Effect of different potting media on the early growth of Mansonia altissima (A. Chev)

Abstract

The effect of different potting media on the early growth of Mansonia altissima was investigated with a view to producing viable and vigorous planting stock of the species for afforestation and reforestation programs. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of nine (9) treatments of potting media with 9 replicates; T1- riversand (400g) + topsoil (400g) + poultry manure (400g) + cow dung (400g), T2- riversand (400g) + topsoil (800g) + poultry manure (400g) , T3- riversand (400g) + topsoil (800g) + cow dung (400g), T4- topsoil (1200g) + cow dung (400g), T5 - topsoil (1200g) + poultry manure (400g), T6- topsoil (800g) + riversand (800g), T7- topsoil (800g) + cow dung (800g), T8 - topsoil (800g) + poultry manure (800g) and T9- (control 1600g riversand). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean separation using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance. The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments in plant height, stem diameter, leaf and biomass production. T3 had the best performance in plant height (32.78cm), stem diameter (3.49mm) while T7 had the highest leaf production (32.0) and T6, the highest biomass production of 6.25g. However, T9 (control) gave the minimum results of mean plant height (10.10cm), mean leaf production (8.91) and biomass production (1.01g) but T8 produced least stem diameter (1.32mm). The study therefore showed that incorporation of optimum level of organic manure into the potting media will improve growth of M.altissima seedlings.