scholarly journals Influence of cadmium on early growth of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) and nutrient uptake in an ultisol

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-165
Author(s):  
Ehi Robert Orhue ◽  
Akhere Mathew Ekhomun

The greenhouse and field trials were conducted at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria to determine the influence of Cd on the growth, dry matter yield and nutrient uptake by fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Four levels of Cd(NO3)2 treatments namely 0, 50, 100, 200 mg per 5 kg soil equivalent to 0, 20, 40, 80 kgha-1 were used in the greenhouse and field trials respectively. The completely randomized and randomized complete block experimental designs were used in the greenhouse and field trials respectively. Results indicated that increased application of Cd decreased the height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth and dry matter yield of the plant. The nutrients content and uptake also decreased with the increase in the supply of the Cd. Higher Cd concentrations and uptake were recorded in the root of the treated plants when compared to the control treatments. The nutrients and oxides components of the soil decreased at various levels of the Cd application. These decrease in soil nutrient components were however not consistent. However, the Cd content of the soil increased with increased Cd treatments.

2017 ◽  
pp. 162-167
Author(s):  
Klaus Bürcky ◽  
Thomas Hetterich ◽  
Johannes Heyn ◽  
Dietmar Horn ◽  
Dierk Koch

The yield of sugar beet has increased significantly in the last 20 years, as data on beet yields from Südzucker AG show. This led to the question of how the increased yield influenced the nutrient uptake of root and top. Therefore, beet and top were harvested in field trials set up to optimize the fertilization of sugar beet and, in addition to the yields, the concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients in root and top were measured. A total of 114 environments were used for these studies and current data for nutrient uptake and nutrient export from sugar beet were determined. Root yields ranged from 65 to 115tha–1 and the top yields from 13 to 72tha–1. This corresponded to a dry matter yield of 14 to 26tha–1 for roots and to as little as 3.0 to 9.6tha–1 for tops. However, since the nutrient content in the roots was significantly lower than in the tops, less than 50% of the total uptake was found in the roots at harvesting time: N (49%), Mg (44%), K (36 %), Ca (34%), S (32%) and Na (12%). Among the macronutrients, it was only phosphorous which showed with 60% a higher amount of the nutrients in the roots than in the tops (about 40%). The results provide valuable information for a review and adaptation of current nutrient tables,the nutrient balance and, ultimately, fertilizer assessment.


Author(s):  
Tracy Saptu ◽  
Nur Ashikin Psyquay Abdullah ◽  
Franklin Ragai Kundat ◽  
Aicher Joseph Toyat ◽  
Calson Gimang Endawie ◽  
...  

A study was conducted to determine the best agronomic practices for the cultivation of jerangau merah as a new medicinal crop. Jerangau merah is scientifically known as Boesenbergia stenophylla is a ginger plants that is highly endemic to the Borneo Highland. This understorey herb grows in cluster and under the heavy shades of forest canopies and perceived only the sunflecks that pass through the forest canopies. Jerangau Merah has been consumed by the locals for its medicinal values since decades ago. Generally, B. stenophylla is well known for its function as antidote for alcohol. Moreover, the B. stenophylla is also beneficial for rheumatic pains, remedies for stomach ache and toothache and as antiseptic wash as well. This herb is not propagate by the locals due to its sensitivity to sunlight and lack of agronomic information for B. stenophylla. Harvesting it from their natural habitat, however, seen the decline it its population size hence cultivation is essential. This paper aimed to determine the total nutrients, dry matter yield and phytochrome content of Bosenbergia stenophylla R.M. Smith under different light regimes. A study for determining suitable planting media for B. stenophylla was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The treatments are: i) (M1) with the ratio of 3:2:1 top soil: sand: organic matter, media ii) (M2) consists of soil mixture 3:2:1 placed in water-logged polyethylene bags and media iii) (M3) contained only leaf litters. The results showed that the herbs showed significantly higher number of shoots and leaves in the common soil mixture. But, better root development in media containing leaf litters. The study proceeded with field experiment at Ba’Kelalan to determine the effect of different shade levels and fertilizing regimes on growth. B. stenophylla was cultivated under two different levels of shade cloths: 70% and 90% level of shade and different fertilizing regimes (T1 as control, no fertilizer applied to the plants; T2, chicken dung; T3, NPKMg and T4, mixed of chicken dung and NPKMg). The study for determining the effects of different shade level and fertilizing regimes on seedling’s growth which conducted at Ba’Kelalan in factorial randomized completely blocked design (RCBD). The data collected for 9 weeks of planting which include nutrient content in soil, leaf, PAR and phytochrome content and growth parameters. Regarding the nutrient uptake, the results showed no interactions between fertilizing regimes and shade levels. There were no significant different in nutrient elements except for magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is essential for the formation of chlorophyll which ensure efficiency of photosynthesis when under higher light intensity. Among all the fertilizer treatment, it was showed that chicken dung amendment has higher nutrient uptake. Thus, it is recommended chicken dung should be added into the NPKMg for better nutrient uptake. Further study on suitable fertilizer rates apply to B. stenophylla should be taken into consideration. Moreover, plants cultivated under 70% have been higher and have higher dry matter yield than those plants cultivated under 90%. The result also revealed that there was significant different in chlorophyll content of B. stenophylla cultivated under 70% which treated either with chicken dung and NPKMG respectively. However, plants under 90% have higher chlorophyll content than those under 70%. Based on the results, plants under 70% shade was taller than those under 90% and there were significant difference in height among treatments under 70%.  It was observed plant treated with NPKMg was taller. This study showed that shade and fertilizers significantly affected the dry matter yield of B. stenophylla. Moreover, adding NPKMg to the treatments yields more dry matter content of jerangau merah. As for phytochrome content, there was no significant effect of fertilizer on phytochrome content. However, there was significant difference among the shade levels. 90% shade showed higher phytochrome content than those under 70%. In overall, both shade and fertilizer is important in cultivation of Jerangau Merah. 70% shade was observed to have significant effects on growth of jerangau merah and also more economical compared to 90%. Moreover, combination of organic matter and NPKMg also promote the growth of jerangau merah enhance the nutrient uptake efficiency of jerangau merah. However, further investigation of suitable fertilizer and application rate are required to determine suitable fertilizer for jerangau merah and application rate for optimum growth of jerangau merah.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 320-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehi Robert Orhue ◽  
Enogiomwan Esther Imasuen ◽  
Daniel Enuenweyoi Okunima

In the trials, Cassava mill Effluent was used for fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) cultivation in order to verify the influence of the effluent on the growth and some soil chemical properties. In this regard, a completely randomized and randomized complete block designs were used in the greenhouse and field trials respectively with 6 treatments replicated 3 times. In the greenhouse, the following rates of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ml per 5 kg topsoil were used while in the field trial, 0, 40000, 80000, 120000, 160000 and 200000 litres/ha were utilized. The rates used in the field were equivalent to those of greenhouse. In both trials, the cassava mill effluent was applied 2 weeks prior to transplanting the seedlings. Results indicated that the cassava mill effluent significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil pH, organic carbon, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu and Zn whereas the exchangeable acidity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with corresponding increase in cassava mill effluent treatments. Except N and Na, which declined with corresponding increase in the cassava mill effluent treatments, an improved P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn components was achieved in cassava mill effluent polluted plants compared to control. The plant height, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increased cassava mill effluent treatment in the greenhouse trial while in the field trial, 120000 litres/ha was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other treatments. In the greenhouse trial, significantly (P < 0.05) higher number of leaves was attained in 100 ml treatment compared to other treatments whereas in the field trial, the 120000 and 200000 litres/ha were significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to other treatments


1969 ◽  
Vol 79 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 121-130
Author(s):  
Héber Irizarry ◽  
Ricardo Goenaga ◽  
Ulises Chardón

Two experiments were established 1 May through 1 December 1991 and 1992 to determine the monthly nutrient uptake and dry matter production of the 'Gunung' yam (Dioscorea alata) grown on an Ultisol. During the first year the plants were fertilized with 0; 667; 1,333; 2,000 and 2,667 kg/ha of a 15-5- 15-5 (N, P2O5, K2O and MgO) fertilizer supplemented with a minor element mixture. No fertilizer was applied the second year. Biomass harvests were conducted at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 months after planting. At each harvest, the plants were dug-up and separated into leaf-laminas, vine and petioles, roots and tubers. Fresh and oven-dry weights of the plant components were determined and samples from each were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Regardless of the year, tuber dry matter yield was not significantly affected by the fertilizer treatment. Maximum nutrient uptakes were 214 kg/ha of N, 19 kg/ha of P, 223 kg/ha of K, 95 kg/ha of Ca and 9 kg/ha of Mg. Nitrogen, K and Ca uptake peaks occurred about five months after planting. Maximum dry matter production was 11,303 kg/ha, 8,672 kg/ha of which was tuber dry weight. The dry matter production peak occurred at the completion of the 7-month cropping cycle. The plants utilized 24.7 kg/ha of N, 2.2 kg/ha of P, 25.7 kg/ha of K, 11.0 kg/ha of Ca and 1.0 kg/ha of Mg, for every 1,000 kg/ha of edible dry matter produced.


Author(s):  
Bikila Takala Dibaba

Nursery experiment was conducted at Haru Agricultural Research Sub Center (HARSC) of Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Western Ethiopia, to investigate dry matter yield and its nutrient uptake of Arabica coffee seedlings under different lime and coffee husk compost rates and establish optimum combination of theseagricul tural inputs that produce seedlings with better dry matter yield for field planting. The experiment was laid out in a factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included four levels of lime (0, 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 t ha-1) and coffee husk compost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1). Nutrient uptake and dry matter yield data of coffee seedlings were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS package and treatment means were compared at 0.05 probability using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that lime and coffee husk compost rates significantly (P< 0.01) affected NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedlings. The highest NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedling were obtained from the application of 15 t.ha-1 coffee husk compost and combined lime and coffee husk compost at the modest levels of 3.2 t.ha-1 lime and 10 t.ha-1 coffee husk compost with a nonsignificant variation. From the study, it can be concluded that application of 15 t.ha-1 coffeehusk compost or combining 10 t.ha-1 of coffee husk compost and 3.2 t.ha-1 of agricultural lime could be a promising alternative amendment for acid soil management and production of vigorous coffee seedlings with high nutrient uptake and high dry matter yield in HARSC areas.


Author(s):  
Stephen Okhumata Dania ◽  
Adebimpe Omowumi Ayegbe ◽  
Bright Ehijiele Amenkhienan

Compost is an important source of organic fertilizer that can be used to amend degraded soil to improve soil nutrient and crops yield. This experiment was to evaluate the effect of sawdust – piggery compost on soil properties, growth and yield of maize and it was carried out at the Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Emaudo, Ekpoma, Edo State. The experiment was fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replicates. The treatments were; control (0), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 tonnes of sawdust – piggery compost per hectares (ha-1). Data collected were analysed using ANOVA and LSD was used to separate means. Soil nutrients were below critical levels and the application of compost improved fertility status of the soil. Growth parameters, dry matter yield, cob weight, grain yield and nutrient uptake were determined. It was observed that application of Sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the growth of maize compared to control. The application of 8 to 12 tonnes of sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the plant height, leaf area and stem girth of maize compared to other treatments. The application of 8 to 12 tonnes per hectares (ha-1) of sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the cob weight, grain and dry matter yield of maize compared to other treatments, however, the application of 10 t ha-1 of compost to maize increased grain yield of maize than others rate of applications with the yield value of 4.60 t ha-1. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were higher with application of 12 tonnes of compost. In conclusion, the application rates of 10 t ha-1 of sawdust – piggery compost per hectare on nutrient depleted soils will improve the growth and yield of maize.


2014 ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Starke ◽  
Christa Hoffmann

High biogas yields are expected from sugar beet because of its high root yield. But it has not been analysed yet, which varieties are best suited to reach the highest biogas yield. The study thus aimed at identifying a parameter to estimate the biogas yield of sugar beet. To get a broad variation of yields and beet qualities, field trials were conducted from 2008 to 2011 at 2 sites (Göttingen and Regensburg, Germany) with different sugar beet varieties and fodder beet. Different N application rates were included and furthermore, autumn sown beets (winter beet). Dry matter composition was analyzed, biogas yield and methane concentration were determined in batch experiments. Sugar beet reached root dry matter yields of more than 20tha–1 and thereby exceeded fodder beet. Moderate N application increased root dry matter yield, whereas higher N rates only enhanced the leaf dry matter yield. But most likely, leaves will not be considered for fermentation because of their low concentration of dry matter and organic dry matter. Winter beet reached total dry matter yields of 12tha–1, but dry matter was not as easily digestible as that of spring sown beets. Biogas yield showed a close linear relation to the root dry matter and the sugar yield as well. Sugar beet varieties can therefore be assessed for anaerobic digestion by their sugar yield. As sugar yield is already the main target, breeding for biogas beets will not be substantially different from that for beets used for sugar manufacture.


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