Effect of Different Rates of Liming Materials on the Production of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogeae) In Owerri Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This work evaluated liming effects on the production of groundnut. The field work was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD).Three lime materials (Calcium oxide, wood ash and palm bunch ash) were used at three rates (2,4,6tons ha- 1) and the control (Otonha-1) to give a total of 10 treatments. The treatments were replicated three times. Plant growth parameters collected at 2,4 and 8 week after planting includes% emergence at 2WAP; leaf area, plant height and number of leaves per stand at 4 and 8 WAP. Pod yield parameters per hectare. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of (ANOVA). Results of the analysis showed significant difference at 5% probability level except for number of leaves at 4WAP which manifested at 8WAP. Soils of Owerri are acidic in nature and this could be as a result of parent materials, land use and climate. However, results of the post planting physiochemical analysis were promising at it showed considerable improvement in the soli system and the effective distribution and uptake of nutrient is an indication of the response of the crop due to liming. Highest performance of the crop was obtained from treated with 2 tons ha-1 of wood ash followed by palm bunch ash at 4tons ha -1 . The least performance was obtained from the control experiment.

Key word: Lime and liming materials, groundnut production, soils of Owerri, Nigeria