Effect of Cassava Peel Compost on Growth and Nutritional Quality of Celosia (Celosia argentea L.)

Recent survey of indigenous vegetables in south western Nigeria revealed farmers` interest in their cultivation if not for lack of adequate technical knowledge. The efforts to develop appropriate production package prompted us to assess the effects of Cassava Peel Compost (CPC) in combination with or without mineral fertilizer on the growth, shoot yield and nutritional values of Celosia argentea. The treatments applied were: T1 = 375 kg ha 1 NPK; T2 = 2 t ha 1 CPC; T3 = 3 t ha 1 CPC; T4 = 1 t ha 1 CPC + 187.5 kg ha 1 NPK; T5 = 2 t ha 1 CPC + 187.5 kg ha 1 NPK; and T6 = 0 (non-fertilized plant). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Growth and nutritional quality assessments were done on stem height and girth, number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter and shoot yields, shoot proximate and elemental contents. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The highest growth parameters were recorded with application of 375 kg ha 1 NPK and this was not significantly different from what was observed with T3 and T5. In the case of crop nutritional contents, combined application of 2 t ha 1 CPC + 187.5 kg ha 1 NPK produced plants that were better than other treatments. It could be concluded that the use of cassava peel compost is adequate for celosia production.