The effect of packaged organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of soyabean (glycine max l)

Abstract

The effect of packaged organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of soyabean Glycine max (L) merr) was carried out in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. The treatments used were inorganic fertilizer NPK 15: 15: 15 and packaged organic fertilizer. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block designed (RCBD) in three replicates’ with six treatments viz, 0, 100, 200 and 300kg/ha NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer, and 100 and 300 Kg/ha organic fertilizer. Results showed that plant height, number of branches, leaf area and number of leaves per plant were enhanced by organic and inorganic fertilizers at different weeks after planting (WAP). Similarly, application of inorganic fertilizer increased the pod weight/plant compared to the control and organic fertilizers. However, 200kg/ha of NPK fertilizer gave the highest soya bean yield followed by 300 and 100kg/ha NPK fertilizer, then 300kg/ha and 100kg/ha packaged organic fertilizer. There were significant differences among treatments. The triad suggests that moderate rate of inorganic fertilizer (200kg/ha NPK) is appropriate for soya bean yield.