Effects of fertilization and watering regimes on early growth and leaf biomass production for two food tree species in the Sahel: Moringaoleifera Lam. and Adansoniadigitata L.

Abstract

A trial was conducted on station to investigate the effects of fertilization and watering regimes on early growth and leaf biomass production for two food tree species (Moringa oleifera Lam. and Adansonia digitata L.) in Niger, West Africa. The trial was a two factors experiment comprising of watering regimes and types of fertilizers in a split plot design conducted within the premises of the National Institute for Agricultural Research of Niger in Niamey. The main objective of the study was to separately investigate the effects of fertilization and watering regime on growth and leaf biomass production for M. oleifera and A. digitata in an arid environment.The plot size was for M. oleifera:3 m x 3 m = 9 m² and for A. digitata, 1.5 m x 1.5 m = 2.25 m². Data were collected periodically. The results showed that watering regimes are highly correlated to growth and development parameters (height, diameter and dry biomasses) for the 2 tree species. However, there is low correlation between growth and development parameters and different fertilizers for moringa and relatively very low correlation in baobab.These results informed that for leaf biomass production at early stage of development for the 2 species, water is a key element and needs to be coupled with fertilization for some parameters. Further investigations need to be carried out for a longer period on the 2 species in order to advise development on the use of the results for large scale leaf biomass production for human and animal consumption.