Effect of Organic Fertiliser on Growth, Fibre Yield and Nutrient uptake of Kenaf (Hibiscuss cannabinus L) in Southwest Nigeria.

Abstract

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) production is constrained by cultural and agronomic practices which reduce its fibre and seed yield. Organic Fertilisers (OF) have proven effective in enhancing yield of some crops, however, information on use of OF to improve yield of kenaf is scanty. Therefore, growth performance, fibre yield and nutrient uptake of kenaf as influenced by different level of OF applied was investigated in 2016 at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria. Five different rates of organic fertiliser equivalent to; 0, 70, 100, 130 and 160 kg N ha-1 were applied to kenaf plot following a randomly completed block design replicated three times. The tallest plants were obtained under 130 kg N/ha and shortest under control at 12 Weeks after sowing (WAS). Stem diameter (2.87 cm) was significantly larger the application of 160kgN/haandleast(1.46cm)undercontrol. Highercoreandbast(2.05and1.22t/ha)wereobtainedunder 160 and 130 kg N/ha respectively. Higher Nitrogen uptake (408.64 mg/plant) peaked under 160 kg N/ha, it was least under control. Organic fertiliser could favourably be used for the cultivation of kenaf as a substitute for synthetic fertiliser. The rate of application therefore should be based on the nutrient content of the organic fertiliser material to be used.