Effect of <i>Gliricidia sepium</i> (Jacq.) Steud. And <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> (Hemsl.) A. Gray used as green manure on the early growth of <i>Parkia biglobosa</i> (Jacq.) Benth. seedlings

Abstract

Based on the role and function of green manure as soil amendments to improve and maintain the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, this study was carried out to find out the effect of green manure (G. sepium and T. diversifolia leaves) on the growth performance of Parkia biglobosa. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four treatments replicated eight times. 5 kg of each treatment as well as a combination of both treatments were incorporated solely into the soil on a 2mx1m bed. After two months of decomposing the plant materials, 3 kg of the soil was filled into each polythene pot. Growth parameters were monitored for 16 weeks after planting. Result showed that G. sepium had the highest mean value for plant height at 48.24cm while the control recorded the lowest mean value for plant height at 41.93cm. The highest mean value for number of branchlets was recorded in G. sepium treated soil with 33 branchlets while the control recorded the least number with 28 branchlets. This study revealed that the addition of G. sepium manure can better enhance the growth of P. biglobosa seedlings than T. diversifolia manure in the nursery. G. sepium leaves compost can be used in raising this species in the nursery for the production of vigorous seedlings in replacement of inorganic fertilizers. G. sepium leaves is an organic fertilizer that is readily available which can be collected by the farmers from the tree to raise this species.

Keywords: Seedling, Parkia biglobosa, Green manure, Fertilizer, Growth performance