Variation in Nitrogen and Potassium Ratio in Soils on The Growth and Yield of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata POIR)

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 168 - 178, 31.12.2025

Anthonia Osayanmon Bakare Ikpotokin Osadebamwen Osemwota Isaiah Ufuoma Efenudu

Abstract

This study The investigation of the effect of varying N:K ratios on the yield, yield components, and shelf life of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) was carried out at Ambrose Alli University's Teaching and Research Farm. The experiment was fitted on a used a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and 13 thirteen N:K ratios. (list the ratio). Results showed that N:K ratios with high nitrogen rates favored higher yam growth parameters, such as leaf area, vine length, and vine girth. The N:K ratio of 1:2 produced the highest number of yam tubers per stand. The optimal N:K ratios for white yam growth and yield were found to be around 4:1, 5:1, 6:1 and 1:2, respectively.The findings of this study have important implications for white yam production, as improving its yield and quality can increase food security and income for smallholder farmers. In conclusion, using optimal N:K ratios can improve the growth and yield of white yam, enhance livelihoods, and reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer use.This study It was therefore recommended that the use of N:K ratios of 1:2 and 4:1, 5:1, 6:1 improved the growth and yield of white yam growth and yield respectively. These findings can contribute to the development of sustainable white yam production systems, enhancing food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in tropical countries.

Keywords

Nitrogen , Potassium , Fertilizer , White yam , Yield.

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