ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the effects of Nitrogen and Potassium fertilizer on the growth and yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta (L) Crantz), variety (01/1797) at Igbodo in Delta State, Nigeria. The design was a 4×4 factorial scheme fitted into a Randomized Complete Block design giving 16 treatment combinations with 3 replicates. The following treatment combinations of N and K were applied: N0K0 (no fertilizer), N0K20, N0K40, N0K80, N40K0, N40K20, N40K40, N40K80, N80K0, N80K20, N80K40, N80K80, N120K0, N120K20, N120K40, and N120K80 kg/ha. The plant parameters measured were: plant heights, stem girth and number of branches/plant. These were taken at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 months after planting (MAP). Fresh tuber weight, dry matter of tuber and dry matter percentage (%) of tubers were also determined. In the trials involving the application of N, K and their combinations, N application had no significant effect on the plant height, number of branches and dry matter percentage, but significantly (p<0.05) influenced fresh and dry tuber weights of cassava. However, application of 120kgN +80kgKha-1 gave the best yield compare to other treatments. It was concluded that 120kgN/ha in combination with 80kgK/ha be applied to soils in the study area for the cultivation of 01/1797 cassava variety for best tuber yields. |
