Effects of organic and inorganic soil amendments on growth performance of plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the comparative effects of organic and inorganic soil amendments on growth and performance of plantain (Musa paradisiaca). The experiment was established in March 2011 and repeated in February 2012. The treatments consisted of nine soil amendments (NPK sole, Jatropha sole, palm kernel cake (PKC) residue sole, Sunshine organo-mineral sole, NPK + Jatropha husk 50:50, Sunshine organo-mineral + Jatropha husk 50:50, PKC residue + NPK 50:50, PKC residue + Sunshine organo-mineral 50:50, and Control) experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, and replicated thrice. No significant (P < 0.05) difference obtained in the two trials, nevertheless, NPK 15:15:15 produced the highest response to leaf area, leaf numbers and stem girth. Sunshine organo-mineral also showed higher response in stem girth, while the combination of decayed Jatropha husk and NPK fertilizer applied at the ratio of 50:50 had the highest plant height. To facilitate the scaling up of these fertility options, future research and development needs to address recommended application rates, impacts and the method by which crops can be intensively farmed to provide a natural progression out of poverty. Sustaining the findings of this research will enhance good soil management quality, increase farmers productivity as well as improves farmer's standard of living.