Abstract:
Biofertilizers are becoming increasingly popular in many countries and for many crops, but very
few studies on their microbial population and early plant growth in sandy loam soil have been
conducted. Therefore, this research evaluated two different biofertilizers: treated Ageratum spp.
and Crotoloria spp. in the Soil Science Department Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
University, Igbariam Anambra State, Nigeria during 2016 cropping seasons in the growth shelter
of the Faculty of Agriculture, using two different test crops (Moringa and Tomato) which was
laid out in complete randomized block (CRD). The experiments were conducted in pots with
dimension of 17cm * 19cm in length and depth in which the bottoms were uniformly perforated
for proper aeration. 10 seeds were planted after which 8 seedlings were thinned down 10 DAP,
later, the remaining 2seedlings were harvested 60 DAP to evaluate the biomass production in
each stage respectively. Significant biomass and soil microbial population increase due to
biofertilizer use were observed in all experimental treatments. The biofertilizer effect on moringa
and tomato growth did not significantly differ. Nevertheless, positive effects of the biofertilizers
occurred on the biological properties. However, the trends in these results seem to indicate that
biofertilizers might be most helpful in rainfed environments. However, for use in these target
environments, biofertilizers need to be evaluated under conditions with abiotic stresses typical of
such systems such as drought, soil acidity, or low soil fertility. |
