Effects of organic, organomineral and NPK fertilizer treatments on the nutrient uptake of Amaranthus cruentus (L) on two soil types in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The macronutrient uptake of A. cruentus under two soil types: Ikorodu (orthic Luvisol) and Lagos state university LASU) Ojo campus, (Dystric Fluvisol) were investigated under field conditions. Eight fertilizer treatments (1) control (no fertilizer), (2) pacesetter's Grade B (PGB) 100%, (3) PGB + NPK (75:25), (4) PGB + NPK (50:50), (5) Kola Pod Husk (KPH) 100%, (6) KPH + NPK(75:25), (7) KPH + NPK(50:50) and (8) NPK(100%) were tested at first planting. Residual effects of the fertilizers were assessed in the second and third planting periods. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design in four replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA Test. Due to the high N status of the soil in Ikorodu (sandy clay loam) its uptake was significantly (p<0.05) higher (87.1%) than that of LASU. The KPH and PGB had the highest potential in A. cruentus production. At Ikorodu site, KPH + NPK (75:25) had the nutrient uptake while at LASU, PGB + NPK (75:25) was optimum. KPH + NPK (75:25) gave highest N, P, K, Ca and Mg uptake in A. cruentus.