Effect of a complementary application of Algifol nutrient solution and npk on growth, flowering and yield of tomato in a northern guinea savanna soil of Nigeria

Abstract

The effect of a complementary application of Algifol nutrient solution (Alg) and inorganic NPK fertilizers on growth, flowering and yield of tomato was investigated in 1999 and 2000 at Samaru, Kaduna State of Nigeria. Four levels of the nutrient solution were applied as (2, 1, 12 and 2Alg) at the rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20ml per 100ml of water while the NPK levels were applied as (3, 2, : and 1 or Full NPK) at the rate of 125:50:50kgha-1, N, P2O5 and K2O respectively. The combined Algifol and NPK levels were 2Alg + Full Alg, 1Alg+1/4 NPK, 1Alg+1/2 NPK, 1Alg + : NPK, 1Alg + Full NPK, 12 Alg + 2 NPK and 2Alg + 3 NPK at the same rates for the Algifol and NPK and one control. Parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, fresh fruit yield and dry fruit yield per plant. The results obtained showed that the fertilizer treatment effect on plant height was not significant at 6 and 12 weeks after transplant (WAT) in 1999 but in 2000, the treatment effect was highly significant (P=0.01). Foliage production in 1999 and 2000 was not significant at 6WAT but highly significant at 12WAT indicating a positive influence of the treatments at the time of growth maturity relative to the initial growth period of the crop. Also, the treatment effects on flowering and dry fruit yield per plant were highly significant (P=0.01) in the two years of study whereas in the fresh fruit yield, the effect was significant (P=0.05) in 1999 and highly significant in the second trial in 2000. Number of flowers per plant was positively and highly significantly correlated (r=0.75**; 0.86**) with fresh fruits and dry fruits yields respectively. Treatments having both Algifol nutrient solution and inorganic NPK combinations recorded the best flowering and fruit yield in relation to the single doses of Algifol or NPK.

KEYWORDS: Nutrient solution, savanna soil, combined application, Alfisol