Evaluation of Fertilizer Placement Methods for White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata)

Abstract

SUMMARYFour fertilizer placement methods (ring, sideband, broadcast and furrow) applied ten weeks after planting were compared in nine experiments to determine the best method for fertiliza- tion of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata). Significant yield differences due to the treatments were observed at Mbato, Umudike and Igbariam in 1980 and at Nsukka and Igbariam in 1981. Best yields overall were obtained with the sideband method, followed by broadcast, ring and furrow in that order. However, man-days taken to fertilize one hectare by ring, sideband, furrow and broadcast methods were 11.2, 10.9, 2.8 and 1.5, respectively, so that in this regard, broadcast is preferable to the other placement methods.