Effect of growth media on the early performance of Prosopis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. seedlings

This study examined the performance of Prosopis africana seedlings raised under different growth media. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design with three treatments (topsoil, mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings, and mixture of topsoil and cow dung). Each treatment was replicated 4 times and each replicate had 10 potted seedlings making a total of 120 seedlings. The seedling growth variables; heights (cm) collar diameters (cm), number of leaves data were collected every 3 days for 12 weeks. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 significant level. The result showed significant difference (p=0.005) in the height of seedlings. No significant difference existed in the seedlings collar diameter (p=0.306) and number of leaves (p=0.957). The follow-up result indicated that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the height of seedlings raised in mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings (Mean ± standard error =105.87±5.40a) and topsoil (105.18±4.27a). However, a significant difference (p>0.05) existed between both treatments and mixture of topsoil and cow dung (86.36±4.90b). Seedlings raised in the mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings had the best performance. The study therefore, recommended raising Prosopis africana seedling with topsoil for reduced cost of production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.398093