Use of tree (<i>Terminalia cattappa</i>) leaf residue as fertilizer material on growth and nutrient availability to maize and soil properties of acid soil

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted under green house conditions to study the effect of tree leaf residue on the growth of maize and nutrient status in acid infertile soil. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. Nine treatments from ground dried sources with and without phosphorus were compared. Ground dried residue from Terminalia cattappa was incorporated into the soil a day before planting while P as single super phosphate and a basal application of 50kgN/ha as urea and 50kgK₂O/ha was applied one week after planting. Result showed that highest plant height was obtained at P1R11and maize dry matter yield were obtained at P₁R₂₂ amongst the treatment combinations and were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from all other treatments. Highest leaf area was obtained at P₁R₂₂. However, maize growth and dry matter yield were better with the dried ground tree leaves. The addition of inorganic fertilizer with plant residue showed an improvement in growth and dry matter yield of maize. Combination of tree leaf residue with phosphorus fertilizer resulted in nutrient accumulation better than where only tree leaf residue was incorporated into the soil. Soil properties after harvesting maize revealed that pH, P and Mg values were better when compared to initial level at the onset of the experiment. It is apparent that concentration of P in soil could be related to sorption capacity. The beneficial effect of the combination of leaf residue with fertilizer P was important considering the interactions under the dynamics of nutrient release from treatments and this would assist in soil fertility improvement.