Early Growth Response of Ceiba Pentandra to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers under Field Conditions in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka to investigate growth response of Ceiba pentandra to organic and inorganic fertilizers under field conditions. The treatments consisted of six fertilizer application rates (No fertilizer, 5 t ha-1 PM + 200 kg ha-1 NPK, 10 t ha-1 PM, 20 t ha-1 PM, 450 kg ha-1 NPK and 20 t ha-1 PM + 100 kg ha-1 NPK). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and number of branches at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 months after transplanting (MAT). The result of the analysis of variance indicated significant (p<0.05) variation among the fertilizer combinations used with respect to morphological parameters evaluated. Among the fertilizer treatments, sole application of PM at 20 t ha-1 consistently and positively influenced plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and number of branches of Ceiba across the months. Suggesting that the application rate provided adequate nutrients for growth and development of Ceiba. However, sole application of NPK at 450 kg ha-1 and other PM rates in combination with NPK resulted in decrease in some growth attributes probably due to acidification of the rhizosphere. Sole application of PM at 20 t ha-1 improved growth traits of Ceiba pentandra and is recommended for the production of Ceiba in the study area.