The influence of maize-stover compost and nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of amaranth

The influence of maize-stover compost and N-fertilizer on growth, shoot yield and nutrient uptake of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) was studied over a period of 2 years. Twelve treatments derived from a factorial combination of four levels of maize-stover compost (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 t/ha) and three levels of N-fertilizer (from urea) (0, 30 and 60 ka N/ha) were tested. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Applications of maize-stover compost and its combination with urea fertilizer enhanced plant growth. Plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter per plant as well as shoot yield were all significantly affected by different levels of compost both in combination with or without urea fertilizer. The treatments also had significant effects on amaranth N, P and K uptake. The optimum N and P uptake was obtained at 3.0 t/ha compost + 30 kg/ha while the best K uptake was obtained with plants treated with 1.5 t/ha compost + 60 kg N/ha. It would appear that the best combination of compost and N-fertilizer for optimum performance of amaranth is 3.0 t/ha compost + 30 ka N/ha. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.