Enhancement of phosphorus uptake, growth and yield of sweet potato (&lt;i&gt;Ipomoea batatas&lt;/i&gt;) with phosphorus fertilizers

I Kareem,S.Y Abdulmaliq,S.Y Alasinrin,E.A Akinrinde,E.K Eifediyi,S.A Kareem,O.F Adekola,Y Oladosu

doi:10.4314/jasem.v24i1.11

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine the best phosphorus fertilizer for improvement of sweet potato phosphorus uptake, growth and yield. The phosphorus fertilizer sources used were organic (Pacesetter), single super phosphate and crystallizer while the sweet potato variety used was Shaba. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Sweet potato plants from plots treated with crystallizer fertilizer at the rate of 500kg/ha had the highest phosphorus uptake and vegetative growth while control plots produced plants with highest tuberous yield. It is, therefore, recommended that crystallizer applied at the rate of 500kg/ha be used for significant phosphorous uptake which equally leads to better quality sweet potato tuber and appreciable vegetative growth. It is also recommended that the soil phosphorus be maintained at low level around 6.80mg/kg for achievement of high tuberous yield in sweet potato. Keywords: Vegetative growth, yield, phosphorous uptake, phosphorous fertilizers

Highlights

Since an appreciable level of phosphorus can greatly improve the quality of root and tuber crops as well as their shelf lives, the present research was, carried out to determine the best phosphorus fertilizer for improvement of sweet potato phosphorus uptake, growth and yield
The plants from the soil treated with crystallizer fertilizer had the highest leaf phosphorus uptake
The leaf phosphorus uptake followed the trends of leaf and vine productions

Summary

Introduction

Fibrous rootlets, is encouraged by phosphorus. In cereal crops, good phosphorus nutrition strengthens structural tissues such as those found in straw or stalk, helping in prevent lodging (falling over). Fortification of cow dung with NPK fertilizer in sweet potato production will lead to higher nutrient uptake of which phosphorus is a part. Since an appreciable level of phosphorus can greatly improve the quality of root and tuber crops as well as their shelf lives, the present research was, carried out to determine the best phosphorus fertilizer for improvement of sweet potato phosphorus uptake, growth and yield.

Results

Conclusion