COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT Of Effect Of MORINGA OLEIFERA leaf EXTRACT AND N.P.K (20:10:10) FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND HERBAGE Yield Of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDIS IN THE GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA.

Anyaegbu Polycarp Ozobia

Department of Crop Science

University of Abuja, Nigeria

Email: anyaegbupoly@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The trial carried out to determine the effect of Moringa leaf extract and N.P.K (20:10:10) on the herbage yield of Amarnthus hybridis  was carried out at Vegetable Farmers’ Association Garden, Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria. Randomized complete block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications was used. Data collected include plant height, number of leaves per plant, fresh root weight, and herbage yield, Results showed that Moringa oleifera extract enhanced the status of some basic elements in the soil. Soil pH of the plots that received Moringa leaf extract increased from 5.4 to 6.4 while in control plots, the pH decreased from 5.4 to 5.3. Application of Moringa leaf extract at one week interval increased plant height by 18% in the first trial and by 30% in the second experiment while its application at 2 weeks interval increased plant height by 14% in the first trial and by 27% in the second trial. Application of N.P.K (20:10:10) fertilizer at the rate of 50kg ha^-1 increased the plant height by 20% in the first trial and by 33% in the second experiment while at 100kg ha^-1, plant height increased by 23% in the first trial and 36% in the second. Highest herbage yields of 17.3 t ha^-1 in the first experiment and 18.6 t ha^-1 in the second experiment  were obtained when Moringa leaf extract was applied in combination with 50 kg ha^-1 of N.P.K fertilizer,