Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 25: 1573 - 1578. Published January 11 2010.
Nutrient dynamics in soil and cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf and kernel in Kogi State, Nigeria
Aikpokpodion P.E*, Uloko B. and Edibo G.
Soils and Plant Nutrition Department, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author e-mail: paulaikpokpodion2@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Objective: Cashew production in Nigeria continues to be limited by low yield, variable nut yield and quality. This work was carried out to assess the nutrient dynamics in soils, cashew foliage and nut kernels.
Methodology and results: Soil samples, foliage and nut kernels were collected from the farms of ten major cashew farmers across three local government areas in Kogi State. Samples were prepared according to standard procedure and analyzed chemically to determine their nutrient contents. Results showed that the soils were sandy loam and were deficient in magnesium, potassium, available phosphorus and nitrogen content. Foliar samples from all the farms were deficient in Mg, nine in P and seven in N. Phosphorus, Mg, K, Fe and Zn in the nut kernel were below FAO recommended values.
Conclusions and application of findings: The low clay and organic matter content of the soils had negative influence on the soil’s fertility status which reflected in the minerals and nutrient contents of the foliage and nuts. Regular fertilizer and compost application should be done on the farms to replenish the lost nutrients and improve the water holding capacity of the soil. The findings of this study will form the basis for recommending fertilizer application to increase cashew production and yield in Kogi state.
Key words: Cashew, nutrient deficiency, foliage and nut, Nigeria.
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