The effect of Fertilizer Application on the Seedling Growth of Albizia niopoides (Spruce Ex Benth) Barkart

Abstract

This paper assessed the effect of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on the growth and development of Albizia niopoides seedlings in this study, sterile and non sterile soils were filled into 60 pots followed b y addition of 0.5kg of NPK 15-15-15. Height, collar diameter, leaf area and leaf n umber assessments were carried out fortnightly. The treatments were (a) unsterilized soil + fertilizer (b) Sterilized soil + fertilizer (c) sterilized soil (d) unsterilized soil. The statistical design adopted was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication.  The stem dry matter accumulation of8.94g was highest under unsterilized soil + fertilizer. Fertilized seedlings differed significantly from unfertilized ones in their height growth as the highest value of 95.4cm was recorded under non-sterile soils with fertilizer application. Highest leaf number values of (9.1) and leaf area value (260cm²) were obtained under fertilized soils (non-sterile). Highest number of nodules (67.50 was also produced by A. niopoides seedlings with fertilizer application. It is recommended that farmers should administer fertilizer to stimulate good growth and development of this species for maximum benefit.