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International Journal of Applied Research
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ISSN Print: 2394-7500, ISSN Online: 2394-5869, CODEN: IJARPF

IMPACT FACTOR (RJIF): 8.4

Vol. 4, Issue 10, Part E (2018)

Influence of organic mulch on some biodiesel plants growth and some physical properties of semi-desert soil

Influence of organic mulch on some biodiesel plants growth and some physical properties of semi-desert soil

Author(s)
Mustapha L. B., Badi’atu S. Abdullahi and Kalimullah
Abstract
Semi-desert soil from Mai’adua (a Local Government area bordering Niger Republic in Katsina State) was treated by applying plants residue as a surface soil treatment (organic mulches) in 0cm 3cm, 6cm and 9cm after the seedlings of the biodiesel viz; Jatropha curcas, Moringa oleifera and Ricinus communis fully established. The growth responses of the plants showed that at 3cm mulches thickness, J. curcas and M. oleifera showed no significant increase (P>0.05) in height but R. communis significantly increased by 2.4cm in compared to unmulched soil. Under 6cm and 9cm mulches, all plants had shown significant increase (P<0.05) in growth (J. curcas increased in 6cm mulch by 3.7cm, M. oleifera 4.4cm and R. communis 6.8cm) but J. curcas and M. oleifera growth increase by height was nearly similar under both treatments (6cm and 9cm). The growth response of R. communis was most triggered by 9cm mulch layer thickness (9.9cm). Regarding the soil properties, significant increase (P<0.05) had been observed in the soil moisture content. As the mulch layer thickness increased, the mean daily soil temperature significantly reduced because the mulches found to disallow the soil temperature to elevate high during the day and not very low over night. Therefore, optimum mulch rate for Jatropha curcas and Moringa oleifera in this soil is 6cm to 9cm above these range there is high tendency of the suffocation of root system which will eventually lead to the death of the plants. The optimum mulches rate for Ricinus communis was not established from the research findings.
Pages: 335-338  |  844 Views  74 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Mustapha L. B., Badi’atu S. Abdullahi, Kalimullah. Influence of organic mulch on some biodiesel plants growth and some physical properties of semi-desert soil. Int J Appl Res 2018;4(10):335-338.
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