Effects of mulching on soil properties, growth and yield of plantain on a tropical ultisol in southeastern Nigeria

1992 ◽  
Vol 23 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 73-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.A. Salau ◽  
O.A. Opara-Nadi ◽  
R. Swennen
2020 ◽  
pp. 87-92
Author(s):  
Ezema R. A ◽  
Omeje T.E ◽  
Onunwa A.O ◽  
Ifejimalu A.T.C ◽  
Obikwe Amara

One major constraint in utilizing boiler ash in agriculture as fertilizer is its low nitrogen content. A field trial was conducted to evaluate comparatively the effect of integrating boiler ash with urea and two rates of NPK fertilizer on soil, growth, and yield of cocoyam Colocasia esculenta (Taro) in Iwollo, Southeastern Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments which comprised of a control (no fertilizer), two levels of NPK 15:15:15 (100, 200kgha-1) combinations of two levels of broiler ash (5, 10 t ha-1) with 70 kg ha-1 urea. The plots were planted with cocoyam cormels. Data on soil properties after harvest, growth, and yield characteristics were collected and subjected to one-way analysis of variance, and significant treatments mean separated by Fisher's least significant difference at 5% level of probability. Results obtained showed that the treatments did not exert significant influence on the soil physical properties evaluated, but differed significantly (p<0.05) in pH, phosphorus, and percent base saturation. Comparatively, integrating the low level of BA (10tha-1) with 70 Kg ha-1 urea reduced soil acidity, increased soil available P, and percent base saturation but did not significantly influence growth and tuber yield of cocoyam. Application NP. K fertilizer at the rate of 200 Kg ha-1 was a higher number of cormels plant-1 (32.6), cormel yield (47.8 Mg ha-1), and corm yield (4.53 Mg ha-1). The fertilization effects of broiler ash – urea mixture at the rate applied in the study were masked by innate soil ability to supply plant-available nutrients, but significant reduction in pH and enrichment in available P suggest that the broiler ash – urea mixture may have a positive effect under more acidic and P deficient conditions.


2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weon-Tai Jeon ◽  
Ki-Yeong Seong ◽  
Gye-Jeong Oh ◽  
Hyun-Bok Lee ◽  
Min-Tae Kim ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
C. V. Ogbenna ◽  
V. E. Osodeke

Aim: A pot experiment was carried out to determine the effect of sawdust ash and lime (Ca(OH)2) on soil characteristics and yield of sunflower in acidic soil of southeastern Nigeria. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, using sawdust ash (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 t ha-1) as the sub plot and lime (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 t ha-1) as the main plot. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted outdoors at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria, during the 2010 planting season. Materials and Methods: Treatment combinations were applied to the 60 buckets containing soil, mixed thoroughly and watered adequately. After 1 week of treatment application, two sunflower seeds were planted and later thinned to one seedling per bucket. Plant growth and yield data were collected. Pre planting and post-harvest soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil properties. Results: Results showed that with the exception of organic carbon there was significant effect of treatments on all soil chemical properties. Lime and sawdust ash (SDA) as single and combined treatments significantly increased total nitrogen (P=0.05), available phosphorus (P<0.010), and base saturation (P<0.012). The interaction between SDA and lime significantly (P=0.05) increased total exchangeable bases and effective cation exchange capacity, while soil pH was significantly increased (P=0.05) by single applications. The increases in soil chemical properties led to significant positive response of the sunflower. With the exception of number of leaves, other plant parameters (Plant height, stem diameter, head weight, 50 seed weight, head diameter) had significant increases for sawdust ash alone at P=0.05. Correlation studies showed positive significant relationship between soil pH and sunflower yield. Conclusion: The study showed that sunflower performed best at the combination of 3 tha-1 SDA and 1.5 t ha-1 lime producing a mean head weight of 45.4 g.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 795
Author(s):  
Robert P. Larkin

The potential benefits of different types of soil amendments and mulch ground covers on soil chemical and biological properties, crop development and yield, and disease and pest issues in organic vegetable production, as represented by legume (green snap bean), cucurbit (green zucchini squash), and brassicaceous (turnip) vegetable crops, were evaluated in a two-year field trial in Maine, USA. Soil amendments evaluated (following an initial fertilizer base) included a commercial organic fertilizer alone, composted dairy manure, compost plus fish meal, and compost plus Wollastonite, a natural source of silicon (Si). A paper mulch was also compared with a woven polypropylene fabric mulch for their performance and effects as weed barriers within these systems. Mulch type significantly affected soil properties, with the fabric mulch associated with increases in soil moisture, organic matter, and other soil chemical and biological properties relative to the paper mulch. The fabric mulch also resulted in earlier emergence and earlier harvests for bean and zucchini. Soil amendments affected soil properties and crop growth and yield of bean and zucchini, with compost amendments increasing soil pH, organic matter, and several nutrient concentrations, as well as crop emergence and yield relative to a fertilizer-only treatment. Compost treatment also reduced the infestation and damage caused by mites on beans in 2018. Addition of fish meal increased most nutrient element concentrations and microbial respiration, and Si amendment increased emergence of beans, and reduced powdery mildew on squash and late season browning of beans. These results help define specific management practices to improve organic vegetable production and provide useful information and options for growers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-435
Author(s):  
Svetlana M. Paunović ◽  
Mira Milinković ◽  
Marijana Pešaković

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