Effects of Organo-Mineral Fertilizer and Cocoa Pod Husk Ash on the Soil, Leaf Chemical Composition and Growth of Coffee
Adejobi K.B, Famaye, A. O., Oloyede A.A., Oyedokun A.V, Adeosun S.A, Adeniyi D.O.A nursery experiment was carried out in Ibadan (rain forest zone), Southwest Nigeria to study relative effect(s) of combined use of organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) and cocoa pod husk ash (CPHA) on soil chemical properties, nutrient status and growth of coffee seedlings (Coffea arabica L.). Eight treatments: 5t/ha CPHA, 20 t /ha OMF, 20 t/ha OMF + 5t/ha CPHA, 15 t/ha OMF + 5 t/ha CPHA, 10t /ha OMF + 5 t/ha CPHA, 5 t/ha OMF + 5 t/ha CPHA and 400kg/ha Urea which translate to 6.25g CPHA, 25g OMF, 25g OMF + 6.25g CPHA, 18.75g OMF + 6.25g CPHA, 12.5g OMF + 6.25g CPHA, 6.25g OMF + 6.25g CPHA and 0.6 Urea per 2.5 kg of soil filled poly bag respectively with a control (no fertilizer) were applied to soil containing seedlings. The organic manures increased significantly [P<0.05] the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, root and shoot length, root and shoot weight of coffee seedlings. The treatments also increased significantly [ P<0.05] soil and leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, soil pH and OM content relative to the control. The 15t/ha OMF + 5 t/ha CPHA was most effective in improving Coffee growth, leaf and soil chemical composition. Therefore, it could be recommended for coffee farmers in Southwestern, Nigeria.",