Implication of blanket NPK application on nutrient balance of maize based on soil and tissue diagnosis approaches in the savannas of northern Nigeria

Abstract Improper nutrient management reduces the yield and affects status of crops. This study aimed to diagnose nutrients limitation in maize. A three-year multi-location (348 sites) experiments were conducted randomized block design analyse for maize production under conventional fertilizer recommendation system Nigeria using DRIS, identify soil factors that influence DRIS indices random forest model. calculated from results ear leaf samples collected experimental plots. The summed, used cluster plots k-means algorithm. show large differences average between clusters. clusters also differed based on frequency with which are most limiting. B was limiting one three, Mn two K four. Random pH, Mg had largest one. influenced by N two. To a lesser extent, Fe, K, S contents Soil Zn significant influencing Bulk Density, Na, ECEC, organic carbon moderate this cluster. Nutrient plants can be DRIS. properties have definite status.