The effects of zinc biofortification of seeds and NPK fertilizer application on the growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

<p>Soils of the southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria are inherently infertile due to shortened fallow period and the continuous use of inorganic fertilizer which depletes the soil of micronutrients such as zinc over time. A field trial was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of zinc and NPK fertilizer on the growth, yield and zinc concentration of seeds of sesame. The experiment was laid out as a factorial fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of four levels of ZnSO<sub>4</sub> (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four levels of NPK 15:15:15 (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using new Duncan multiple range test at 5 % level of probability. Results obtained showed significant effects of Zn and NPK rates on plant height, number of leaves, yield per plot and yield per hectare. The application of 15 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> Zn and 300 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> (15:15:15) NPK resulted in high yield and high zinc content of seeds.</p>

Growth Performance and Yield of Brassica rapa Var. Chinensis with Takakura and Conventional Compost

“…Regarding B. rapa growth, the percentage of light interception of B. rapa has a higher percentage for the treatment of T and M compared with the control treatment. The compost added to the growing media might provide sufficient nutrients to B. rapa hence increasing in number of leaves and leaf area produced for each plant contributes to a higher light interception percentage (Eifediyi et al, 2022;Ndzeshala et al, 2023). The higher number of leaves produced and larger leaf area lead to higher light interception for more photosynthetic capacity (Eifediyi et al, 2023) of B. rapa hence providing more production of crops.…”

Biochar Improves Soil Fertility and Crop Performance: A Case Study of Nigeria

“…Among different application rates, 1.25 t•ha −1 of BC yielded the best results in terms of enhancing soil pH, CEC, and promoting cowpea growth and yield. Eifediyi et al [177] examined the effects of a sawdust-biochar application on the growth, morphological characteristics, and yield of four varieties of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The study revealed that sawdust biochar had positive effects on low-fertility soil during sesame cultivation in Kwara State, within the Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria.…”

“…Studies on various crops such as Annona muricata [171], cowpea [176], sesame [177], okra [180], tomato [42], and ginger [187] demonstrated the positive effects of BC on growth and yield. These findings suggest that BC application benefits a wide range of crops, making it a versatile soil-amendment option.…”

“…This alarming lack of research focus on SLS is particularly concerning, given that this region predominantly features low-fertility sandy soils with meager yields for arable crops. Studies on various crops such as Annona muricata [171], cowpea [176], sesame [177], okra [180], tomato [42], and ginger [187] demonstrated the positive effects of BC on growth and yield. These findings suggest that BC application benefits a wide range of crops, making it a versatile soil-amendment option.…”