Comparative Effects of Different Fertilizer Sources on the Growth and Nutrient Content of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Seedling in a Greenhouse Trial

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of NPK, poultry manure, and organomineral fertilizer on the growth and nutrient concentration ofMoringa oleiferaleaves. The experimental design was completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments replicated three times. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA atP=0.05. Growth parameters measured include number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm), and stem girth (mm). The application of poultry manure increased the height, number of leaves, and stem girth of moringa compared to the application of NPK and organomineral fertilizer while the control had the least growth. Poultry manure, NPK, and organomineral fertilizer were 66%, 62%, and 39% higher in number of leaves than the control at eight weeks after planting. The application of poultry manure significantly(P≤0.05)increased the nutrient content of moringa leaves compared to other sources of fertilizer applied. The results shows that the application of poultry manure significantly(P≤0.05)improved the growth and nutrient content of moringa; however, further field trial is suggested.

Effect of organic fertilizers rate on plant survival and mineral properties of Moringa oleifera under greenhouse conditions

“…Compost types and mineral fertilizer were more effective, as they provided more mineral elements such as N, P, K, Ca, N, Mg and C for plant growth and development. Dania et al (2014) obtained similar results, the nitrogen of M. oleifera leaves being significantly improved by Poultry manure with 4.13% compared to the organomineral fertilizer (2.01%).…”

Effect of Planting Density and Harvest Interval on the Leaf Yield and Quality of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) under Diverse Agroecological Conditions of Northern South Africa

“…Abdullahi et al [24] recommended that the combination of 20,000 stands per hectare and a fertilizer application rate of 200 kg N per hectare is the optimum one for the cultivation of Moringa oleifera for biomass production in the North-Central zone of Nigeria, where the area is characterised by hot summer temperatures and high rainfall of up to 1300 mm/a. Dania et al [25] further reported that the application of poultry manure significantly increased the vegetative growth of this crop.…”

“…Sánchez et al [12] applied fertilizer at a rate of 90 kg N/ha as urea, 30 kg P/ha (P 2 O 5 ), and 30 kg K/ha (K 2 O). Further findings by Dania et al [25] revealed that the nutrient concentration of moringa leaves was significantly improved by treating degraded soil with poultry manure. Under high rainfall and temperature conditions, application of nutrients to the soil will improve plant growth and the chemical composition of the plants.…”

Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health

“…Several studies [7,10,11], focused on leaves or biomass production, suggest that the vegetative growth of Moringa is best supported by 120 kg N:P:K/ha. Fertilization must be done during soil preparation before sowing, and when the trees are at the onset of the growth period, i.e., just before the rainy season.…”