Effects of NPK fertilizer on nutrient uptake of <i>Cucurbita moschata</i> (Duch. <i>ex</i> Lam.) Duch. <i>ex</i> Poir

Abstract

The effects of NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on nutrient uptake of Cucurbita moschata (Duch. ex Lam.) Duch. ex Poir. were conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Botanical Garden. Eight treatments viz; 0, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 kilogram of NPK per hectare (kg/ha) were used in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. These treatments were applied once to two weeks old seedlings of C. moschata using ring method. The effects of these treatments on leaf N, P, K, Ca, Na and Mg concentrations were studied. Soil mineral levels were also monitored for 0 and 6 weeks. The crude protein and chlorophyll contents were also studied. The study showed that NPK fertilizer increased the nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Na and Mg) of C. moschata. The highest uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Na and Mg concentrations were obtained from fertilizer at 250 kg/ha. Crude protein content was also higher with 250 kg/ha treatment. In all cases the lowest nutrient uptake was recorded in the control (0 kg/ha). However, 350 kg/ha showed high chlorophyll a while the control gave the highest chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content respectively. At P<0.05, there were significant difference among treatments. The NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer increased the soil nutrient. The study recommends an application rate of 250 kg/ha for the cultivation of C. moschata.

Keywords: NPK fertilizer, Nutrient uptake, Cucurbita moschata