10.5937/ratpov51-5069 = Rattle tree (Albizia lebbeck Benth.) effects on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) productivity on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted in the biotite-granite area (Alfisol) of the Jos Plateau, Nigeria, consisting of five cropping seasons to determine the effects of the tree rows (under alley cropping) and green manure of Albizia lebbeck Benth. (rattle tree) on the yield / productivity of Solanum tuberosum L. (Irish potato). The experiment was a randomized complete block design comprising five treatments and three replicates. An early maturing potato variety (Bertita) was employed, its pre-sprouted tubers were planted in the alleys (spaces between the tree rows) of A. lebbeck two weeks after green manure was applied (5 and 10 t ha-1), pre and post experimental soil sample analyses and cultivation operations were carried out. Results indicated that the rattle tree had profound effect on the potato growth parameters (plant height, leaf count, collar girth (at P < 0.01)) and yield indices (tuber count (P < 0.05) and tuber weight (P < 0.01)) due to nutrients from the green manure and nitrogen fixation activities of the rattle tree. A. lebbeck green manure application at 10 t ha-1 in the alleys of A. lebbeck hedgerows emerged as the most effective treatment in terms of growth performance and optimal yield. Collar girth and leaf count of the potato accounted for 80.4 - 91.3% of the variation in yield (R2 = 0.804 - 0.913) with collar girth having the highest value (R2 =0.910) in rainy season (rain fed) cropping, while leaf count had the highest value (R2=0.913) during the dry season (irrigated) cropping.