ABSTRACT
Field and laboratory studies were carried out in 2018 and 2019 at the National Root Crops Research Institute Eastern Farm, Umudike to explore the influence of mineral and organic fertilization on forms of potassium and ginger production in an Ultisol of Southeastern Nigeria. There were ten treatments consisting of sole and combined application of cow dung, poultry manure, rice mill waste, sawdust and NPK 15:15:15 at the rate of 45 kg N/ha regarded as 100%. They were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Ginger variety (UG I) was used for the experiments. The soil chemical properties and different forms of K were determined at 5 and 8 months after planting (5 and 8 MAP). The potassium uptake in ginger leaf and yield at 5 months after planting (5 MAP) and in the rhizome at 5 and 8 months after planting (5 and 8 MAP) were equally determined. Results showed that the application of the treatments significantly (p<0.05) increased soil chemical properties with the application of 100% NPK giving the highest values for most of the parameters determined at 5 MAP and it was closely followed by plots treated with 50% NPK + 50% rice mill waste in the two planting seasons. At 8 MAP (final harvest) plots treated with 50% NPK + 50% poultry manure gave the highest values for most of the parameters determined in the two planting seasons. The results showed that the application of the treatments significantly (p<0.05) increased the forms of K with plots treated with 100% sawdust giving the highest water soluble K at 5 and 8 MAP in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The plots treated with 100% NPK and 50% NPK + 50% cow dung gave the highest exchangeable K at 5 MAP in 2018 and the plots treated with 100% NPK and 50% NPK + 50% poultry manure gave the highest exchangeable K in 2019. At 8 MAP, plots treated with 50% NPK + 50% cow dung gave the highest exchangeable K in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Potassium uptake in the ginger leaf and rhizome were significantly (p<0.05) increased by the treatments. The treatment combination of 50% NPK + 50% rice mill waste gave the highest K uptake at 5 MAP in the two planting seasons and 50% NPK + 50% poultry manure gave the highest K uptake at 8 MAP in the two planting seasons. The fresh leaf biomass at 5 MAP and fresh rhizome yield at 5 and 8 MAP were significantly (p<0.05) increased across all the treatments when compared with the control. At 5 MAP, the highest biomass yields were obtained from the combined treatments of rice mill waste in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The highest yields were obtained at 8 MAP from the combined treatment of poultry manure in 2018 and 2019 respectively. It can therefore be concluded that combination of NPK fertilizer with rice mill waste will give a better yield of ginger if harvested earlier while poultry manure with NPK is a promising amendment for increasing soil chemical properties, nutrient uptake, growth parameters and yield of ginger in Umudike.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Declaration ii
Certification iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgements v
Table of Contents vii
List of Tables xiii
Abstract xv
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1
Background of Study 1
1.2 Objectives 3
CHAPTER
2 : LITERATURE REVIEW 4
2.1 Zingiber
officinale Roscoe 4
2.1.1 Morphological description of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 6
2.1.2 Utilization of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 6
2.1.3 Nutritional composition of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 7
2.1.4 Agronomy of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 9
2.1.4.1 Management of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 9
2.1.4.2 Harvesting and storage of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 10
2.2 Soil Potassium 10
2.2.1 Forms of soil potassium 11
2.2.1.1 Water soluble K 12
2.2.1.2 Exchangeable K
13
2.2.1.3 Non exchangeable K 14
2.2.1.4 Lattice K
15
2.2.1.5 Mineral
K 16
2.2.1.6 Total potassium 16
2.2.2
Factors affecting potassium availability
17
2.2.2.1 Solution – exchangeable K dynamics 17
2.2.2.2
Potassium fixation 18
2.2.2.3
Potassium release 18
2.2.2.4
Leaching of potassium in the soil 21
2.3 Soil Amendment by Organic Materials 21
2.3.1
Cow dung manure 22
2.3.1.1 Nutrient availability in cow dung 22
2.3.1.2
Effect of cow dung manure on yield of crops and residual
soil nutrients 23
2.3.1.3 Cow
dung and disease prevention 24
2.3.2
Poultry manure 24
2.3.2.1
Characteristics of poultry manure
25
2.3.2.1.1 Nutrient content in poultry manure 25
2.3.2.1.2 Moisture content of poultry manure 27
2.3.2.1.3 Chemical properties of poultry manure 27
2.3.2.1.4
Physical properties of poultry manure 27
2.3.2.2
Sources of poultry manure 28
2.3.2.2.1 Deep litter manure 28
2.3.2.2.2 Broiler house manure 28
2.3.2.2.3 Battery cage manure 28
2.3.2.3 Problems
in usage and storage of poultry manure 29
2.3.2.4 Loss of nutrients after application of
poultry manure 29
2.3.2.5 Effect of poultry manure on nutrient
availability 30
2.3.2.6 Effect of poultry manure on nutrient uptake 30
2.3.2.7 Effect of poultry manure on yield of crops
and residual soil
nutrients 32
2.3.3 Rice husk
32
2.3.3.1
Composition of rice husk 33
2.3.3.2
Proximate composition of rice husk 33
2.3.4 Sawdust 34
2.3.4.1 Chemical composition of sawdust 35
2.3.4.2 Effect
of sawdust on soil toxicity 37
2.3.4.3 Effect of sawdust on crop yields 37
2.3.4.4 Effect of sawdust on soil properties 37
2.4
Soil Amendment by Inorganic Fertilizer 38
2.4.1 NPK
fertilizer 38
2.4.1.1 The
importance of N, P and K minerals to plants
40
2.4.1.1.1 Nitrogen
(N) 40
2.4.1.1.2
Phosphorus (P) 40
2.4.1.1.3
Potassium (K) 40
2.4.1.2 Effect of NPK fertilizer and cow dung on soil nutrient
contents 40
2.4.1.3 Effects
of NPK fertilizer and cow dung on tuber weight
of sweet potato 42
CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS
43
3.1 Research Location 43
3.2 Climate Condition of the Study Area 43
3.3 Planting Material 46
3.4 Experimental Design and Treatments 46
3.4.1
Total N content in NPK 15:5:15 fertilizer used in the
Experiment 46
3.4.2
Total N content in the organic amendments used in the 46
experiment
3.5 Field Layout for 2018 and 2019 Planting
Seasons in (RCBD) 48
3.6
Sources of Amendments 49
3.7
Planting Data 49
3.8
Field Studies 49
3.8.1
Growth parameters measured in the field 50
3.8.1.1 Plant
establishment 50
3.8.1.2 Plant
height (cm) 50
3.8.1.3 Number
of leaves per plant 50
3.8.1.4 Number
of tillers per plant 50
3.8.2
Yield parameters measured at harvest 50
3.8.2.1 Biomass
yield 51
3.8.2.2 Weight
of fresh rhizome per plot in t/ha 51
3.8.3 Nutrient
uptake 51
3.9
Collection and Preparation of Soil Samples 51
3.10
Laboratory Analyses 51
3.10.1
Routine soil analysis 51
3.10.1.1 Particle
size distribution (Mechanical analysis) 52
3.10.1.2
Soil pH 52
3.10.1.3
Total nitrogen 52
3.10.1.4
Organic carbon 52
3.10.1.5
Available phosphorus 52
3.10.1.6 Exchangeable bases 52
3.10.1.7 Exchangeable acidity 52
3.10.1.8 Effective cation exchange capacity 53
3.10.1.9 Total exchangeable base 53
3.10.1.10
Base saturation
53
3.10.2
Forms of Potassium 53
3.10.2.1 Water soluble K 53
3.10.2.2 Exchangeable K 54
3.10.2.3 Non exchangeable K 54
3.10.2.4 Total K 54
3.10.2.5 Lattice K 54
3.10.3 Organic manure analysis 54
3.10.3.1
Exchangeable bases (Ca, K, Mg and Na) 55
3.10.3.2 Total nitrogen 55
3.10.3.3 Phosphorus 55
3.10.3.4 Organic carbon
55
3.10.4
Ginger leaf analysis 55
3.10.5
Ginger rhizome analysis 55
3.11
Statistical Analysis 56
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS
AND DISCUSSION 57
4.1
Properties of the Soils used for the Experiment 57
4.2
Properties of the Manures used for the Experiment 60
4.3 Properties of the Soil after 2018 Experiment
at 5 and 8 Months
after
Planting (MAP) 62
4.4
Properties of the Soil after 2019 Experiment at 5 and 8 Months
after Planting (MAP) 65
4.5
Effect of Treatments on Soil Forms of Potassium at 5 Months
after Planting for 2018 and 2019 Planting
Seasons 68
4.6
Effect of Treatments on Soil Forms of Potassium at 8 Months
after Planting for 2018 and 2019 Planting
Seasons 73
4.7
Effect of Treatments on Number of Leaves of Ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe) for 2018 and 2019 Planting Seasons 78
4.8
Effect of Treatments on Number of Tillers of Ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe)
For 2018 and 2019 Planting Seasons 81
4.9 Effect of Treatments on Plant Height of
Ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe) for
2018 and 2019 Planting Seasons 84
4.10
Effect of Treatments on Leaf Biomass and Potassium Uptake in
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale
Roscoe) Leaf at 5 Months after
Planting for 2018 and 2019 Planting Season 88
4.11
Effect of Treatments on Rhizome Yield and Potassium Uptake
of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) at 5 Months after
Planting for 2018 and 2019 Planting Seasons 91
4.12 Effect of Treatments on Rhizome Yield and
Potassium Uptake
of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) At 8 Months after Planting
for 2018 and 2019 Planting Seasons 94
4.13 Relationship among Potassium Forms 97
4.14 Relationship among K Forms in Soil and K
Uptake in Ginger
Rhizome 100
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
102
5.1 Conclusion 102
5.2 Recommendation 103
References
104
Appendix 121
LIST OF TABLES
2.1 Taxonomy classification of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 5
2.2 Nutritional composition of Zingiber officinale Roscoe 8
2.3 Nutrient content of different types of
poultry manure 26 2.4 Influence of
poultry manure on the nutrient uptake in cassava 31
2.5 Content of important components of
sawdust and their C Content 36
2.6 Elemental composition of sawdust 36
2.7 Advantages and
disadvantages of inorganic amendments as
Fertilizer 39
2.8 Effects
of NPK Fertilizer and cow dung on soil nutrient
contents 41
2.9
Effects of NPK fertilizer and cow dung on tuber weight of
sweet potato 42
3.1 Agrometeorological data of the
experimental sites for 2018
and 2019 seasons 45
4.1 Physical and chemical properties of soil
before experimentation 59
4.2 Chemical composition of amendments used for
the study 61
4.3 Effect of Treatments on soil chemical
properties for 2018
planting season 64
4.4 Effect of Treatments on soil chemical
properties for 2019 planting
Season 67
4.5
Effect of treatments on soil forms of potassium at 5 months after
planting for 2018
and 2019 planting seasons 72
4.6
Effect of treatments on soil forms of potassium at 8 months
after planting for
2018 and 2019 planting seasons 77
4.7
Effect of treatments on number of leaves of ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe) for 2018 and 2019 planting seasons 80
4.8
Effect of treatments on number of tillers of ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe) for 2018 and 2019 planting seasons 83
4.9
Effect of treatments on plant height of ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe) for 2018 and 2019 planting seasons 87
4.10
Effect of treatments on ginger leaf biomass and potassium
uptake at 5 months after planting for 2018 and
2019 planting
seasons 90
4.11
Effect of treatments on rhizome yield and potassium uptake
at 5 months after
planting for 2018 and 2019 planting seasons 93
4.12
Effect of treatments on rhizome yield and potassium uptake
at 8 months after
planting for 2018 and 2019 planting seasons 96
4.13
Relationship among different forms of potassium during
the 2018 and 2019
planting seasons 99
4.14
Coefficient of correlation (r) among K uptake and forms
of
potassium 101
CHAPTER
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Zingiber
officinale Roscoe popularly known as ginger is a
plant that produces an underground rhizome which is an important raw material
for medicinal and pharmaceutical industries throughout the world (Schweitzer
and Rio, 2007). Ginger requires well drained soils rich in nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium. Adequate soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are essential
nutrients which can be supplied by organic or inorganic fertilizer sources
(Moritsuka et al., 2001).
Although inorganic fertilizers can be
used to increase crop yields, replenish soil nutrients and their use in
tropical agriculture is limited due to their scarcity, high cost, nutrient
imbalance and soil acidity (Akande et al.,
2010). Furthermore, continuous use of inorganic fertilizers in crop production
affects soil structure and may even lead to lower yield of crops if not
properly regulated and managed (Akande et
al., 2010). The work of Dauda et al.
(2008) has shown that organic manures can serve as a better alternative to
inorganic fertilizers in terms of improving soil structure, fertility and
productivity as they are known to supply nutrients to crops and improve soil
physical and chemical conditions through increased organic matter. Organic
fertilizer has been shown to sustain crop yield, provide better nutrient
recycling and soil productivity, and safeguard the health of the soil and the
seed (El-Shakweer et al., 1998; Belay
et al., 2001). In addition, soil organic matter performs a
biological function by providing carbon - an energy source for soil microbes
(Kumbhar et al., 2007).
The effect of inorganic fertilizer on
highly weathered and low nutrient soils without any compensatory organic input
sources has been reported to have limited residual effects on crop production
(Okigbo, 2000). On the other hand, organic amendments alone may not offer
sufficient nutrient supply to meet plant demands (Gentile et al., 2011; Bedada et al.,
2014). One way to counter this soil fertility problem is by Integrated Soil
Fertility Management (ISFM), a technique that makes use of both organic and
inorganic resources resulting in greater yield response and better nutrient
storage (Bedada et al., 2014;
Ewusi-Mensah et al., 2015).
The soil of the study area is Ultisol
with low fertility status associated with high rainfall that leads to erosion
and leaching of basic cations (Chude et
al., 2004). This high precipitation exposes the soil to intensive weathering
and loss of organic matter all of which is associated with high level of
acidity (Eshiett, 1992). Therefore, for better crop yield and improved soil
properties, organic amendment is highly needed in this area.
Potassium is an element that assists
the general activity of the plant to function accurately. It assists in
photosynthesis, fruit quality, the building of protein and the reduction of
diseases in crops (Ufot, 2012). Root crops have a high requirement for
potassium (K) compared with cereals. In contrast to nitrogen or phosphorus
deficiencies, potassium deficiency tends to have a much greater effect on
storage root yield than on the growth of the tops. The correction in slight
quantity of potassium addition can result in large yield increases (Nwaogu
and Ukpabi, 2010).
This study aims at evaluating the
effects of organic manure sources applied alone and their combinations with
mineral fertilizer on the changes in soil potassium and some selected chemical
properties with a view to knowing how such changes can affect the growth and
the yield responses of ginger in a tropical ultisol of southeastern Nigeria.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the study were to:
· Determine
the changes in soil chemical properties as affected by sole organic fertilization
and their combinations with mineral fertilizer.
· Determine
the changes in soil potassium forms as affected by sole organic fertilization
and their combinations with mineral fertilizer.
· Determine
potassium uptake response of ginger as affected by different organic manure
sources and mineral fertilizer.
· Evaluate
the yield responses of ginger to the different fertilizer sources and
combinations.
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