Effects of Fertilizer Source on Growth and Cumulative Yield of Amaranthus
2015
Makinde, Eyitayo A.
The efficacy of organic fertilizers can be enhanced when combined with inorganic fertilizers. An experiment was conducted in a tropical rainforest zone with organic and inorganic fertilizer alone and in combination, to assess growth and yield of amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus L) and determine the optimum ratio of combined sources. Ratios of 25:75; 50:50, and 75:25 of organic : inorganic fertilizers were compared to organic (5 Mt·ha ⁻¹) and inorganic (400 kg·ha ⁻¹ 20N–10P–10K) fertilizers alone. Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves/plant, leaf area, and fresh yield were measured. Inorganic fertilizer produced taller plants, plants with more leaves, thicker stems, and higher leaf areas. The 50:50 nutrient source produced plants with similar stem diameter and leaf area. Fresh yield was highest (1191 kg·ha ⁻¹) at 4 weeks after planting. Combined sources had similar yields as inorganic or organic fertilizers. Amaranthus can be cultivated with organic sources to eliminate dependence on use of inorganic fertilizers.
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