Abstract:
The response of Amaranthus to varying fertilizers application and different tillage practices for optimum vegetable production were investigated. This was to increase productivity for food security and reduced growing insecurity to achievable minimum. The optimum level of fertilizer applications and best tillage methods for improved productivity is unknown hence this study. Four treatments based on fertilizer applications viz; nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, (N-P-K, 15-15-15), manure, peat and urea were administered on the vegetable in four different tillage methods namely: zero, bed, heap and ridge using standard procedures. The treatments were replicated using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Agronomic and soil parameters were determined and subjected to statistical analysis. From the study, responses of measured agronomic parameters showed that the ridge tillage method with N.P.K fertilizer application gave optimum yield among the treatments. The vegetables in this treatment had average leave length, root depth, plant height and Leaf Area Index (LAI) values of 29.8, 9.9, 143 and 13.8, respectively all at 8 Weeks After Planting (WAP). These were highest when compared with results from other treatments. Values of soil’s nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 0.29, 8.66 and 0.22 mg kg-1, respectively while calcium and magnesium were within acceptable limits for crop development with values ranging from 2.9 to 8 mol kg-1 and from 2 to 5 mol kg-1, respectively. Statistical analysis among agronomic parameters showed significant difference (p<0.05). Ridge tillage and N.P.K application affected biomass yield and growth of Amaranthus cruentus considerably and is therefore suggested for increased vegetable productivity in Nigeria.
Christopher O. Akinbile and Mohd Suffian Yusoff, 2011. Effect of Tillage Methods and Fertilizer Applications on Amaranthus curentus in Nigeria. International Journal of Agricultural Research, 6: 280-289.
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