Using CERES-Maize model to determine the nitrogen fertilization requirements of early maturing maize in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

CERES-Maize model was used to determine nitrogen fertilizer requirements of early maturing maize varieties in the Sudan Savanna. Data were collected from 2013 to 2014 field experiments conducted in Bayero University Kano, (BUK), Kano, Nigeria. The experiments consisted of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha−1) and two early maize varieties (EVDT and 2009 TZEEW). Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the responses of the two maizes to N fertilizers and for economic and strategic responses. The model predicted grain yield and harvest index reasonably well for the two varieties. Increasing N application from 0 to 30 kg N ha−1 increased grain yield by 105%, when nitrogen (N) rate was increased to 60 kg N ha−1, grain yield increased by 226%. Yield increases of 364%, 451%, and 461% was observed when N rate increased from 0 to 90, 120, and 150 kg ha−1, respectively.