EFFECTS OF PLANTING DATES AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON SELECTED SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CASSAVA PARAMETERS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of fertilizer application under two planting dates on soil chemical properties and cassava production. Field studies were conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and Psaltry International Limited
(PSALTRY), Nigeria. The trials were laid out in a split plot arrangement with planting dates (early and late plantings) as main plot and fertilizer application (nill versus fertilized) as sub plot. The fertilized plots received 75 kg N, 20 kg P, and 90 kg K per hectare sourced from NPK 15:15:15, Urea and Muriate of Potash. The treatments were fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates. Soil textures were sandy clay loam (FUNAAB) and loamy sand (PSALTRY). Post-harvest soil properties were significantly affected by location. Total nitrogen was 40.2% higher for late planting at FUNAAB and 3.7% higher at PSALTRY compared to early planting. Potassium had similar trend as N but differs for organic carbon. Fertilized plots had higher soil nutrients than unfertilized plots, which was 36.3% and 18.2% higher at FUNAAB and 10.3% and 90.9% higher at PSALTRY for cation exchange capacity and organic carbon, respectively. Growth and yield parameters significantly differed with planting date at both locations, with higher root yield for late planting at FUNAAB and early planting at PSALTRY. Fertilizer application resulted in 62.3% and 24.7% increase in root yield for early and late plantings, respectively. Fertilizer application improved soil properties and cassava growth, but results varied by planting dates and locations. Thus, site-specific fertilizer recommendations are needed to boost cassava production.