Effect of <i>Dactyladenia barteri</i> mulch and NPK fertilizer on weed density, ginger production and soil recapitalization in Umudike, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

A field study conducted on a Gleyic Luvisol in Umudike, southeastern Nigeria, in 2017 and 2018 evaluated the effect of Dactyladenia barteri mulch and NPK fertilizer 15:15:15 on weed density, ginger production and soil health. Treatment consisted of three levels of mulch (0, 2 and 4 t ha^–1) and two levels of NPK fertilizer (0.00 and 400 kg ha⁻¹) laid in a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates on 2 x 2 m plots, using 0.20 x 0.20 m spacing. Planting was done in May each year and harvested eight months after planting. Results showed that control plot had 187.80 higher significant weed density than 2 and 4 t ha^–1 mulch (88.20 and 81.80), respectively. Fertilizer had no significant effect on weed density. Ginger survival at 2.00 and 4.00 t ha^–1 mulch (94.40 and 96%) differed significantly from the control plot (42.20%). Number of tillers in mulched plots (t ha^–1) followed the order: 4 > 2 > 0 in both years. Fertilizer rate at 400 kg ha^–1 gave higher significant rhizome yield more than 0 kg ha^–1 in both years. Mulch at 4 t ha^–1 increased soil pH by 12% relative to 7.94% increase by NPK fertilizer. Total N, available P and exchangeable K were increased by 12.30, 64.30 and 14.30% respectively, by mulch at 4 t ha^–1, while NPK fertilizer increased total N, available P and exchangeable K by 5.60, 31.40 and 9.38%, respectively. It was concluded that application of Dactyladenia barteri mulch and NPK fertilizer reduced weed density, improved ginger production and recapitalized soil in Umudike, southeastern, Nigeria.