Effects of Transplanting Age and Urea Rates on Growth and Yield of Amaranthus cruenthus, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the main factors limiting crop performance in the tropics is agronomic practices, which include planting techniques and nutrition. Agronomic techniques are necessary to improve the growth, productivity, and quality of Amaranthus cruenthus, a significant leafy vegetable. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how A. cruenthus growth and herbage yield were impacted by transplanting age and urea rates. Between April and August of 2024, the study was carried out at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University and Longitude 60 57. The experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and was carried out three times. There were four urea rate levels (control, 50 kg, 100 kg, and 150 kg/ha) and three transplanting ages (3, 4, and 5 weeks, respectively). Plant height (cm), leaf count (cm), branch count, stem girth (cm), leaf area (cm2), harvest index, yield per plot (kg), and cumulative yield (tonnes/ha) were all measured. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed on the gathered data, and LSD P<0.05 was used to differentiate significant means. According to the study's findings, the Southern Guinea Savanna in the 2024 Cropping Season had a significantly taller plant (cm), more leaves, more branches, and a wider shoot girth (cm) at 3 weeks of transplanting age. It also had a higher yield per plot (kg) and cumulative yield/ha (tonnes)P<0.05. Urea rates of 150kg and 100kg showed supported significantly the growth parameters while 50kg and control had the lowest yield.

Keywords

• Amaranthus cruenthus
• Growth and Shoot Yield
• Transplanting Age
• Southern Guinea Savanna
• Nigeria

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