PERFORMANCE OF CARROT (Daucus carota L.) UNDER SOIL AMENDED WITH INORGANIC FERTILIZATION AND EARTHWORM CAST 1 2 3

• N.C. Odoh

  Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

  Author

• T. A. Oladejo

  Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

  Author

• B.T. Olowookere

  Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

  Author

Response of carrot to organic and inorganic soil amendment was investigated at the Research Farm of the University of Abuja, Nigeria. Two experiments were conducted. In the first study, the effect of inorganic fertilizer and sowing date on the growth and yield of carrot was assessed in the field. It was laid in a split plot design with two sowing dates separated by 6 weeks interval and combined Urea and Muriate of potash fertilizer at four levels. The second study, a pot trial assessed the effects of earthworm cast on the growth and yield of carrot. Earthworm cast applied at four rates and arranged in a RCBD with four replications. The parameters measured were subjected to ANOVA at P≤ 0.05. Inorganic fertilizer treatment and sowing dates significantly affected carrot fresh root weight, fresh and dry shoot weight and root diameter. There was a 36.6 to 73.8%.decrease in root fresh weight for late sowing when compared to the first sowing date. Earthworm cast treatment significantly affected fresh root weight, fresh and dry shoot weight as well as root diameter. Earthworm cast could be a good supplement for inorganic fertilizer for carrot production, thus relieving the adverse effect of inorganic fertilizer.

1. N.C. Odoh, Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

   Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

2. T. A. Oladejo, Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

   Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

3. B.T. Olowookere, Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

   Department of Soil Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

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