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International Journal of Soil Science

Year: 2020 | Volume: 15 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 16-21
Research Article

Effects of Dolomite on Some Growth Parameters of Poly Bag Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Seedlings in an Ultisol

P.E. Osayande
Soils and Land Management Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, P.M.B. 1030, Benin City, Nigeria
LiveDNA: 234.30081
P.O. Oviasogie
Soils and Land Management Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, P.M.B. 1030, Benin City, Nigeria
B.E. Awanlemhen
Soils and Land Management Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, P.M.B. 1030, Benin City, Nigeria
D.O. Oseghe
Soils and Land Management Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, P.M.B. 1030, Benin City, Nigeria
Background and Objective: Dolomite is a naturally occurring rock mineral that contains calcium and magnesium as its chief mineral/nutrients. Dolomite as a source of plant nutrients for raising poly bag coconut seedlings was evaluated at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR). Materials and Methods: The study, conducted in 2 tasks was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and consisted of four levels of dolomite namely; 0, 100, 200 and 300 g in 5 replications. Task 1 had a 45 g basal application of NPK 15:15:15, while task 2 had a 65 g basal application of urea (N = 45%). Data were collected on plant height, stem girth, leaf area and number of leaves at 4 MAP, 8 MAP and 12 MAP (Months after planting). Results: Results showed that application of 100 g dolomite with a basal NPK 15:15:15 increased plant height over control throughout the sampling period, while application of 200 g dolomite with a basal NPK 15:15:15 only increased plant height over control at 12 MAP. Increased application rate of dolomite at 300 g with a basal NPK 15:15:15 depressed plant height throughout the sampling period. Application of 200 g dolomite with a basal urea only slightly increased plant height over control at 8 MAP. Conclusion: This study has shown that dolomite can be used to complement inorganic fertilizers, specifically NPK 15:15:15 for raising coconut seedlings in a naturally leached sandy soil.
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