Evaluation of Effect of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>-Based Agro-Forestry Practices on the Yields of <i>Ipomea batata</i> in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of Moringa oleifera based agro- forestry system on Sweet potato yields in North Central Nigeria. The study was carried out in the Potato Multiplication Centre in Gikwoyi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications was used. Data collected included, soil physico-chemical properties, aerial biomass weight, tuber yield, and weed biomass weight. Performance of Ipomea batata was significantly improved by Moringa oleifera based agro-forestry systems. Highest soil organic matter 0.76% (2010), 0.86% (2011) and soil pH 6.8 were obtained from Moringa+ Leucaena plots. Tuber yield of Ipomea batata peaked at 20.2 t ha^-1 (2010) and 22.9 t ha^-1 (2011) in Moringa + Leucaena plots. Although tuber yield of Ipomea batata that received N.P.K (20:10:10) was highest (18.6 t ha^-1 ) in the first year of planting, in subsequent years the yields in N.P.K fertilized plots decreased drastically. Poorest tuber yield (3.6 t ha^-1) was obtained from the control plots in the third year of planting. Weed infestation was drastically reduced (10.29 t ha^-1 in Moringa + Leucaena plots compared to that in the N.P.K. fertilized plots; 21.61t ha^-1 (2009), 29.10 t ha^-1 (2010) and 27.63 t ha^-1 in 2012 respectively.

Key words: Moringa, Leucaena, Gliricidia, Agro-forestry system ,Ipomea batata