Response pattern of selected tropical perennials to organic and inorganic fertilizers based on empirical data

Abstract

Tropical perennials have immense nutritional, social and economic significance. However, the environment of their growth often limits their productivity and ultimate utilization. The ability of tropical soils to support plant growth is severely restricted by such properties as poor structure and drainage, low inherent fertility and nutrient imbalances. Socio-economic pressures often lead to more intensive soil cultivation and widespread adoption of inappropriate practices that further degrades the soil. Crop response under such circumstances is generally suboptimal. These soils merit peculiarly appropriate nutrient management options. These include development and utilization of fertilizer technologies uniquely suited for the tropics rather than direct transfer of those intended for the temperate environment and application of organic manures wholly or in combination with inorganic fertilizers. Available evidence indicates the favourable impact of organic manure application on soil properties leading to improved plant response in terms of productivity, produce quality, including postharvest attributes. This is suggestive of the strategic role of organic sources of nutrients in improving the ability of tropical soils to support plant growth and productivity indefinitely while also ensuring human health and environmental quality. In this chapter, empirical data on response pattern of some selected tropical perennials to organic and inorganic fertilizers are presented and discussed.