Owoade FM, Abolarin AO and Ewetola EA
Keywords: Aloe vera, alesinloye, sources, performance, fertilizer, composition
Abstract: Research-based fertilizer recommendations for production of Aloe vera are scanty and it is essential to have an appropriate fertilizer recommendation for enhanced yield and nutrient composition. This study was carried out to determine the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on performance of Aloe vera and soil chemical properties. The treatments which comprise control (Plot with no application of nutrient),inorganic N (Urea) + SSP + MOP, organic N (Alesinloye) + SSP +MOP, organic N (Poultry manure) + SSP + MOP were replicated thrice, monitored for two years and all applied at 125 kgN/ha, 30 kg P/ha and 90 kg K/ha recommendation. Data on number, length, width, thickness and volume of leaves and number of suckers were collected and soil chemical properties and textural composition were also determined. Application of inorganic (N) fertilizer and poultry manure improved the growth and yield parameters of Aloe vera. The soil P, Mg, Cu and pH were also significantly increased by Alesinloye organic fertilizer. Aloe vera farmers in general should embark on the use of commercial organic fertilizer and Poultry manure for effective growth, yield and soil fertility improvement in the study area.
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