Efficacy of Compost, NPK and Organomineral Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Celosia argentea L.

Summary

A pot trial was conducted in the screen-house of Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria during 2014 planting season to examine the efficacy of compost, NPK and organomineral fertilizers on growth and yield of Celosia argentea as well as residual effects. The treatments comprised of Aleshinloye Grade A (Organomineral fertilizer), Aleshinloye Grade B (Un-amended compost), Sunshine Grade A (Organomineral fertilizer), Sunshine Grade B (Un-amended compost), NPK and control. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. All the treatments (except the control of no soil additive) were applied at the rate of 45 kg N ha-1. Measurements of agronomic parameters were taken and data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the statistical analysis system (SAS). The parameters assessed were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the applied fertilizer types. The results show that dry shoot yield values of celosia argentea were 2.5 and 2.4 g respectively with Sunshine Grade A and Aleshinloye Grade A. Residual effect of Amaranth fresh shoot yield values obtained from Sunshine Grade A (5.3 g) and Aleshinloye Grade A (5.6g) were significantly (p< 0.05) higher than that of the NPK treatment (3.6 g).
In summary, the yield of celosia in Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria can be significantly improved with application of organic fertilizers fortified with mineral fertilizer at 45 kg N ha