Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
Supply of nutrients required for optimum growth of Moringa can be a limitation to its cultivation. A pot experiment was conducted in 2011 to investigate the effects of inorganic fertilizer on the growth and nutrient composition of Moringa oleifera leaves. N: P: K: fertilizer was applied at five levels which include 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120kgN:P:K/ha in four replicates. The experimental design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Growth parameters include number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm) and stem girth (mm). Proximate analysis of oven-dried leaves was done to determine percentage protein, calcium (ppm), phosphorus (ppm) and iron (ppm). 120kgN:P:K/ha significantly produced more leaves of 119.75 which is comparable to 90kgN:P:K/ha but higher significantly than other treatments. Similarly, the height and stem girth of Moringa were best supported by 120kgN:P:K/ha but is not different significantly from the control plant. Highest fertilizer rate of 120kgN:P:K/ha produced the highest quantity of protein (19.01%), there is therefore, a tendency that such trend may be observed with higher fertilizer rate. In diet that requires more calcium and iron minerals, fertilizer could be applied at 30kgN:P:K/ha while 60kgN:P:K/ha favors phosphorus accumulation in the leaves.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera; inorganic fertilizer; growth; nutrient composition; diet

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