Effect of watering regimes on the growth and nutrient uptake of Citrus tangelo J.W. Seedlings grown in a mixture of sand and pulverized Jacaranda mimosifolia D. don leaves

Abstract

There is dearth of quantified information on water requirement of crops growth in the soil amended with leaf litters of agro-forestry trees. In this light, a completely randomized design with five replicates was laid down to assess the effect of watering regimes on the growth of Citrus tangelo seedlings in the screen house of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna State. C. tangelo seedlings were subjected to 200 mL of water at five watering regimes (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 day’s interval). Tissue analysis was carried out to determine the nutrient uptake in seedlings. Watering significantly (P<0.05) influences seedling growth and nutrient uptake. Significant height (9cm), number of leaves (8), leaf area (22.65 cm²) and phosphorus uptake (18.11 mg/100 g) were recorded for C. tangelo planted in Jacaranda mimosifolia soil and subjected to daily watering regime. Daily watering of C. tangelo enhances its growth and nutrient uptake. Daily watering of C. tangelo is recommended for its mass production for agro-forestry programmes.

Keywords: Watering regimes, leaf litters, seedling growth, nutrient uptake, Agro-forestry