Residual effects of neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Sapindales: Meliaceae) seed-based fertilizer and NPK on the performance of Basella alba L. (Caryophyllales: Basellaceae) plant

Abstract

Organomineral formulations are low input technology fertilizers, which combine the attributes of both organic and inorganic fertilizers. A completely randomized design (CRD) pot experiment was conducted in the screen house of the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, to evaluate the residual effects of neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Sapindales: Meliaceae) seed based fertilizer and NPK 20:10:10 on the growth, yield and nutritional quality of Basella alba L. (Caryophyllales: Basellaceae). Results showed that the plots previously treated with neem seed-based fertilizer especially at 150-300 kg/ha enhanced the growth, yield and nutritional quality of B. alba, and increased these parameter significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the NPK treated and the untreated soil samples. It was therefore concluded that the Neem seed based fertilizer can serve as a viable alternative to NPK chemical fertilizers especially in rotational cropping systems owing to its prolonged soil action.