Authors : L.S. Ayeni , O.M. Ayeni , O.P. Oso and S.O. Ojeniyi
Abstract: Experiments were conducted between 2002 and 2003 in 2 different locations to investigate the effect of sawdust and wood ash applications on soil chemical properties, N and P nutrient content and growth of cocoa seedlings in the nursery. The treatments were 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 t ha 1 of sawdust ash and wood ash replicated 3 times using completely randomized design. The soils used were deficient in organic matter, Mg, Ca and marginal in K and slightly acidic. Ash applied at 4, 8, 12 and 16 t ha 1 increased significantly (p<0.05) soil available P, exchangeable K, Mg and Ca, leaf N and P contents, number of leaves, plant height and stem girth of cocoa seedlings. The 8 t ha 1 of both wood ash and sawdust ash level gave highest increases in growth parameters. Soil total N, exchangeable K, Ca and Mg tended to increase with level of ash.
L.S. Ayeni , O.M. Ayeni , O.P. Oso and S.O. Ojeniyi , 2008. Effect of Sawdust and Wood Ash Applications in Improving Soil Chemical Properties and Growth of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Seedlings in the Nurseries. Agricultural Journal, 3: 323-326.