Effects of Soil Amendment on Early Growth of Moringa Oleifera in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, Moring aoleifera has gained a lot of popularity due to recent discovery of its usefulness to mankind resulting in rapid interest in growing of plant either for local or export purposes. It is highly nutritious and medicinal plant with great agricultural industrial and domestic uses. One factor required for optimum yield of the crop is adequate nutrient in the soil and its proper management. This can be achieved through incorporation of organic matter into the soil to improve the nutrient status in a sustainable manner.  Therefore, the objective of the study is to determine the effect of combined application of Biochar and NPK 15:15:15 on growth performance of Moringa oleifera. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance. Means that were significantly different were separated using the Least Significant Difference (L.S.D. The research revealed Significant different on Leaf Number, Plant Height, Stem Girth) of Moring growth parameters. On Plant Height, T₇ = (Biochar16tons/ha 6.4kg + NPK120gs + Urea: 13.5gs) (8WAP) show significant difference (0.049**) at 1% level of significant compared to T₃ andT₄ that received only biochar at the rate of 8tons/ha and 16tons/ha and T₀ (control) which received neither biochar nor NPK 15:15:15 + Urea having the lowest Plant height. Furthermore, the study showed that application of biochar to soil increased soil pH of acidic soil and reduced leaching of Organic Carbon, Organic Matter, Nitrogen, Sodium, Potassium and Cations Exchange Capacity (C.E.C) compared to non-amended treatments. It could be recommended that biochar can be used as soil amendments to improved soil quality and crop productivity such as Moringa oleifera in a variety of soil.