both the source (photosynthesis) and sink (grain filling) aspects
of yield formation in maize.

2.3 Effect of Sulfur Fertilizer on Growth of Maize

The vegetative growth of maize, including plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation, is
significantly influenced by sulfur nutrition. Khatun et al. (2015) found that sulfur application at
30–45 kg/ha enhanced maize plant height and leaf chlorophyll content, leading to greater dry
matter production. Sulfur deficiency often results in chlorosis, stunted growth, and delayed
maturity, all of which negatively impact maize performance.

A study by Zaman et al. (2013) demonstrated that sulfur not only improved vegetative
parameters but also enhanced root development, contributing to better nutrient and water uptake.
Additionally, Sadeghzadeh (2013) emphasized the role of sulfur in early vigor and its interaction
with other nutrients like nitrogen, further promoting robust growth and resilience under stress
conditions.

2.3.1 Leaf area and leaf area index

Maize leaf area and leaf area index is significantly affected by the main effect of sulfur fertilizer
level application.

3.MATERIALS AND METHODS (METHODOLOGY)

3.1 Description of the study area
The study area is located in North West Tigray Aksum university shire campus District, situated
within the larger Tahtay koraro geographically(by simple hand Gps) it lies approximately
between 13° 18’ 36 “to 14° 08’ 57” Northern latitude and 38° 01’ 30 “to 38° 17’ 02” East
longitude. The district exhibits with elevations 1953meters (6407 ft) above sea level (Tkabo,
2000). The area is characterized by a semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Rainfall typically occurs from June to September, with average rian fall reaching 905 mm. The
mean annual temperature ofthe area is 23c o to 25co (Tkabo, 2000). The soil types prevalent in the
district include clay loam and sandy, which are typical of the region's agricultural landscape.
These soil types contribute to the suitability of the area for maize cultivation, along with other
crops commonly grown in the region (BOA, 2002) In conclusion, understanding the distribution
and environmental characteristics of the study area is crucial for designing and implementing
research on the effect of sulfur fertilizer level on maize on production in the Tigray Aksum
university shire campus District.

3.2 Experimental Design and Treatments

The study will be consisted of a total of 9 treatments which included three rate of sulfur fertilizer
(0kg/ha i.e control,50kg/ha and 100kg/ha). The field experiment will be laid out in randomized
complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replication. The total plot area will be 4.5m 2. The
experimental area will be divided in to small homogenous blocks and plots. Each replication
contains the complete set of treatments which will be allocated to plots with in each block at
random. There will be 9 plots in the experimental area overall. Each plot will have four rows and
measure 1.5 m in width by 3.0 m in height. There are 24 plants in each plot, with 6 plants in each
row. Allrecommended agronomic practices and pesticide application will be applied at optimum
rate. The arrangement will be shown in (figure 1) below.

Practical layout satirical randomization of RCBD four levels of sulfur

R1 T1 0.5 T3 T2

1m

R2 T3 T2 T1

M T2 T3 T1
MR3
3.3 Data to be collected
Data collection will be started seven days after sowing. Eight traits that including vegetative
growth and yield related traits will be collected from five randomly selected plants in each plot
from the middle two rows at the vegetative stage of growth. The following parameters will be
record by using their respective measurements:

 Plant height (cm)

 Number of internode per plant
 Internodes length(cm)
 Number of leaf per plant
 Leaf length (cm)
 Stem diameter (cm)
 Number of cob per plant
 Number seeds per cob

3.3.1 phenological data

1. Days to 50 % emergence
Days to 50% emergence will be counted from the date of sowing till 50% of the seedlings
emerged in each plot

2. days to 50% flowering:

3.3.2. Growth parameters

1. Plant height (cm)
The plant height will be taken from a sample of five randomly selected plants marked within
each plot in two middle rows at their vegetative stage. Meter tape will be used for measuring the
height from the ground level to the top-m
3. Leaf length per plant (cm)
The leaf length per plant will be measured from five randomly selected plants at vegetative stage
starting from stalk or sheath of maize to the tip of leaf by using meter.
4. Number of leaves per plant
Total numbers of green leaves per plant will counted from five randomly selected plants and the
average will be taking as the number of green leaves per plant at vegetative stage of maize.

5. Number of Internodes per plant

The number of internodes per will be taken from five randomly selected maize plants from each
plot by counting the numbers of internodes in each randomly selected plants and the average will
be taken as the number of internodes per plant.
1 plant hight(cm)
the plant will be taken from a sample of five randomly selected plant marked with each plot in
two middle rows at their vegetative stage meter tap will used for measuring the hight from the
ground level on the tip using meter

2. Leaf area (cm2)

The leaf area of the maize plant will be determined from five randomly selected plants by
measuring leaf length and maximum leaf width and it will be adjusted by the correction factor
0.75(leaf length (L) x maximum leaf width (W) x 0.75) as suggested by (Francis et al., 1969;
Pearce et al., 1975) who reported a rapid method for plant leaf area estimation in maize (Zea
mays L).

3. Stalk diameter or girth (cm)

The stalk diameter of five randomly selected plants will be measured at 25cm from the ground `
level and the average will be taken as the stalk diameter of each plant at the vegetative
stage of maize. The important growth performance growth parameters will be measured from the
effect of sulfur fertilizer level on maize. These include All the above parameters will be
measured and collected from six (6) plants found in the two middle row of each plot at their
maximum vegetative growth stage.
3.3.3 Yield and related traits

1. Number of cob per plant

Number of capsules per plant will be counted from five randomly selected plants when 50%
plants in each plot produces capsule.

2. Number of seeds per cob

To determine the number of seeds per capsule, the seeds of three capsules (lower, medium
and upper most position on the plant) from each of five plants will be counted.

3.4 Method of Data analysis

All data collected will be subjected to analysis of variance by statistical procedure and means
will be compared using least significance difference (LSD) at 5% probability level and SAS
software will be used for the analysis.

4.Expected output
Base line information about the response of maize growth and yield to sulfur of fertilizer will be
identified. This research will be beneficial for different studies, farmers and agricultural research
centers.

5. WORK PLAN

The experiment will be progressed for six consecutive months start from the beginning of may
up the end of October . major activities that are going to be done in this duration of experiment
are illustrated in the below table (table

Table 1 work plan

N Activity Month
o Nov Dec Mar Apr
1 Proposal Writing 
2 Proposal presentation 
3 Experimental Field Preparation 
4 Selection Of Land Preparation 
5 Sowing 
6 Weeding 
7 Data Collection 
8 Data Analysis 

9 Report Writing 

10 Research Report Presentation

6. LOGOSTICES BUDGET REQUIREMENTS

Table 2 Budget

No Items Total Cost Total Cost

1 Measuring plant height 60

Measuring cob length 90
Field material
5 Calculator 220
7 Certified Seed 300
8 Water Can 250
9 Total 1070
7. REFERENCE
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maize under sulfur-deficient soils. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 35(10), 1532-1542.
Balasubramaniyan, P., & Palaniappan, S. P. (2007). Textbook of Field Crop Production. New
India
Publishing Agency.
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Agricultural Sciences, 53(3), 195-200.
CSA (Central Statistical Agency). (2015). Agricultural Sample Survey Report on Crop
Production
Statistics.
FAOSTAT. (2017). Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database.
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linear
measurements. Crop Science, 9(5), 600-602.
Gangadhara, S., Reddy, S. V., & Prasad, M. N. V. (1990). Role of sulfur in crop production and
protein synthesis. Plant Physiology Journal, 12(2), 45-53.
Guzman, M., Mendoza, R., & Herrera, F. (2004). Nutritional quality of maize as staple food in
Ethiopia. African Journal of Food Science, 3(4), 123-129.
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280-298.
Karlen, D. L. (1987). Effects of sowing date on maize growth and yield. Agronomy Journal,
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747-750.
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chlorophyll
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Kumar, S., & Yadav, R. (2007). Sulfur in crop nutrition and its role in protein synthesis. Journal
of Plant Nutrition, 30(8), 1401-1410.
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Marshner, H. (1995). Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants (2nd ed.). Academic Press.
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and
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Patil, S. (1998). Sulfur nutrition and its importance in crop productivity. Indian Journal of Plant
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