Abstract

The effects of two inorganic fertilizers (urea and super phosphate simple) and organic manure (fowl droppings) on the early growth of seedlings of Khaya ivorensis in nursery were investigated using ten nutrient treatments, nine of which were nutrient combinations and one, a negative control. Urea was added at 0.75 and 112.50 mg while super phosphate simple (SPS) was added at 0.30 and 60 mg. Changes in plant height, leaf number, collar diameter and leaf area were evaluated fortnightly for 120 days. Total biomass was evaluated at the end of the experiment. All growth parameters improved with nutrient addition with the differences being significant in most cases at P=0.05. The highest seedling height (15.20 cm), leaf number (9), collar diameter (3.7 mm), leaf area (115.5 cm²), and biomass (19.3 g) were recorded when 75 mg urea and 60 mg SPS were added to seedlings. Results obtained suggest that the treatment combination N1P1 addition is necessary to boost the growth of this plant in nursery.

Key words: Khaya ivorensis, growth characteristics, fertilizers, mahogany.