Effects of organic and inorganic soil amendments on growth performance of plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the comparative effects of organic and inorganic soil amendments on growth and performance of plantain (Musa paradisiaca). The experiment was established in March 2011 and repeated in February 2012. The treatments consisted of nine soil amendments (NPK sole, Jatropha sole, palm kernel cake (PKC) residue sole, Sunshine organo-mineral sole, NPK + Jatropha husk 50:50, Sunshine organo-mineral + Jatropha husk 50:50, PKC residue + NPK 50:50, PKC residue + Sunshine organo-mineral 50:50, and Control) experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, and replicated thrice. No significant (P < 0.05) difference obtained in the two trials, nevertheless, NPK 15:15:15 produced the highest response to leaf area, leaf numbers and stem girth. Sunshine organo-mineral also showed higher response in stem girth, while the combination of decayed Jatropha husk and NPK fertilizer applied at the ratio of 50:50 had the highest plant height. To facilitate the scaling up of these fertility options, future research and development needs to address recommended application rates, impacts and the method by which crops can be intensively farmed to provide a natural progression out of poverty. Sustaining the findings of this research will enhance good soil management quality, increase farmers productivity as well as improves farmer's standard of living.

Growth and yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) as influenced by plant population density and organo-mineral fertilizer rates

“…The complementary application of organic and inorganic fertilizers to arable soil has been viewed as excellent way to have safe environment, recycle nutrients and organic matter that can support crop production and improve soil quality (Iren et al 2013;2014). The single application of either organic or inorganic fertilizers in recent years have not really met the expected impact in boasting crop yield to cope with the challenges of food insecurity hence, integrated nutrient supply has been advocated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation (Shiyam et al, 2011;Osundare et al, 2015). Kogi State is one of the major Sesame producing areas in Nigeria but not much has been done on plant population density and organo-mineral fertilizer rates on growth and yield of Sesame.…”

Additional of Organic Amendments in the Soil to Increase the Various Crop Yield: A Review

“…In applying husk amendment to soil, the highest plant height was achieved with a mixture of decayed Jatropha husk and NPK fertilizer applied at a 50:50 ratio [115]. In the first crop cycle, there was a 32.81 percent rise in biomass with a 25 t/ha application rate relative to the control.…”