Performance of Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) and Soil Chemical Properties

Abstract

This study evaluated different agricultural wastes as fertilizer on nursery performance of pawpaw Carica papaya L. and soil chemical properties. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Five agricultural wastes were used as organic fertilizers applied to pawpaw seedlings. The experimental design used was complete randomized design with three replicates. The following growth parameters were collected on weekly basis: Plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf area. There was no significant differences in the effect of the different agricultural wastes applied as treatment on the pawpaw seedlings height, number of leaves per plant and leaf area. The soil chemical properties increased significantly after the study. The study confirms the appropriateness of the use of any of these agricultural waste at 2.5 ton ha-1 in raising pawpaw seedling since no significant different was observed in the growth parameters.