Effect Of Organic Manures On The Early Growth Of Moringa Oleifera Plant On The Nursery
The impact of organic manures on the initial development of Moringa Oleifera plants in the nursery setting is a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture and plant cultivation. This study investigates the influence of organic fertilizers on the early growth stages of Moringa Oleifera in nursery conditions, exploring variables such as nutrient uptake, biomass production, and overall plant health. By incorporating organic manures rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, this research aims to optimize the growth parameters of Moringa Oleifera seedlings, enhancing their resilience to environmental stressors and promoting vigorous growth. Through a comparative analysis of different organic manure treatments, including compost, vermicompost, and biofertilizers, this study seeks to elucidate the most effective strategies for fostering the robust early growth of Moringa Oleifera plants, thus contributing valuable insights to sustainable agriculture practices and agroecological systems.
This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effects of organic growing media on early emergence and seedling growth of moringa (moringa oleifera l.). The experiment was conducted and the treatments were T1 = top soil + cowdung, T2 = top soil + horse dropping, T3=Poultry litter, and T4 = top soil only which serves as a control. The design adapted during the experiment was Complete Randomized Design (CRD) replicated three times. The result revealed that T2 (Top soil + Horse dropping) gave the highest plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and collar stem girth in 2, 3 and4 weeks after planting. Hence, it can be suggested for adoption to farmers and nursery owners. Therefore, it concluded that application of organic manure especially horse dropping will enhance germination and early seedlings growth of moringa in the study area. It is also recommended that horse dropping and cow dung incombination to top soil should be used as potting mixture at the ratio 2:1 for effective germination and early growth of moringa oleifera by researchers, nursery owners and farmers.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) widely known as moringa, is a tropical crop and the most cultivated species of the family moringaceae. Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated because of its high nutritional, medicinal, agricultural, domestic and environmental purposes. Moringa plants are easily established either by cuttings or seeds. Seeds are either sown directly in the field at the onset of the rainy season or planted in nurseries. Nursery operations involve raising seedlings in different media. Nursery potting media influence quality of seedlings produced thereof (Agbo et al., 2016) which subsequently influences their establishment and productivity in the field (Becker et al., 2015). The traditional nursery potting mediumin Nigeria is top soil dug from farmland and amended with poultry manure. Digging agricultural soils not only renders the land unproductive for cropping, but also makes it prone to erosion and other forms of degradation (Baiyeri, 2013). Moringa is a fast-growing, deep-rooted dicotyledonous plant with tuberous tap root system. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive well in poor soils with little or no fertilization. Moringa oleifera plants can be irrigated during the dry season but should not be water-logged to avoid root rot. The trees can grow upto a height of 15m. The leaves are tri-pinnate, usually 25-60cm long. The plants flower about three times a year and produce average of 17 tonnes of seeds/ha/annumin Nigeria (Ndubuaku et al., 2016). The flowers are pollinated by bees. The seeds have very short dormancy period and can germinate promptly immediately after harvest. The seeds germinate within five to tend ays of planting and the seedlings have short nursery life span (four to eight weeks) because of the fast growing nature of the plants (Fuglie, 2011).The seeds lose their viability within one year of storage. Moringa can also be propagated using maturestem cuttings. The cuttings produce roots within two weeks of planting without any rooting hormone.The leaves are good sources of protein, minerals, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and variousphenolic compounds (Fuglie, 2011). It is environmentally – friendly because of its ability to absorb a lot of the atmospheric carbondioxide for its all-year-round leaf production (evergreen plant).
Germination and seedling growth of moringa depends on environmental and genetic factors. Moringa seeds have no dormancy period, so they can be planted as soon as they are matured and will retain the ability to germinate for the period of one year.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Recently, attention has been directed towards organic manure because of the rising cost of inorganic fertilizers coupled with their inability to give the soil the desired sound health (Oyedeji et al., 2014). In a related literature, effects of compost applied on growth parameters were studied (Asante et al., 2012, Huda et al., 2016), but the application of different amounts has not yet been investigated. The use of organic manure to fertilize moringa in the field is increasing, but very few studies have been carried out to evaluate the effect of this fertilizer in the nursery. This inadequacy makes it difficult to make any recommendation to farmers on the quantity and type of organic manure to apply.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the study
The main aim of this seminar is to study the effect of organic manures on the early growth of moringa oleifera plant on the nursery. The objectives are:
- To study the efficacy of using organic manure on the early growth of moringaoleifera plant.
- To study the benefit of organic manure
- To study the benefit of organic manure
- To performed an experiment that determine the effect of organic manures on the early growth of Moringa Oleifera plants
1.4 Significance of the study
This study will serve as a means of understanding the advantages of using organic manure and reason why organic manure is chosen over fertilizers.
Organic manures can have a significant impact on the early growth of Moringa oleifera plants in the nursery. Moringa oleifera, also known as the drumstick tree or the horseradish tree, is a fast-growing and drought-resistant tree that is cultivated for its nutritional and medicinal value. Here are some effects of organic manures on the early growth of Moringa oleifera plants in the nursery:
- Nutrient Enrichment: Organic manures, such as compost and well-rotted farmyard manure, are rich in nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as micronutrients. These nutrients are essential for the early growth of Moringa plants. They provide a steady and balanced supply of nutrients, promoting healthy root and shoot development.
- Improved Soil Structure: Organic manures enhance soil structure and water retention capacity. Moringa plants require well-drained soil, and organic matter helps improve soil texture. This allows for better aeration of the root zone and prevents waterlogged conditions that can be detrimental to the plant’s growth.
- Microbial Activity: Organic manures introduce beneficial microorganisms into the soil, which aid in nutrient cycling and make nutrients more accessible to the Moringa plants. These microorganisms can help protect against soil-borne diseases that may affect young seedlings.
- Slow Release of Nutrients: Organic manures release nutrients slowly over time, providing a consistent source of nutrition to the growing Moringa plants. This prevents nutrient imbalances and reduces the risk of over-fertilization, which can be harmful to young seedlings.
- Enhanced Root Development: Organic manures encourage the development of a healthy root system. Strong and extensive roots are essential for the establishment and early growth of Moringa plants. They help the plants access water and nutrients from the soil.
- Increased Resistance to Stress: Moringa seedlings grown with organic manures are often more resilient to environmental stresses like drought or pest attacks. The improved nutrient status and overall health of the plants make them better able to withstand adverse conditions.
- Organic Pest Control: Some organic manures, such as neem cake, have natural pesticidal properties. Using such manures can help protect young Moringa plants from certain pests and diseases.
- Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly: Organic manures are derived from natural sources and are environmentally friendly. They promote sustainable agriculture practices and reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can have negative environmental impacts.
When using organic manures in the nursery for Moringa oleifera, it’s essential to ensure that the manures are well-rotted or composted to avoid the risk of introducing pathogens or weed seeds. Additionally, proper management of water and sunlight is crucial for the successful early growth of Moringa seedlings in the nursery.