Growth response of <i>sterculia setigera</i> del. to different types of fertilizers and watering regimes in the nursery

Abstract

Growth response of Sterculia setigera to NPK (15:15:15) and Urea (46:0:0) at different levels of application and watering regimes were examined. A total of 160 seeds of Sterculia setigera were sown. After germination, 72 seedlings of good health and vigour were selected for the study. The fertilizers were applied at four different levels. 0.00g, 0.67g, 1.33g and 2.0g of NPK fertilizer and 0.00kg, 0.22kg, 0.44kg and 0.66kg of Urea with three replicates each. The second treatment was watering regimes; this was applied at three different levels, e.g. daily watering, watering at three days interval and watering at five days internal. The growth parameters which include total height, collar diameter, and number of leaves were measured for a period of twelve weeks. Biomass production was also evaluated. Assessment of the growth parameters reveals that when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea were applied under daily watering regime, the highest mean height of 23.82 and 24.39 cm were recorded. The highest mean diameter growth (collar) of 0.32 and 0.44cm were equally observed when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea fertilizer were applied under daily watering regime. Also, the highest mean number of leaves was produced (6.12 and 6.72) when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea were applied. Biomass analysis from the study also indicates that 0.2g NPK and 0.66kg Urea gave the highest dry matter yield. Therefore, for optima production of Sterculia setigera in the nursery, 0.20g of NPK, 0.66kg of Urea and daily watering regime are recommended.