Economic Performance of Maize under Incorporated Legumes and Nitrogen in Northern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

An economic analysis was done using the partial budget procedure to evaluate economic performance of maize (Zea mays L.) under incorporated legumes and nitrogen in Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria. Results showed that plots without nitrogen fertilizer produced maize at loss throughout the three years of study and their average data except in 2006 where a very little profit was made. Maize production using 120 kg N ha super(-1) gave the highest gross margin and profit per naira (N) invested throughout the three years of study with an exception of 2005 where there was a loss. However, in the three year average data, application of 90 kg N ha super(-1) in maize production gave the best profit per naira (N) invested, which made incurring of extra cost of 30 kg N ha super(-1) from application 120 kg N ha super(-1) of no benefit. The most profitable green manure method for maize production was lablab green manure which gave the highest gross margin and profit per naira (N) invested. When using nitrogen fertilizer and green manure on maize production was compared, incorporation of any of the legumes was better economically than any of the nitrogen levels. The results of this study suggest that using incorporated legumes in maize production was more profitable than using nitrogen fertilizer.