Comparative effects of Struvite and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth Parameters of Cucurbita Maxima (Ugbogulu / Anyu)

Abstract

This study compared the effects of struvite (a slow-release organic fertilizer) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK 20:10:10 and urea) on the growth of Cucurbita (ugbogulu/anyu). Struvite, obtained from human urine was used. The main experiment was conducted at Biochemistry Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University after struvite recovery and growing of the Cucurbita maxima which lasted for a period of four (4) months. Four treatment groups and four modifications were successfully employed. Treatments included: control (no application), NPK 20:10:10, urea fertilizer and struvite group. Data on the following plant growth parameters were collected within 3 to 9 weeks after planting. These data included: plant height, number of leaves, stem girth (circumference) and leaf area of the plants. Chlorophyll content, vitamin C content and mineral content were also determined using standard method. The results showed that plants grown with struvite had a higher percentage change in plant height (91%) and the average plant height (cm) in 6-week harvest data was 23.78±1.08. The average number of the leaves in the struvite group was the highest (7.50±0.96), while the average number of the leaves in the urea group was the lowest (4.67±0.43). Struvite group had the highest average final stem girth (2.43±0.12) when compared with other groups. Also, plants treated with struvite fertilizer had the highest vitamin C content, highest average chlorophyll B content, and highest potassium content. Therefore, it is recommended to use struvite (organic fertilizer) as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers for promoting plant growth and reducing environmental impact.