ASSESSMENT OF FRESH AND DRY CASSAVA PEELS FOR NUTRIENTS POTENTIALS ON GROWTH OF Telfairia occidentalis HOOK IN TROPICAL SOIL

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the nutrient composition of fresh and dry cassava peels and effects on Telfairia occidentalis Hook in tropical soil. The chemical properties of experimental soil and cassava peel were determined using standard procedures. 2kg of sectioned fresh and dry cassava peels were mixed with 2kg of sandy- loam soil based on treatment. Each treatment was placed in a perforated polythene bag. The following treatments were used; soil –only (control), soil + fresh cassava peel, and soil + dry cassava peel. The organic matter, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium contents in soil containing dry cassava peel were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher than those of the control and soil treated with fresh cassava peel. Similarly, the plant height, root length, leaf number, fresh weight, dry weight and moisture contents of the test crop in soil containing dry cassava peel were comparatively higher than those of the control and soil treated with fresh cassava peel. The utilization of dry cassava peels as organic nutrients supplement for the growth of Telfairia occidentalis is a viable option for replenishing soil nutrients in Nigerian tropical soils. However, it is important to take into consideration the soil nutrient status and crop needs.