Efficacy of sunshine and neem-based organic fertilizer on performance and chemical constituents of Aloe vera in the southern guinea savanna ecology of Nigeria

Abstract

The guaranteed premium prices of organic food, reduction and elimination of the adverse effects of synthetic fertilizers on human health and the environment and sustainability of organic agro ecosystem have continued to stimulate the interest of more people on the continent to grow and eat organic food. Organic materials applied in soil as fertilizers could play an important role in the establishment of sustainable agriculture. This study was carried out in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching and Research Farm, Ogbomoso to determine the effect of organic fertilizers on growth, yield and the mineral composition of Aloe vera. Field experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. The treatments were nine treatments comprising of control at 0 kg P/ha, Sunshine and neem based fertilizer at 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg P/ha. Data on leaf (length, width, number, thickness) and suckers were collected and laboratory analyses of mineral composition were also determined. Application of organic fertilizer at the rate of 15 kg P/ha had better performance on leaf length, width, thickness, number of suckers and mineral composition of Aloe vera. The availability of nutrient elements like phosphorus in the fertilizers used seems to increase the absorption of nitrogen, which promotes vegetative production. P fertilizer is also important for Aloe vera production. Aloe vera growers should embark on the use of organic fertilizer for effective growth, yield and quality Aloe vera in the study area.