EFFECT OF SEEDBED TYPE AND LEVELS OF PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION

ABSTRACT

Field study was conducted at the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, to determine the effect of seedbed type and levels of phosphorus (P) application on the growth and yield of carrot. The study was laid out in a 2x4 split plot arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times with raise bed and flat at the main plots. The sub plots were the different levels (0, 30, 60, 90 kg P ha-r; of phosphorus application. Data were collected on plant height and number of leaves on biweekly interval. At harvest, data were collected on weight of leaves, length of root, number of root hairs, number of root tubers, weight of root tuber, and root tuber yield. Phosphorus application had significant effect on plant height and number of leaves. All phosphorus treated plants were statistically similar but significantly different from non-phosphorus treated plants. There was no significant interaction of seedbed type and level of phosphorus application on the growth of carrot. Plant treated with 30 and 60kg P per hectare had similar weight of leaves, number of root hairs per plant, root weight and root yield but significantly higher than non-phosphorus treated plants. The root yield was comparable for flat and raise bed. Planting on flat or raised bed with phosphorus application rate of 30kg P per hectare are recommended for carrot growers in humid ultisol environment.