Maximizing Ecosystem Services in Jatropha curcas ; The Appropriate Planting Method

Abstract

The study, which was a pot experiment, was carried out to evaluate the effect of depth of planting on growth and flowering of physic nut (Jatropha curcas). It was conducted at the Sinna Garden, Department of Crop Science, University of Ghana. Seeds were planted at different depths of 2 cm, 4 cm and 6 cm using completely randomized design. Data were collected on leaf number per plant, number of flowers produced per plant, plant height, girth of the stem, canopy size, number of branches per plant, total leaf area, and total plant fresh and dry weight. Growth analysis was performed and correlation among characters also analyzed. Results obtained in the studies revealed that percent emergence deceased with increased depth of planting and significant differences were observed in percent emergence among the different depths of planting. The 2 cm planting depth proved to be the most effective depth to achieve high emergence rate while the 6 cm was the least. Planting depths of 2 cm and 6 cm were the best in terms of growth parameters and flowering production. In all the analyses conducted, it was observed that planting Jatropha curcas seeds at 2 cm and 6 cm depths yielded the highest number of flowers, growth rate, and biomass production. Therefore, the study recommended that in order to ensure faster growth to maximize the benefits from Jatropha curcas in terms of ecosystem services delivery; it is highly recommended that you plant at 2cm and 6 cm.