Response of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Seedlings to Reduced Water Supply in the Nursery at Aliero, Kebbi State, a Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria — Mukhtar, R.B.

Mukhtar, R.B.

Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

email: rbmukhtar.fwm@buk.edu.ng

Acceptedon February 15, 2020.

Abstract

Parkia biglobosa is a multipurpose tree species with numerous benefits and one of the preferred species for Agroforestry but its population is threatened as a result of increasing human pressure and inability to regenerate under natural condition caused by environmental factors like drought. It is therefore useful to ascertain specific water requirements of the species in the nursery for optimum growth and reduced cost of seedlings production. In line with this, an investigation was carried-out to study water requirement for early growth of P. biglobosa in semi-arid region of Nigeria. Two weeks old seedlings were randomly selected and allocated to four different water regime treatments (once in a day, once after 3, 7 and 14 days) and 200 ml of water were applied to each seedling-based watering intervals. Ten seedlings were allocated per treatment and replicated five times. A completely randomised design was used and data were collected fortnightly for 12 weeks on stem height, collar diameter, number of leaves and seedlings dry weight. Net assimilation rate, relative growth rate and absolute growth rate were calculated. Data were analysed with analysis of variance and significantly different means were separated with Duncan multiple range test (p<0.05). The result revealed a significant (p<0.05) influence of watering regimes on early growth of P. biglobosa where once in a day produced the highest growth in all the parameters assessed. Seedlings of P. biglobosa that received water once in 7 days produced very low growth with total mortality recorded from once in 14 days. Watering once in a day with 200ml of water was recommended for optimum growth of P. biglobosa in the nursery.

Keywords: watering regime, growth, P. biglobosa, seedlings, nursery

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