Title : Effect of different rates of urea fertilizer on performance of Celosia argentea in a Semi – arid condition of South Africa
Abstract :Celosia is a leafy vegetable of high economic value and a food security booster by improving the food basket of the Sub - Sahara African region. Two pot experiments were carried out during summer and autumn seasons. This study was carried out to assess effect of urea applied at varying rates on performance of Celosia argentea. The trial was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The treatment tested were five urea rates: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg N/ha. Growth data such as plant height, number of leaves and leaf area were determined at 2-week interval commencing from 4 weeks after plant emergence (WAE). Fresh shoot yield, fresh root weight and fresh root length were also determined at 8 WAE. During the autumn, the pots treated with 90 N kg/ha produced tallest plant height (14, 20, 20 and 50 cm) and shortest plant height (6, 10.67 and 21.67 cm) was obtained in the untreated pots at 4, 6 and 8 WAE, respectively. The pots fertilized with 90 N kg/ha produced highest fresh shoot yield (45.67 g/pot) during summer and highest fresh shoot yield (91.13g/pot) was obtained from the pot fertilized with 150 N kg/ha during autumn. Application of 120 kg N/ha urea fertilizer improved growth and leafy yield of Celosia argentea.