Effects of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare (Jacq) Willd) In Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Organic fertilizers are valuable resources for improving soil fertility, however recent studies have shown organic matter to be a critical factor affecting soil fertility in Jos Metropolis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of liquid organic fertilizer on the growth and yield characteristics of waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) with the aim of improving productivity. The experimental treatment consisted of 20, 40, 60 and 80 litres/ha of liquid organic fertilizer and a control. These were supplied using Agribloom liquid organic fertilizer. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Growth and yield data collected included leaf count, plant height, number of branches and biomas. These data were analyzed using the analysis of variance. The result showed that there is a significant difference in terms of leaf count, plant height and number of branches among the treatments. Weight of fresh leaves for 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 litres/ha of liquid organic fertilizer were 8,125, 8,750, 9,063, 8,438 and 7,188 kg/ha respectively. However, there was no significant effect of treatment on mean biomass weight. It was therefore concluded that although liquid organic fertilizer is beneficial for improving soil productivity further studies should be conducted to investigate long-term effects.