Effect of Different Rates of Compost Application on Growth Performance and Yield Components of Carrot (Daucus carrota L.) in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The research pertaining to the use of organics and bio fertilizers in vegetable crops particularly in carrot is very much limited. So far no research has been conducted to see the effect of compost fertilizer on growth performance and yield of carrot. Therefore, the goal of the present experiment was to evaluate the growth performance and yield component of carrot to different rates of compost application under supplemental irrigation condition. The experiment was conducted at demonstration site of horticulture department, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Wolkite University during 2017 cropping season. The experiment was laid out by using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments. The treatments consisted of four levels of compost application rates (0, 25, 50 and 75 tons ha^-1). Carrot variety known as ‘’Nantes’’ was used as experimental material.  All recorded data were subjected to ANOVA in Randomized complete block Design and the analysis was performed by using statistical procedures from Gomez and Gomez text book. The analysis of variance indicated that most of the growth and yield component parameters (like plant height, leaf number, fresh weight and shoulder diameter) showed highly significant (P<0.01) difference among treatments, whereas dry weight was significantly (p<0.05) different. However, no significant difference was observed among treatments on the parameter Root Length.  The finding of this study indicates  that Statistically the highest plant height (29.16cm and 23.91cm) and fresh weight (23.48g and 15.20g) was recorded from compost application rates of 70ton/ha and 50 ton/ha, respectively. Similarly, the highest leaf number (15.16), dry weight (7.14g) and shoulder diameter (1.70cm) per plant was recorded from the maximum compost application rate (75ton/ha). However, no statistical difference was observed among treatments on parameter root length. Thus, from this result we can conclude that compost application at the rate of 75ton/ha can give the maximum record for growth parameters and yield components of carrot. Further to this we recommend the experiment to be conducted across location and year by incorporating additional compost level one or two level up together with inorganic fertilizers.

Keywords: Carrot, Compost, Growth

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/54-03

Publication date: April 30^th 2019