Evaluation of Time of Compost Application on the Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Seed Yield of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L)

Transcription

1 Evaluation of Time of Compost Application on the Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Seed Yield of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) By Adekunle A. F. Olanipekun S. O. Kayode C. O. Ogunleti D. O.

2 Research Article Evaluation of Time of Compost Application on the Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Seed Yield of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) 1 Adekunle A. F., * 2 Olanipekun S. O., 1 Kayode C. O. and 1 Ogunleti D. O. 1 Department of Agriculture, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan. Nigeria. 2 Kenaf and Jute improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria. ABSTRACT *Corresponding Author s olanipekunsam@yahoo.com Pot and field experiments were conducted on a tropical alfisol between 2011 and 2012 to assess the effect of the time of application of compost on growth, nutrient uptake and seed yield of kenaf. The treatment consisted of three time of application and three rates of application of the compost (1, 2 and 3 weeks before planting) (WBF) and (0, 10, 20 t ha -1 ) respectively. The experiment was arranged in a factorial experiment using Randomized complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicate. Soil samples were collected, processed and analyzed for nutrients and properties before planting and after harvest. Results showed that kenaf growth and performance could be improved using compost however, time of application for its growth might not be relevant as revealed in the result obtained but the application should better be done at two or three weeks before planting for convenience and better mineralization which was evident from the highest values recorded in the stem girth and leaf count (pot experiment) and plant height of kenaf (field experiment). However, non- significant difference seen on the rate of compost applied confirmed that Kenaf plant could thrived relatively well on marginal soil. Not withstanding, 10 t ha -1 of compost would be more economical than applying 20 t ha -1 to obtain optimum seed yield in kenaf and improve soil better hence it could be planted with little or no external input. Keywords: Compost, Kenaf, Time of compost application, Alfisol. INTRODUCTION Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L), a fast growing C 3 plant native of tropical Africa is being investigated as new source of bio energy as well as an industrial crop that has high potential to be used. The high biomass yield and the elevated fiber content of kenaf justify the growing interest in this multipurpose crop for its potential role in agro ecosystems involving biomass production as substitute of non- renewable resources (Cosentino and copani, 2003). All the component of kenaf plant; leaves, seeds, bast fiber and core are of industrial importance. The Leaves were recognized as having high protein level and therefore might be a potential live stock feed. Crude leaf protein level ranges from 18-30%, stalk crude protein level from 11 to 25% (Agbaje et al., 2008). As a vegetable it is widely grown in Africa, where it is grown on a much smaller scale as a fiber crop, it has been of some importance as a commercial fiber crop. However, like every other crop, Kenaf production requires some agronomic practices, most especially soil nutrient amendment, to improve its productivity and biomass quality. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and water are considered as the major limiting factors in the growth, development and economic yield of this important crop (Glass, 2003; parry et al., 2005). Mineral fertilizers are known to be very rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are readily available for plant utilization but not without its detrimental effects. Hence, organic fertilizer has been adjudged as alternative source of soil nutrients. The bulkiness and slow release pattern of organic fertilizer could be minimized during composting. Organic fertilizer in general contains the entire essential nutrient element in fairly balanced proportion, has the ability to release nutrients gradually and can support crops for a long time (Akanbi et al., 2010). 7

3 The objectives of this study therefore are to: I. Assess the effect of compost on the growth and yield of Kenaf II. Quantify the effect of rate of application of compost on nutrient uptake of kenaf plant III. Determine the appropriate time of application of compost that optimize its use as source of nutrient for kenaf cultivation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2011 and 2012, kenaf was grown in pot and field experiment at the screen house unit of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T); Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan ( N, E), and National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan ( N, 3085 E), Nigeria respectively. The soil was alfisol and dominated sandy loam soil. The area has bimodal rainfall with total annual rainfall ranges from 1900 and 2100mm spanning eight months (March to October) with annual temperature of o C and 77.7 % relative humidity. Experimental materials Compost used for the study was prepared from siam weed (Chromolaena odoratum) and cow dung manure. The plant and cow dung manure were stored in non- biodegradable materials. The plant was chopped into smaller particles of below 5cm with chaff cutter. Concrete heap method of composting the organic materials was adopted. The walls were lined with black polythene sheet and the materials were laid out in ratio 3:1 Chromolaena odoratum to cow dung manure (on dry weight basis) (Adediran et al., 1999). The materials were laid in layers, a layer of 30kg Chromolaena odoratum and 10kg of cow dung manure. The compost heaps were monitored till maturity, turning and watering were done every fortnight, while the ph ambient temperatures were taken every week. At maturity, the compost was evacuated from the heap, air dried, shredded, bagged and stored under shade at room temperature until use. Samples were taken for chemical analysis. The kenaf variety studied was Ifeken 100 gotten from kenaf unit of I.A.R & T. Pot experiment This was conducted at the screen house of IAR&T, Ibadan with the aim of monitoring the effect of the treatments on the growth and dry matter accumulation of kenaf. The soil used was a composite top soil that was collected from a degraded site. Plastic pots of 6 Kg capacity were used. They were perforated at the base and place on a saucer pan to collect the leachates. The soil was analyzed before compost application for physical and chemical properties in the laboratory. Each pot was filled with 5kg air- dried soil leaving some space to the brim of the pot to prevent soil wash during watering. The treatments were three different time of application (3, 2 &1 week before planting) and three rates (20, 10 & 0 t ha -1 ) of application of compost on Kenaf. A treatment had 3 pots per replicate; a pot contained 2 plant stands making a total of 6 plants per treatment per replicate and a total number of 36 pots were used. The pots were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The compost was broadcasted and mixed thoroughly with the soil in each pot at 3, 2 and 1 week before planting and watered regularly. Four seeds were sown per pot which was watered regularly until germination of the seeds and the seedlings were thereafter thinned to two stands per pot. Data collection Five weeks after planting, agronomic data taken and recorded were plant height which was by measuring the height (cm) of the plant from the base to the tip of the plant, number of the leaves per plant which was by counting adding individual leaf on a plant. Stem girth was equally taken at the base of the stem using venial caliper (cm). Six weeks after the plant had been planted, one plant was carefully uprooted, washed with water to remove the soil and other dirt, air dried and milled for nutrient uptake analysis. Y= X*C Where Y= % nutrient uptake X= weight of the plant material (g) C= concentration of nutrient per plant. 8

4 Soil from each pot was randomly collected from 0 15 cm top soil, these were mixed per pot to form a composite sample for each treatment which was prepared and kept for Laboratory analyses. Field experiment The field experiment was conducted at NIHORT experimental station. Prior to planting, the land was ploughed and harrowed after which pre- cropping composite soil sample was taken for laboratory analysis to know the nutrient contents. The treatments imposed on kenaf were rates of compost (20, 10 & 0 t ha -1 ) and time of compost application (3, 2, & 1weeks before planting). The experiment was a 3x3 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. A plot measures 2 x 2 m (4 m 2 ) and consisted of 5 rows of 11 plants each with 1m gap between plots and 1m gap between replicates. The composts were uniformly added and worked into the soil by light hoeing at each time of application. At planting, four seeds were sown per hole at a spacing of 20 x 50 cm which was later thinned to two plants per stand at 2WAP to obtain a population of 200,000 plants /ha. Weeding was done as at 3 and 6 weeks after planting. Data collection Data collection started at 4WAP on growth parameters while dry matter yield for nutrient uptake analyses, seed yield and post cropping composite soil sample per plot data were also taken. Four (4) plants were randomly selected from each plot for the assessment of the following growth parameters: plant height, leave count and stem girth. At six weeks after planting, two plants were uprooted from each of the plot, washed and separated into their various parts, oven dried at 65 0 C till constant weight for dry matter yield after which it was milled to assess nutrient concentration from which nutrient uptake is calculated. Soil from each plot was randomly collected from 0 15 cm top soil, these were mixed per plot to form a composite soil sample for post cropping chemical properties of soil in the Laboratory. Soil Analyses Pre and post cropping soil samples collected from both experiments were air - dried ground and passed through 2 mm sieve. The sieved samples were then subjected to soil routine analyzes. The soils were analyzed for particle size (Gee and Bauder, 1986), ph in soil-water suspension 1:5 using ph meter (Thomas, 1996), Organic carbon was determined by Walkley-Black procedure using dichromate as oxidizing agent described in Nelson and Sommers, (1996), Total nitrogen was determined by khedhal method of Bremner, (1996), Available phosphorous (P) by Bray 1 method and determined colorimetrically using the method of Murphy and Riley (1962). Total acidity by titrimentry (IITA, 1997). Effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was determined by summation of total exchangeable bases and total acidity (Braize, 1998). Exchangeable bases were determined with one normal ammonium acetate buffer at ph 7. Na + and K + in extract were determined by flame photometry while Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ were determined by Automatic adsorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Statistical Analysis Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated by least significant difference (LSD) at 5% probability. All analysis was carried out by using statistical analysis system (SAS, 2008). Table 1: Physical and Chemical properties of pre-cropped Soil Parameters Value ph (H 2 O) 5.97 Exchangeable bases (c mol Kg -1 ) Ca Na K Mg Ex. Acidity (c mol Kg -1 ) 0.11 ECEC (c mol Kg- 1 ) 7.57 Organic carbon (g Kg -1 ) 9.60 Organic matter (g Kg -1 )

5 Total N (g Kg -1 ) 1.00 Available P (mg Kg -1 ) 1.49 Silt (g Kg -1 ) 88 Clay (g Kg -1 ) 44 Sand (g Kg -1 ) 868 Textural class Loamy sand RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The Physical and chemical properties of the soil of the study area before cropping are presented in Table 1. The soil was loamy sand in texture; moderately acidic with ph value of The total N, organic carbon and available phosphorus were low; also the exchangeable bases ranged from low to moderately low. Similarly, the effective cation exchangeable capacity (ECEC) was low with the value of 7.57 c mol Kg -1 soil. It could be inferred from the above result that the experimental site has been subjected to continuous cropping which resulted to its low fertility status and therefore expected to exhibit response to soil amendments. Growth Parameters The effect of time of application of compost on growth parameter of kenaf presented in Table 2 revealed that there were no significant differences on the growth parameters irrespective of the time of compost application. However, higher rates of compost application (20 t ha -1 ) resulted in significant increases than the control (0 t ha -1 ) in all the growth parameters measured. The highest leave count, widest girth and tallest kenaf stem (38.08, 2.42cm and cm respectively) were obtained at 20 tons ha -1 which was not significantly different from those plants that received 10 t ha -1. The control had the lowest significant value of the parameters taken (27.83, 1.75 cm &109.2 cm) respectively. Therefore it could be inferred that compost application between one to three weeks before planting is appropriate since there was no significant effect of time of application on the growth parameters of the crop. Although 20 tons ha -1 gave the highest values of all the parameters taken, it is not significantly different from 10 tons ha -1, therefore considering cost and time of composting, it is advisable to use 10 tons h -1 a. The effect of rate and time of application of compost on growth parameters presented in Table 3 shows that there were no significant differences in growth parameters irrespective of the time of compost application. However, three weeks compost application before planting favoured the plant height of kenaf. Rate of application of compost however showed increase in the values of growth parameters measured from the control plant to those plants that received 20 t ha -1 rate of compost. The highest leave count, widest girth and tallest kenaf stem values (10.08, 6.43cm and cm respectively) was obtained at 20 t ha -1 while the control had the lowest value (100.54, 6.06 cm, & cm) of the parameters. The stem girth of 6.43 cm of kenaf plant that received 20 t ha -1 of compost was significantly thicker than those of control (6.06 cm). This confirmed the result obtained in the pot experiment. Nutrient uptake by Kenaf plant grown on Pot and Field The concentration of Nitrogen nutrient taken up by kenaf plant was significantly higher at 3WBP with 257 %, as presented in Table 4. There was no significant different in P and K uptake irrespective of the time of application before planting. Also rate of application of compost had no significant effect on the uptake of NPK nutrient analyzed. Effect of nutrient uptake by Kenaf plant showed no significant different on time of application of compost before planting and rate of application of compost. Although, 3WBP with its absolute values shows that it s slightly higher than the other two; 1&2 WPB which could be attributed to the mineralization of the compost as influence by time of compost application. This is in line with research findings of Fadare, (2005) which says that kenaf have shown general lack of response to application of N, P and combination of both in areas where the soil was fairly fertile. Seed Yield The time and rate of application of compost had no significant effect on kenaf seed harvested from the field experiment as presented in Table 8. The highest seed yield (359.9 Kg) per hectare was obtained from kenaf plants that were planted at three weeks after application of compost while the lowest yield (312.2 Kg) was obtained from those planted one week after compost application. The highest seed yield Kg) was however obtained from those plant that received 10 t ha-1 of compost while lowest yield (322.2 Kg) was obtained from the control though; 10

6 not significantly different from each other. The interaction between the time and the rate of compost application was not significant with the respect to the use of the compost and seed yield of Kenaf. Post Cropping Soil Properties Soil analysis after harvesting showed that ph value increased with time and rate of application of compost. This could be as a result of release of basic cations into the system from the breakdown of compost applied. This affirms the findings of Akande et al. (2003) that application of organic materials could ameliorate acidic soil to improve crop production. The observed decrease in the ph with the unfertilized cropping was as a result of depletion of basic cations by the crop without a concomitant replacement. Compost application resulted in higher build up of organic carbon contents in the soil than the control. This is expected because of the organic carbon contents of the compost used for the amendment. The increase in the soil available P as a result of compost application relative to the control indicated that the P release from the organic material was ascertained as the soil available P was still higher than the initial available P even after the one taken up by kenaf. CONCLUSION It could be concluded that kenaf growth and performance could be improved using compost however, time of application for its growth might not be relevant as revealed in the result obtained but the application should better be done at two or three weeks before planting for convenience and better mineralization which was evident from the highest values recorded in the stem girth and leaf count (pot experiment) and plant height of kenaf (field experiment). However, no significant difference seen on the rate of compost applied confirmed that Kenaf plant could thrived relatively well on marginal soil. Notwithstanding, 10 t ha -1 of compost would be more economical than applying 20 t ha -1 to obtain optimum seed yield in kenaf and improve soil better hence it could be planted with little or no external input. Table 2: Effect of Rate and Time of Application of Compost on Growth parameter of Kenaf Treatments (WBP) Plant height (cm) Stem Girth (cm) Leave Count LSD (0.05) Ns Ns Ns Rates (t ha -1 ) LSD (0.05) * * * ns: not significant WBP: week before planting 11

7 Table 3: Effect of Rate and Time of Application of Compost on Growth parameter of Kenaf Treatments (WBP) Plant height (cm) Stem Girth (cm) Leave Count LSD (0.05) Rate ( t ha -1 ) 0 Ns ns 6.06 Ns LSD (0.05) Ns * Ns Table 4: Effect of Rate and Time of Application of Compost on Nutrient uptake by Kenaf Treatments % N- uptake % P- uptake % K uptake Application time LSD (0.05) * Ns Ns Rate( t ha -1) LSD (0.05) Ns Ns Ns A*R Ns Ns Ns 12

8 Table 5: Effect of Time of Application of Compost on Nutrient uptake by Kenaf Treatments (WBP) % N- uptake % P- uptake % K uptake LSD (0.05) Ns Ns Ns Rate( t ha -1) LSD (0.05) Ns Ns Ns A*R Ns Ns Ns Table 6: Effect of Time of Application of Compost on seed yield of Kenaf Treatments (WBP) Seed yield (g/plot) Seed (Kg/ha) LSD (0.05) ns Ns Rate(t ha -1 ) LSD (0.05) ns Ns A*R ns Ns 13

9 Table 7: Effect of Time and Rate of Application of Compost on Chemical properties of the post cropping soil on field Ph (H 2 0) OC (g Kg -1 ) Av. P (mg Kg -1 ) Tot N (g Kg -1 ) K + Na + Ca 2+ Mg 2+ H + ECEC Treatment (cmol Kg -1 ) Application time LSD (0.05) * Ns * Ns Ns ns * Ns ns * Rate LSD (0.05) * * * * * ns * Ns ns Ns A*R Ns Ns Ns Ns ns Ns Ns Ns ns Ns 14

10 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Authors appreciate the assistance of Mr. Bolaji Olatunbosun and Mr. Adeeyo Jibola in collecting data. REFERENCES Adediran, J. A., Ogunbodede, B. O. and J. O. Ojo- Atere (1999): Organic fertilizer and Maize production the journey so far. In: profitable Maize Production and Utilization in a Fertilizer Deregulation Economy.Proceedings of 4 th National Workshop of Maize Association of Nigeria. May 1999, Ibadan. Pp Agbaje, G. O., Saka, J. O., Adegbite, A. A. and O. O. Adeyeye (2008): Influence of agronomic practices on yield and profitability in Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) fibre cultivation. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 7(5), Pp Akanbi, W. B. Togun, A. O., Adediran, J. A. and E. A. ilupeju (2010): Growth, dry matter and fruits yield components of Okra under organic and inorganic sources of Nutrients, AM Eurasian J. Sustain. Agric. 4(1): 1-13, Akande, M. O., Oluwatoyinbo, F. I., Adediran, J. A., Busari, K. W. Busari, and I. O. Yusuf (2003): Soil amendements affect the release of P from rock phosphate and the development and yield of okra. Journal of vegetable Production, 9 (2): 3-9. Bermner, J. M., (1996): Nitrogen-Total. In: Methods Soil Analysis: Chemical Methods, Sparks, D. L. (Ed.) American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI., USA., pp Braize, (1998): Soil Science Analysis. Wiley. Pp.192. Cosentino S. L. and V. Copani, (2003):Agroindustria, 2,2/2: Fadare (2005): Evaluation of four spray regimes of monocrotophos for control of Earias spp. Damage to seed kenaf. World Journal of Agricultural science 1(1): 76-79, Gee, G. W. and J. W. Bauder (1986): Particle size Analysis. In: Methods Soil Analysis, Klute A. (Ed.) Part 1. Am. Soc. Agron., Madison, WI., pp: Glass, A. D. M. (2003): Nitrogen use efficiency of crop plant physiological constraints upon nitrogen absorption. Crit. Rev. Plant Sci., 22, IITA (1997): International institute of tropical Agriculture Annual report, Ibadan Murphy, J., Riley. J. P., (1962): A modified Singhe solution method for determination of phosphate in natural waters. Anal. Chim. Acta 27, Nelson, D. W. and L. E. Sommers (1996): Total Carbon, Organic Matter. In: Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 3. Chemical Methods, sparks D. L. (Eds.). American Society of Agronomy / Soil Sciences Society of America, Madison, WI. pp; Parry, M. A. J., Flexas, J. and H. Medrano (2005): prospects for crop production under drought: Research priorities and future directions. Ann. Appl. Biol., 147, SAS, (2008): SAS user s guide: Statistics, 2008 edn. Statistical Analysis Systems Institute. Thomas, G. W. (1996): Soil ph and Soil acidity. Pages In sparks, D. L. (Ed.). Methods of soil Analysis: Part 3- Chemical methods. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Book Series No 5. SSSA and ASA, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA. 15