Effects of potting mixture on the growth of seedlings of Entandrophragma cylindricum (SPRAGUE) and Tamarindus the Growth of Seedlings of Entandrophragma cylindricum (SPRAGUE) and Tamarindus indica L

Abstract

The study describes the effects of biochar and NPK fertilizer on Entandrophragma cylindricum and Tamarindus indica seedlings in the nursery of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Benin, with a view to evaluating the seedling growth response to the quantity of biochar and the level of fertilizer applied. The potting mixtures used were soil only which is the control, mixture of soil and biochar, mixture of soil, biochar and fertilizer, mixture of soil and fertilizer. The seeds of Entandrophragma cylindricum and Tamarindus indica were sourced for and planted. Transplanting was carried out for germinated seeds until the required number of seedlings needed for the experiment was obtained. Measurements were taken at one week interval. Seedlings were evaluated for ten weeks for different growth variables. The experiment was a completely randomized design. Result indicates that there was no significant difference in the growth variables except for stem height of Entandrophragma cylindricum at 5% level. Although, there were marginal differences in the growth variables recorded. Other silvicultural practices that would promote the growth of Entandrophragma and Tamarindus should be considered. Few problems were encountered especially those of insect and pest infestation.