Effect of Integrated Use of Soil Conditioner with Fertilizers on Growth, Chlorophyll Content and Yield of Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogea</i> L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the interaction effect of soil conditioner with organic and inorganic fertilizers on groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) production. Treatments include: T 0 (no soil amendment), T 1 (100% inorganic NPK fertilizer), T 2 (100% organic NPK fertilizer), T 3 (100% organic soil conditioner), T 4 (50% inorganic NPK + 50% organic soil conditioner) and T 5 (50% organic NPK + 50% organic soil conditioner). T 1 -T 5 did not affect stem girth, leaf area and root length. T 1 and T 2 significantly increased stem length, number of leaves and branches. T 4 and T 5 had the best growth, which differed significantly from T 0 -T 3 . Root number and nodules increased significantly in amended soils. T 1 and T 2 increased relative growth rate and root/shoot ratio non-significantly, but T 4 and T 5 increased them significantly. Leaf total chlorophyll and root mass was not affected by T 1 -T 5 , while leaf mass increased significantly. Stem mass and total biomass increased significantly under T 1 and T 2 , while T 4 and T 5 further increased them remarkably above T 0 -T 3 . T 1 and T 2 significantly improved pods/plant, pod yield, number of seeds/plant and seed yield, while T 4 and T 5 further enhanced yield. T 1 -T 5 significantly increased 100-seed mass while shelling percentage increase was significant only in T 4 and T 5 . Growth and yield generally increased in T 3 but non-significant level. Sole application of soil conditioner, organic or inorganic fertilizers though increased yield, none could provide soil conditions and nutrients for groundnut production. Combination of soil conditioner with organic or inorganic fertilizer can greatly increase yield of groundnut for sustainable production.