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Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Growth of Vegetable Amaranths

(Amaranthus cruensis. L) in Mubi, Adamawa State Nigeria M. D. Toungos1*, M.
Babayola1, H. E. Shehu1, Y. M. Kwaga...

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 Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research

6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

ISSN: 2456-8864

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Growth of

Vegetable Amaranths (Amaranthus cruensis. L) in
Mubi, Adamawa State Nigeria
M. D. Toungos1*, M. Babayola1, H. E. Shehu1, Y. M. Kwaga1 and N. Bamai2
1
Department of Crop Science, Adamawa State University, P.M.B. 25 Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
2
National Orientation Agency, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author MDT designed the study, wrote
the first draft of the manuscript managed the analyses of the study. Author MB wrote the protocol and
managed the literature searches. Authors HES and YMK performed the statistical analysis. Author NB
managed the literature searches. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/AJAAR/2018/39415
Editor(s):
(1) Muhammad Azam, Professor, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
(2) Saad Farouk Mohamed Hussiien Gadalla, Associate professor, Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture,
Mansoura University, Egypt.
(3) Judith M. Tisdall, Professor, Department of Agricultural Sciences, La Trobe University 3086, Victoria, Australia.
(4) Daniele De Wrachien, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The State University of Milan,
Italy.
Reviewers:
(1) W. James Grichar, USA.
(2) R. K. Mathukia, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, India.
(3) E. O. Azu, Donatus, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytectnic, Nigeria.
Complete Peer review History: http://www.sciencedomain.org/review-history/23989

Received 16th January 2018

th
Accepted 29 March 2018
Original Research Article
Published 5th April 2018

ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted at Food and Agricultural Organization / Tree Crop Programme
(FAO/TCP) Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Adamawa State University, Mubi,
Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria on sandy loam soil. To study the three levels of row
-1
spacing (20, 30, and 40 cm) and five levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha )
laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data were collected
on growth and yield parameters. Data generated were analyzed using Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA). The crop was harvested at 6 weeks after sowing. The result show that stem girth and
fresh weight (plant-1) of vegetable amaranth increased significantly (P = 0.05) as row spacing and
applied N rate was increased and leaves area index increased as the applied N increased and row
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: Email: dahiru.toungos@gmail.com;

 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

spacing decreased. Application of higher dosage of fertilizer at the rate of 120 kg N ha-1 with a
broader row spacing of 40 cm produced significantly higher mean fresh plant weight of 127.57g in
2014, 125.78g in 2015 and 126.67g (plant-1) in the combined. The least mean value (19.40g) was
-1
obtained in the treatment with narrow row spacing and no application of N fertilizer (0 kg N ha at
20 cm row spacing). Therefore, the optimum N rate and row spacing for the maximum fresh
-1 -1
weight(plant ) of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is 120 kg N ha at 40 cm inter-row
spacing and was found as the best combination for the production of vegetable amaranth in the
Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria.

Keywords: Row spacing; nitrogen fertilizer.

people are not involved in the primary production
1. INTRODUCTION [10]. This has made the vegetable an essential
commodity in the marketing and production a
Amaranthus collectively known as Amaranth is a significant economic activity for rural people.
cosmopolitan genus of herbs. About 60 species However, yield per hectare of this crop in Nigeria
-1
are recognized with inflorescence and foliage is low (7.6 t ha ) when compared with that of
ranging from purple and red to gold [1]. United State of America (77.27 t ha-1) and world
-1
Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is one of the average (14.27 t ha ) [11]. This may be
important underutilized crop native to Central and attributed to poor cultural practices such as
South America. It is widely cultivated in various spacing and fertilizer application. The production
regions of the world as well as in Nigeria as food could not meet up with the demand for food,
and leafy vegetable [2]. The crop belongs to the animal feeds, industrial uses, and export.
family Amaranthaceae and genus Amaranthus. However, nitrogen has been reported to increase
There is no clear dividing line between a growth and yield of vegetable amaranth. This
vegetable type and grain type [3]. The leaves of could be achieved through the use of proper
vegetable amaranth are nutritionally significant dosage. Fertilizers are roughly divided into
source of minerals included vitamin A, vitamin organic and inorganic fertilizer with the main
B6, vitamin C and vitamin K [1]. Amaranth has a difference between the two being sourcing and
very high nutritional value, higher grain protein not necessary differences in the nutrient
(13 – 19 %) and leaf protein (23 – 25 %) with concentration. Fertilizers are usually directly
high lysine and sulphur containing amino acids, applied to soil, and also sprayed on leaves (foliar
which are limited in other conventional crops [4]. feeding) [12]. The main nutrients in fertilizers are
Amaranth has been used for food by a human in N, P and K (macro-nutrients) and other nutrients
a number of ways. Grain is grind in to flour for are added in smaller amounts (micro-nutrients).
use in bread, noodles, pancake, cereals, granola, Nitrogen been the most important nutrient in
cookies and other flour-based product [5]. promoting vegetative growth is paramount in the
Several studies have shown that like Oats, production of vegetable amaranth. [13] reported
amaranth is beneficial for people with that N promote vegetative growth and impart the
hypertension and cardiovascular disease. characteristics of deep green color to foliage
Regular consumption reduces blood pressure because it is a component of chlorophyll which is
and cholesterol level, which improved antioxidant essential for photosynthesis. Where N is
stages and some more immune parameters oversupplied through fertilizer application, the
[3,6,7]. It is also a potential source of forage (9.9 leaves become dark green, soft and soppy.
-1 -1
– 12.7 t ha ) dry matter as well as 74 – 148 t ha Amaranthus response actively to broadcasting
of silage (80 % moisture) [8]. application of fertilizer at the rate of 50 kg N and
45 kg of P ha-1 and the P should be thoroughly
Amaranthus cruentus L. is a tall annual herb worked in the soil during land preparation. The
topped with a cluster of dark pink flower and can recommended rate of N fertilizer for amaranth in
grow up to 2 m in height [9]. It is one of the three the North Eastern sub region of Nigeria is 100 kg
-1
Amaranthus species cultivated as a vegetable N ha [14]. Morphology of a plant plays an
and grain sources. The other two are important role in crop production and the
Amaranthus caudatus L. and Amaranthus potential yield of a genotype within the genetic
hypochondriacus L. [3,6]. Amaranthus has been limit are determined by environment. The yield
identified to be an essential vegetable crop in potential can be further exploited through better
Nigeria. The demand for this crop as a vegetable agronomic practices such as proper planting
has increased especially in urban centers where density (row spacing) and fertilizer application.

2
 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

Optimum performance of the crop must be Phosphate (SSP) fertilizer was applied at the
desirable through changes in cultural practices concentration of 45 kg P2 O5 ha to all the
[15]. Such cultural practice includes higher treatments during land preparation, and the N
planting density and fertilizer application for Fertilizer was applied in the form of Urea (46).
improving growth and yield of the crop. The The urea needed for each plot was calculated
outcome of this research, therefore, will equip based on each treatment using Q = R/100n X
farmers with information on how to maximize the A/1 [19].
yield of vegetable amaranth through the use of
proper planting density (row spacing) and Where Q = amount of fertilizer required,
application of N fertilizer. R = recommended rate of nutrient element,
A = area (m2) and
The objectives of this study are to: n =analysis or grade of fertilizer (%).
i. Evaluates the performance of vegetable Half of the N fertilizer for each treatment was
amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) as applied at the time of sowing by drilling in small
influenced by different row spacing. furrows opened manually 10 cm away from the
ii. Evaluate the effects of different level of N seed line and covered with soil to avoid losses,
fertilizer on the performance of vegetable remaining half of the N was applied at 3 weeks
amaranth and after sowing (WAS). In this research, hand
iii. The interaction between row spacing and weeding was carried out at two weekly intervals
N fertilizer levels on the performance of from 2 WAS. The incidence of corn ear
vegetable amaranth. worm, Heliothis zea and cowpea weevil Aphids
craceavora was controlled using cypermetrin 10
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS -1
EC insecticide at the rate of 700 ml ha . The
plants were harvested at 6 WAS when all the
The two years’ field experiments were conducted vegetative parts had reached their maximum
at the Food and Agriculture Organization/Tree because of vegetable amaranth losses quality
Crop Programme (FAO/TCP) Teaching and when aged [20].
Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Adamawa
State University, Mubi, Nigeria in 2014 and 2015 2.1 Collection of Data and Plant Sampling
cropping seasons. Mubi, the Northern Guinea
Savannah Zone of Nigeria between latitude
A sample consisting of ten plants was selected
10º10” and 10º30” and between longitude 13º10’’
º and tagged at random from each plot for
and 13 30’’ E and altitude of 696 m above sea
recording various biometric observation at 3, and
level. The annual mean rainfall of Mubi 900 mm,
º 6 WAS. The growth and yield parameters
and a minimum temperature of 18 C during a
º measured: stem girth, leaf area index, fresh plant
dusty period and 40 C as a maximum in April
weight, and dry matter weight.
[16]; [17]. The treatment consisting of three rows
spacing (20, 30 and 40 cm) and five levels of N
fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) were 2.2 Statistical Analysis and Interpretation
factorial in a Randomized Complete Block of Data
Design, replicated three times. The composite
soil samples were collected from 0 – 30 cm Analysis of variance was carried out on each of
depth using soil auger at three different locations the observation recorded for each year of study,
before ploughing. Soil samples were air dried, followed by combined analysis over two years
ground and allowed to pass through 2 mm sieve using [21]. Mean values were subjected to
and were analyzed for routine physical and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5%
chemical properties using standard laboratory level of probability.
procedures. The amaranth seed for this research
(variety NH 84/445) was obtained from National 3. RESULTS
Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT,
Ibadan). The seeds were sown by drilling The Soil of the experimental site was sandy
according to treatment for row spacing and later loam. The soil had a normal pH (6.40 in 2014
thinned to 5 cm between plants one week after and 6.50 in (2015) with low available nitrogen of
emergence (WAE). Germination test was carried 0.18 g N kg-1 (2014) and 0.17 g N kg-1(2015),
-1
out according to International Seed Testing medium available phosphorus of 6.67 g kg
-1
Association [18] standard. Single Super (2014) 6.80 g kg (2015) and high

3
 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

-1
available potassium of 0.45 C mol kg (2014) vegetative growth. The stem girth, leaf area
and 0.46 C mol kg-1 (2015) as presented in index and plants were found to have been
Table 1. growing as the applied nitrogen rate increased.
The result was in agreement to the findings of
The results on stem girth, leaf area index and [22,23,15,24,14,25,26,3] and [27].
fresh plant weight of Amaranthus cruentus L. as
influenced by row spacing and N fertilizer at 3and 4.2 Effects of Row Spacing
6 WAS in 2014, 2015 and combined are
presented in Tables 2, 3 and 4 respectively. N The row spacing of 40 cm recorded significantly
fertilizer has significant effects on the higher mean value of all the growth parameters
growth components. The stem girth, leaves area measured. The stem girth and fresh plant weight
index and fresh plant weight per plant at both the increased as inter-row spacing increased.
growth stages and in all the growing However, leaf area index decreases as row
seasons was found to have been increasing as N spacing increased. This agrees with
fertilizer increased from 0 up to 120 kg N ha-1. [5,23,28,29,30,31,32] and [33].
-1
Application of 120 kg N ha gave highest
mean values. Follow by 90, 60 and 30 kg N ha-1. 4.3 Interactive Effect of N Fertilizer and
The least mean values were obtained in 0 kg N Row Spacing
ha-1.
There was a significant interaction between N
Row spacing also follows the same pattern. A
fertilizer and row spacing on growth parameters
significant effect of row spacing was observed on
and harvestable yield (fresh weight) of
growth and yield components. Leaf area index
Amaranthus cruentus L. The significantly higher
increases as row spacing decreased while stem
interaction for harvestable fresh plant weight
girth and fresh plant weight per plant were found -1
(126.67g plant ) was recorded in the treatment
to have been increasing as the row spacing
combination of 120 kg N ha-1 with 40 cm row
increased up to 40 cm inter-row spacing.
spacing. This was mainly due to significantly
There was no interaction effect between nitrogen higher performance of growth and yield
fertilizer and row spacing on stem girth at 3 WAS parameters. These growth and yield parameters
in both years and in combined and at 6 WAS in increased as the applied N fertilizer and row
2014, respectively. However, in 2015 at 6WAS spacing increased up to 120 kg N ha-1 with 40
and the combined, there was an interaction cm row spacing. The finding is also in agreement
between N fertilizer and row spacing. with [25] on the effects of fertilizer on the
performance of vegetables.
However, the interaction effect was
observed between N fertilizer and row This indicates that plant growth and biomass
spacing on leaf area index and fresh plant weight production was optimum in the application of 120
per plant of vegetable amaranth at both the kg N ha-1 at 40 cm row spacing leading to
growth stages and in all the growing significantly higher mean values. This was
-1
season’s and the combined (Tables 5 and 6) followed by 120 kg N ha at 30 cm row spacing.
respectively. However, at 3 WAS in both the two years of the
-1
research and in the combination of 90 kg N ha
4. DISCUSSION with 40 cm row spacing produced fresh plant
weight that were comparable and statistically the
-1
4.1 Effects of N Fertilizer same with 120 kg N ha in 20 cm row spacing
Lowest mean values of fresh plant weight
The study showed that, nitrogen fertilizer rates ererecorded in treatment combination of 0 kg
positively influenced growth and yield parameters Nha-1 at 40, 30 and 20 cm row spacing,
of vegetable amaranth. Application of 120 kg respectively.
recorded significantly higher mean value of all
the growth parameters measured. The yield The result showed that yield responded positively
increased in the application of 120 kg N ha-1 was to planting density (row spacing) and N
mainly due to the considerably higher fresh fertilizer application as they both increased yield.
weight per plant. The increased in plant weight Fresh yield was least with plants without the
as the applied nitrogen rate increased reconfirm application of N fertilizer. This reconfirmed the
the role of nitrogen fertilizer in promoting finding of [34].

4
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.Table 1. Soil physical and chemical properties of the experimental site, 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth

Particular 2014 2015

1. Physical properties 0 – 15 cm depth Light yellowish brown Yellowish brown
Dark brown Dark brown.
A. Particle size distribution.
% Clay 14.2 14.1
%Silt 31.6 32.8
%Sand 54.2 53.1
B. Textural class Sandy Loam Sandy Loam
2. Chemical properties
PH (1:2 soil water: soluble) 6.40 6.50
-1
Organic carbon (kg ) 3.7 3.8
-1
Cation exchange capacity [c mol (+) kg ] 3.25 3.40
-1
Available nitrogen (g N kg ) 0.18 0.17
-1
Available phosphorus (mg P kg ) 6.67 6.82
Available potassium [c mol (+) kg-1] 0.45 0.46
-1
Available magnesium [c mol (+) kg ] 0.43 0.41
-1
Available sodium [c mol (+) kg ] 0.36 0.35
Available calcium [c mol (+) kg-1] 1.90 1.92

5
 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

2
Table 2. Mean stem girth (mm ) per plant of Amaranthus cruentus L. as influenced by row spacing and n fertilizer in 2014, 2015 raining seasons
and combined

Treatments 3 WAS 6 WAS

2014 2015 Combined 2014 2015 Combined
N fertilizer (kg ha-1)
0 73.06e 79.88e 76.47e 593.51e 755.51d 674.51e
d d d d c d
30 126.61 137.12 131.87 1112.14 1250.84 1181.49
60 236.51c 257.74c 247.13c 1464.24c 1233.96c 1349.10c
b b b b b b
90 387.84 401.22 394.53 1802.03 1528.91 1665.47
120 653.73a 677.45a 665.59a 2944.26a 2362.47a 2653.37a
SE ± 4.807 9.821 5.494 30.854 41.717 25.944
Level of significance * * * * * *
Row spacing (cm)
c c c c c c
20 217.69 227.48 222.58 1222.55 981.07 11o1.81
30 272.33b 291.88b 282.10b 1526.01b 1313.84b 1419.93b
a a a a a a
40 396.64 412.69 404.66 2001.14 1984.10 1992.62
SE ± 3.724 7.608 0.057 23.900 32.314 20.096
Level of significance * * * * * *
Interaction
N X spacing * * * * * *
Mean value with the same letters in each treatment group are not statistically significantly different at P =O.05 (DMRT).
* = statistically significant difference at 5% level of probability.
WAS = Weeks after sowing
N = Nitrogen
SE± = Standard error

6
 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

Table 3. Mean leaf area index per plant of Amaranthus cruentus L. as influenced by row spacing and n fertilizer in 2014, 2015 raining seasons and
combined

Treatments 3 WAS 6 WAS

2014 2015 Combined 2014 2015 Combined
N fertilizer (kg ha-1)
0 0.48e 0.52e 0.50e 3.92e 4.82d 4.37e
d d d d c d
30 0.85 0.92 0.89 7.68 8.53 8.10
60 1.60c 1.76c 1.68c 10.21c 8.53c 9.37c
b b b b b b
90 2.65 2.76 2.71 12.44 10.49 11.47
120 4.35a 4.62a 4.49a 19.78a 15.12a 17.49a
SE ± 0.033 0.091 0.048 0,204 0.218 0.149
Level of significance * * * * * *
Row spacing (cm)
a a a a a a
20 2.17 2.27 2.22 12.23 9.82 11.02
30 1.82c 2.01b 1.19c 10.17b 8.76b 9.47c
b b b b a b
40 1.98 2.06 2.02 10.06 9.92 9,97
SE ± 0.025 0.070 0.037 0.158 0.169 0.116
Level of significance * * * * * *
Interaction
N X spacing * * * * * *
Mean value with the same letters in each treatment group are not statistically significantly different at P =O.05 (DMRT).
* = statistically significant difference at 5% level of probability.
WAS = Weeks after sowing
N = Nitrogen
SE± = Standard error

7
 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

Table 4. Mean fresh plant weight (g) per plant of Amaranthus cruentus L as influenced by row spacing and n fertilizer in 2014, 2015 raining
seasons and combined

Treatments 3WAS 6 WAS

2014 2015 Combined 2014 2015 Combined
N fertilizer (kg ha-1)
0 1.70 e 1.96e 1.83e 24.55e 23.70e 22.12e
d d d d d d
30 4.67 4.95 4.81 44.46 43.39 43.93
c c c c c
60 10.38 10.48 10.43 54.72 53.88 54.30c
b b b b b b
90 16.24 16.37 16.31 69.74 69.02 69.38
a a a a a
120 21.61 22.08 21.84 100.02 98.53 99.28a
SE ± 0.133 0.180 0.112 0.350 0.217 0.206
Level of significance * * * * * *
Row spacing (cm)
c c c c c c
20 9.00 9.15 9.08 46.39 45.58 45.98
b b b b b
30 10.82 11.05 10.94 57.99 57.20 57.59b
a a a a a a
40 12.95 13.30 13.12 71.72 70.34 71.03
SE ± 0.103 0.139 0.087 0.271 0.169 0.160
Level of significance * * * * * *
Interaction
N X spacing * * * * * *
Mean value with the same letters in each treatment group are not statistically significantly different at P =O.05 (DMRT).
* = statistically significant difference at 5% level of probability.
WAS = Weeks after sowing
N = Nitrogen
SE± = Standard error

8
 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

2
Table 5. Interactive effect of N - fertilizer and row spacing on mean leaf area index (mm ) per plant of Amaranthus cruentus L in 2014, 2015 raining
seasons and combined

Treatments 2014 3WAS 2015 3WAS Combined

Inter row spacing (cm) Inter row spacing (cm) Inter row spacing (cm)
N-fertilizer 20 30 40 20 30 40 20 30 40
(kg ha-1)
ij i ij h-k h-j h-k jk ij jk
0 0.43 0.52 0.50 0.45 0.58 0.54 0.44 0.55 0.52
g gh gh gh hi h g hi gh
30 0.94 0.78 0.83 1.00 0.85 0.92 0.97 0.81 0.88
60 1.74e 1.60ef 1.46f 1.91e 1.85ef 1.52e-g 1.83e 1.73ef 1.49f
c d d c d d c d d
90 3.05 2.47 2.43 3.21 2.61 2.46 3.13 2.54 2.45
120 4.68a 3.71b 4.67a 4.80a 4.18b 4.88a 4.74a 3.84b 4.77a
SE± 0.056 0.157 0.084
2014 6 WAS 2015 6 WAS Combined
jk j jk l k k l k k
0 3.50 4.17 4.09 3.65 5.21 5.60 3.58 4.69 4.85
30 9.02gh 7.39i 6.63i 9.21d-g 8.88d-h 7.50ij 9.11g 8.13hi 7.07j
e g gh d-e g-i ij e gh hi
60 12.70 9.29 8.64 10.13 8.05 7.40 11.42 8.67 8.02
90 14.68d 11.82ef 10.82f 12.00c 10.15d 9.32d-f 13.34d 10.94e 10.07f
a c b b c a b c a
120 21.26 18.19 19.89 14.17 11.51 19.78 17.66 14.85 19.83
SE ± 0.354 0.377 0.259
Mean value with the same letters in each treatment group are not statistically significantly different at P =O.05 (DMRT).
* = statistically significant difference at 5% level of probability.
WAS = Weeks after sowing
N = Nitrogen
SE± = Standard error

9
 Toungos et al.; AJAAR, 6(2): 1-12, 2018; Article no.AJAAR.39415

Table 6. Interactive effect of N - fertilizer and row spacing on mean fresh plant weight (g) per plant of Amaranthus cruentus L in 2014, 2015 raining
seasons and combined

Treatments 2014 3WAS 2015 3WAS Combined

Inter row spacing (cm) Inter row spacing (cm) Inter row spacing (cm)
N-fertilizer 20 30 40 20 30 40 20 30 40
(kg ha-1)
m l kl m kl kl m l k
0 0.77 1.93 2.41 0.99 2.09 2.81 0.88 2.01 2.61
k j i k j i k j i
30 2.81 4.40 6.79 3.05 4.78 7.01 2.93 4.59 6.90
60 8.76h 10.29g 12.11f 8.38h 10.44g 12.63f 8.57h 10.37g 12.37f
e d c e d c e d c
90 13.95 16.19 18.58 14.55 16.13 18.44 14.25 16.16 18.51
120 18.72c 21.27b 24.84a 18.78c 21.83b 25.63a 18.75c 21.55b 25.23a
SE ± 0.231 0.311 0.194
2014 6 WAS 2015 6 WAS Combined
m l k o n m o n m
0 19.88 24.30 29.46 18.92 23.01 29.17 19.40 23.65 29.32
30 35.58j 45.22i 52.59h 34.37l 44.67k 51.14i 34.78l
44.94k 51.87i
i g f j h f j h f
60 46.45 55.44 62.28 46.33 54.57 60.74 46.40 55.00 61.51
90 56.23g 66.29e 86.71c 56.46g 65.72e 84.88c 56.35g
66.01e 85.79c
d b a d b a d b a
120 73.81 98.69 127.57 71,80 98.01 125.78 72.81 98.35 126.67
SE ± 0.606 0.375 0.357
Mean value with the same letters in each treatment group are not statistically significantly different at P =O.05 (DMRT).
* = statistically significant difference at 5% level of probability.
WAS = Weeks after sowing
N = Nitrogen
SE± =Standard error

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5. CONCLUSION EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and

Rural Cooperation. Chaltham. UK. 2000;
In Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria, 214.
significantly higher harvestable fresh yield 11. FAO. Food and Agriculture Organization.
(weight per plant) of Amaranthus cruentus L. 2007 FAOSTAT. FAO Statistic Division;
(126.67 g) can be obtained in the application 120 2007. Rome. In: Kolawole EL, Sarah OA.
kg N ha-1with 40 cm row spacing. Growth and yield performance of
Amaranthus cruentus influenced by
COMPETING INTERESTS planting density and poultry manure
application. Not. Bot. Hort. Agrobot Cluj.
2009;37(1):195–199.
Authors declared that no competing interests
12. “Mergers in the fertilizer industry”, The
exist.
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