Response of tomato to NPK fertilizer and foliar application of algifol nutrient solution in a Nigerian Savanna soil

Abstract

Responses of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) to both foliarly applied Algifol (Alg) and soil applied inorganic NPK fertilizers were investigated between July - November, 1999 and January - May, 2000 in a greenhouse at Samaru, Institute of Agricultural Research Experimental Station, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Four Algifol levels (½, 1, 1½ and 2) were applied at the rates of 5:10:15:20ml per 100ml of water. The inorganic fertilizer levels consisted of ¼, ½, ¾ and 1 or Full NPK applied at the recommended rate of (125:50:50kgha-1, N, P2O5 and K2O). Seven Alg and NPK combination ratios were as follows: ½Alg + Full NPK, 1Alg+1/4 NPK, 1Alg+1/2 NPK, 1Alg + ¾ NPK, 1Alg + Full NPK, 1½ Alg + ½ NPK and 2Alg + ¼ NPK and were applied at the same rate for Algifol and NPK as above. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves and number of fruits per plant. The results obtained revealed that plant height per plant was not significantly different (P>0.05) against treatments at 8 and 12 weeks after transplanting (WAT) in 1999, but in 2000, the treatments effect was significant (P<0.05) at 8WAT and highly significant (P<0.01) at 12WAT. Number of leaves per plant was not significant (P>0.05) at 8WAT in the two years of study but highly significant at 12WAT. Number of fruits per plant in both years was highly significant (P<0.01) with the combined treatments producing the best result than either Algifol or NPK alone, however, single Algifol levels boosted vegetative growth as much as the combined treatments. Strong Algifol levels such as 1½ - 2Alg caused leaf scorching compared to the low concentrated levels of ½ - 1Alg.br>
Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 3 (2) 2005: pp.78-85