By Ogbaje, H; Adede, AC; Sule, Y (2023). Greener Journal of Science, Engineering and Technological Research, 12(1): 20-25.
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ISSN: 2276-7835
Vol. 12(1), pp. 26-33, 2023
Copyright ©2023, the copyright of this article is retained by the author(s)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8043708
https://gjournals.org/GJSETR
123Kogi State Polytechnic, Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Type: Research
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DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8043708
Amaranth has extra ordinary nutritional benefits and contains full range of essential amino acids in very balanced amounts. Proper irrigation scheduling or efficient water management practices can reduce loss of water and amaranth gets the required amount of water for its growth therefore reducing its current production decline in Nigeria. In this work, pot experiment was carried out at Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe campus, Nigeria, to determine the effects of irrigation rates and irrigation frequency on the growth of amaranth. Three levels of irrigation rate (10%, 20% and 30%) and three levels of irrigation frequency (1, 2 and 3 per day) were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) giving a total of nine treatments and replicated thrice, totaling 27 samples. Amaranth seeds were planted through broadcasting at the nursery and transplanting was done 7 days after planting. One amaranth was transplanted per pot. The physico-chemical properties of the soils were determined prior to planting. Data collected were subjected to the analysis of variance using Genstat-17-Edition. Significant differences in means were separated using Fischer’s least significant difference F-LSD. Results indicated that irrigation rates and frequency significantly influenced the area of the leaves produced and the height of the plant. Similarly, the length of the plant roots show to be influenced by the irrigation rates and frequency. Irrigation rate of 20% with 1 application per day however gave the best yield and was therefore recommended for the production of amaranth in the study area.
Published: 15/06/2023
Hope Ogbaje
E-mail: hopeogbaje@ gmail.com
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L) belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. The genus Amaranthus include other species of grain type amaranth viz: A peneculatus, A cruentus and Acaudatus. The grain types of amaranthus are thought to be of Central American origin. In Central America, European settlers introduced these to the old world during the 19th century. Literature has shown that its protein is of higher quality than cow’s milk protein [1]. Amaranth has many nutritional benefits and contains full range of essential amino acids in very balanced amounts [1]. Findings of Wu Leung et al. [2,3] showed 15 to 16% protein and 6.9 to 8.3% lipid in amaranth seeds dry matter and it indicated better calorific value (430 cal / 100 g) than maize.
With all these potentials, amaranth is very sensitive to water stress. It is a plant requiring some water quantity for growth and development. Foregoing research highlighted a reduced amaranth growth due to water deficit [4], while Ejieji and Adeniran [5] reported a reduced amaranth yield for treatment under water stress. In general, Soil water deficit is a principal biotic factor that limits plant growth and development. Jomo et al [4] affirmed a reduced amaranth leaf area and dry matter due to water stress, whereas Meyers [6] concluded a reduced amaranth growth and yield due to water deficit.
Irrigation scheduling is considered as a vital component of water management to produce higher irrigation efficiency under any irrigation system, as excessive or sub-optimum irrigation both have detrimental effects on productivity parameters of amaranth [4].
In almost all regions of the world, water supply is the major constraint to crop production due to water demand for rapid industrialization and high population growth. Agricultural sector consumes about 83% of water whereas; about 50-70% of water is wasted through conveyance, evaporation, field application, and distribution losses in conventional method of irrigation. These losses can be reduced by proper irrigation scheduling or efficient water management practices [7]. In Nigeria, a higher reduction in amaranth production has been recorded while information is limited concerning effective irrigation level for improving its growth and yield [8]. Therefore, there is a need of a study regarding amaranth efficient irrigation scheduling to enhance its growth and production in Itakpe, Kogi State.
The aim of this work was to study the effect of irrigation scheduling on the growth parameters of amaranth in Itakpe, Kogi State.
2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Study Area
The experiment was conducted in school of Agricultural technology experimental farm in Kogi state Polytechnic campus, Itakpe where the maximum temperature varies between 29oC and 35oC, while the annual volume of precipitation is always less that 1900mm with an average of 1000mm. The site is located on latitude 7.658889oN and longitude 6.362253oE on an altitude of about 195m above the sea level. Figure 1 show the map of the experimental site (Itakpe, Kogi State, Nigeria).
Figure 1: Map of Kogi State Showing the Study Area (Itakpe, Kogi State, Nigeria)
2.2 Experimental Design
The experiment was undertaken in pots and nine different treatments of irrigation levels were considered. These agents were in completely randomized design with three replications for each, giving a total of twenty-seven samples. The rates and frequencies of irrigation are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Irrigation Rates and Frequency of Irrigation
2.3 Planting
Soil Auger was used to collect soil samples from the field using simple random method at the depth of 0 – 15 cm before planting. Various soil samples were collected at six different spots to arrive at a composite sample. Some portion of the composite sample was introduced into the 27 experimental pots while the remaining soil sample was taken to the laboratory for physico-chemical analysis of the soils.
Planting of Amaranth was done on the 5th September, 2022. The seeds were planted first at the nursery and transplanting was done after 7 days, 1 plant per pot was planted at a depth of 2.5 cm. The seeds were locally sourced from International Market in Lokoja, Kogi State.
2.4 Data sampling and Analysis
2.4.1 Soil Data
Soil samples were bulked for analysis. The soil samples were air dried, crushed and sieved using 2mm sieve. The soil analysis was carried out at Soil Science Laboratory, Department of Soil science and Environmental Management, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.
Particle Size Distribution
This was determined using Bouyoucous (Hydrometer) method as described by Udo et al. [9], fifty grams (50g) of the soil sample were stirred for 15 minutes. The dispersed suspension was then transferred into a glass cylinder and the cylinder tilled with distilled water to mark. After that, the top of the cylinder was covered with hand and inverted several times until the dispersion was properly mixed. A plunger was also used to ensure proper stirring of the suspension. Hydrometer and thermometer determine the percentage composition of the suspended materials. The first hydrometer reading was taken at 40 seconds and this measured the amount of silt and clay in suspension. The Second reading was taken after 3 hours and this indicated the percentage of total clay suspension. The percentage composition of sand, silt and clay was determined using the formula below
% sand = 100 (H1 + 0.2 (T1–68) – 2.0) 2 ——(Equations 1)
% clay = H2 – 0.2 (T2 – 68) – 2.0)
% silt = 100 (% sand + % clay)
Where;
H1 = firs hydrometer reading at 40 seconds
T1 = first thermometer reading at 40 seconds
H2 = Second Hydrometer reading after 3 hours
T2 = Second Thermometer Reading after 3 hours
Soil pH
The soil pH was determined in 1:1 soil-water suspension by glass electrode method [10]. Ten Grams (10g) of air dried soil sample (passed through 2mm sieve was measured into a 50ml plastic beaker.
Twenty (20) ml of water was added and the suspension was allowed to stand for about 30 minutes and stirred occasionally with glass rod, after which the suspension was allowed to settle and electrode of the pH meter was inserted to measure the active acidity at a 1:1 ratio. This procedure was repeated using 0.01ml Calcium chloride solution at a ratio of 1:2.
Organic Carbon
This was determined by the modified walking-black method as describe by Nelson and sommers, [11] which involves the oxidation of soil samples with dichromate and tetraoxasulphate (iv) acid. Two gram of sieved soil was mixed with 10ml of distilled water was added. Three drops of Phenolphthalein indicator was added and titrated against ferrous Sulphate. A blank solution was prepared without soil samples and their readings were taken. The Organic carbon was then calculated using the relationship
% OC = NV1 ———————————— (equation 2)
N = Normality of ferrous Sulphate solution
V1 = Mol Ferrous ammonium Sulphate for the blank
V2 = Mol Ferrous ammonium Sulphate for the sample
F = Correction factors = 1.33
% Organic matter in soil = % organic carbon x 1.729
Organic Matter
The organic matter was determined using the chronic acid oxidation produce of Walkley and Black using the formula.
% OM = % OC x1.729 [12]——————- (equation 3)
Total Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen was determined by Macro- Kjeldahl digestion and distillation method as described by Bremmer, [13]. This method makes use of mercury catalyst Tablets to aid the digestion. The soil sample was digested with concentrated tetraoxosulphate (iv) acid after addition of excess caustic soda. Ten grams (10g) of sample was weighed into a dry 500ml conical flask, 20ml of distilled water was added. The flask was then swirled for few minutes and then allows standing for about 30 minutes then was added. Then 30mls of concentrated Sulphuric acid was added through a measuring cylinder. The flask was allowed to cool, and then 100mls of distilled water was added slowly. The digest was transferred to a clean 250mls volumetric flask with caution. The stand particles were then washed with distilled water and flask mark with distilled water. The samples were then distilled with boric acid using 10 ml NaOH.
Available Phosphorus
The molybdenum-blue method as described by IITA [10] was in the determination of phosphorus content in the soil sample. One gram (lg) of air dried sample was taken into a 15ml centrifuge tube and 7ml extraction solution (NH4F + HCl) was added. The suspension was shaken on a mechanical shaker for 1 minute and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 15 minutes. Two milliliters of the clear supernatant solution were poured into a 20ml test tube and 5ml of distilled H2O and 2ml of ammonium molybdate were added to the solution. The content was mixed properly after which 1ml of the dilute stannous chloride solution was added. The percentage transmittance of the sample content solution was measured on the electrophotometer at 600microwavelength. The available phosphorus of the sample was calculated using standard curve of transmittance against known concentration of phosphorus (Rpm)
Exchangeable Bases
This was determined by the ammonium acetate extraction method as described by IITA [10], the soil sample were shaken for two hours then centrifuged at 2000rmp for 5-10 =110 minutes after decanting into a volumetric flack. Ca and Mg were then determine using the atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) while the EDTA extracts Na and K was determined using flame photometer.
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
The CEC of the sample was determined using the procedures as described by IITA [10] and modified by Anderson and Ingram [14]. The principle involves the solution of the exchange salt of the soil with a known salt solution and displacement of the salt to determine the soil colloids. Potassium chloride (KCl) and neutral NH4O AC solutions were use in this saturation displacement method.
A 2.5g of sample was taken into a 50ml centrifuge tube, 33ml of 1mlkcl was added and the suspension was shaken for five minutes. The tube was centrifuged to get a clear supernatant discarded. The saturation with KCl and discarding the supernatant solution was obtained.
This was also discarded. The washing with alcohol was repeated two times to remove excess K, 33ml of 1ml NH4O AC was added to the tube and shaken for 5 Minutes. The suspension was centrifuged to obtain a clear supernatant solution to make up the volume to the 100ml mark and the solution was thoroughly mixed by swirling. The concentration in the flask was determined graphically. The CEC (Cmol/kg) is equal to mg kg/100 soil. This is numerically equal to Cmol/kg soil.
2.4.2 Crop data collection
The following agronomic data were collected at 12 d, 19 d, 26 d, and 33 d (d means the days numbers after transplanting) and recorded as follows;
Growth parameters of Amaranth
i. Plant Height
The plant heights were taken using a 30 cm meter rule by placing the meter rule at the base of the amaranth plant measuring up to the last node of the plant.
ii. Number of leaves
The number of leaves was taken by manual counting of the leaves
iii. Leaf Area
A 30 cm meter rule was used to take the leaves area by measuring the length and the breath of the leaf (A=LxB)
iv. Root Length
The root length were taken using a 30 cm meter rule by placing the meter rule at the base of the amaranth plant measuring down to the tip of the root of the plant.
2.4.3 Data Analysis
The data were analyzed statistically with Genstat discovery software edition 4. A comparison among treatments were conducted (P<0.05) by using least significant difference (LSD) at 5% level, Duncan multiple test was used for mean separation.
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 Physical and Chemical Properties of the Experimental Soils
The results obtained for physical and chemical properties of the soil are presented in Table 2. The result shows that the pH of the soil was 6.00 and 5.30 in water and KCL respectively. Sand, silt and clay contents were 71.80, 13.00 and 15.20 respectively, therefore the soil was classified as sandy loam. Organic carbon content was 1.38; the soil had 0.069% nitrogen and 4.87 mgkg-1 available phosphorus. Exchangeable cations which included K, Na, Mg and Ca were 2.11, 0.39, 2.28 and 4.22 cmolkg-1 respectively. The TEB, EA and CEC were 9.00, 1.10 and 10.10 cmolkg-1 respectively.
Table 2: Physical and Chemical Properties of the Soil
3.2 Effect of Irrigation Rate and Frequency on the Leaf Area of Amaranth
The influence of irrigation rate and frequency on leaf area is presented in Table 3. The result shows that there are significant differences (P<0.05) in the leaf area at 12, 19 and 26 days after transplanting. At 12, 19 and 26 days after transplanting, the leaf area increased as the frequency increases at 10% rate. But as the irrigation rate was increased to 20%, there was a sharp increase in the leaf area across the various days after transplanting. However, as the rate and frequency increases further, a decrease in leaf area was observed. The highest leaf area was observed with T4 (5.613cm2) while the least was with T6 (1.080 and 2.140 cm2) at 12 and 19 days after transplanting respectively and at 26 days after planting, the least was observed with T7 (3.367 cm2).
Table 3: The Influence of Irrigation Rate and Frequency on Leaf Area of Amaranth(cm2)
LSD = Least Significant Difference
Means in the same column with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5% level of probability.
3.3 Effect of Irrigation Rate and Frequency on the Plant Height of Amaranth
The influence of irrigation rate and frequency on plant height of amaranth is presented in Table 4. The result shows that there were no significant difference (P<0.05) on plant height among the treatments at 12 days after transplanting, but at 19 and 26 days after transplanting, the plant height is significant among the treatments. At 12, 19 and 26 days after transplanting, the plant height increased across the treatments, until a decrease was observed from T5. The highest height was observed with treatment T4 (5.667 cm, 7.000 cm and 7.833 cm) at 12, 19 and 26 days after transplanting respectively, while the lowest was observed with treatment T6 (2.400 cm, 3.333 cm and 4.333 cm) at 12, 19 and 26 days after transplanting respectively.
Table 4: Effect of Irrigation Rate and Frequency on the Plant Height of Amaranth (cm)
T6
NS = Not significant
3.4 Effect of Irrigation Rate and Frequency on the Number of Leaves of Amaranth
Table 5 presents the effect of irrigation rate and frequency on the number of leaves of amaranth. The result shows that there is no significant difference (P<0.05) on number of leaves among the treatments at 12 and 19 days after transplanting, but at 26 days after transplanting, significant difference was observed between treatments T4 and T5. Treatment T4 was observed with the highest number of leaves (7, 8 and 9) at 12, 19 and 26 days after transplanting respectively.
Table 5: Effect of Irrigation Rate and Frequency on the Number of Leaves of Amaranth
T3
3.5 Effects of Irrigation Scheduling on Root length (cm)
The effects of irrigation rate and frequency on the root length of amaranth are presented in Figure 2. From the figure, the results highlighted treatment T4 as the most effective treatment in enhancing the root length of amaranth plant comparatively to other treatments. It was observed to have the highest value of 1.96 cm and significantly differed from others (P<0.05). It was followed by treatment T1 with 1.70 cm, whereas T6 of 0.96 cm got the shortest roots.
Figure 2: Effects of Irrigation Rate and Frequency on Root length (cm)
4.0 DISCUSSION
The effects of irrigation rate and frequency on the leaf area of amaranth gotten in this study support those of Kwizera Chantal et. al. [1] who reported improved leaf area for irrigated treatments at a medium level comparatively to those under stress. The improved and unique leaf area for treatment T4, (that is, 20% irrigation rate for ones in a day) could be that field capacity was achieved at that level and the capillary water available for the plant growth was sufficient to meet the need of the plant, thus enhanced performance. Further increment of irrigation rate and frequency would have led to saturation which caused a decline in leaf area from T5 beyond. The lower leaf area observed from T1 – T3, as compared to T4 could be that there was no sufficient water to meet the daily water need of the crops as compared to T4.
Observation from the effect of irrigation rate and frequency on the height of amaranth shows that improvement of the plant growth with applied higher irrigation rate on 12d, 19d and 26d was due to the higher temperature in these days resulting in increased evapotranspiration whence higher irrigation water for compensation to promote transplanted seedlings root system establishment. This supports the results of Zhongping [15] who found an improved growth due to the use of higher irrigation water during periods of high temperatures. Likewise, these results endorse the outcomes of Leban [16] which revealed an improved plant height for normally irrigated treatments than those under stress. However, the reduced plant height for treatments T6 and T7 could be attributed to the reduced cell turgor which affect cell division and expansion as affirmed by Jomo et al. [4] and also limited nutrient uptake [17].
Results of the number of leaves of amaranth are in accordance with the results of Pincard [18] and those of Kramer and Boyer [19] who both affirmed an increased leaves number for normally irrigated treatments than those under stress. In addition, these results endorse those of Bouchabke et al. [20] who reported an increased leaves number for irrigated treatments than those under stress.
The effects of irrigation rate and frequency on the root length of amaranth with T4 (that is, 20% irrigation rate for ones in a day) as the most effective treatment in enhancing root length of amaranth plant was due to medium irrigation level as this has also been reported by Gajri et al. [21].
5.0 CONCLUSION
The study showed that among the growth parameters, irrigation scheduling significantly influenced leaf area and plant height. Number of leaves was not significantly different at 12 and 19 days. The result highlighted treatment T4 (20% irrigation rate and 1 irrigation frequency) as the most effective treatment in enhancing the root length of amaranth plant comparatively to other treatments. Scheduling of 20% irrigation rate, once in a day which gave the highest growth of amaranth is therefore recommended for the production of the amaranth in Itakpe, Kogi State.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.
REFERENCES
Cite this Article: Ogbaje, H; Adede, AC; Sule, Y (2023). Effects of Irrigation Scheduling on the Growth Parameters of Amaranth in Itakpe, Kogi State, Nigeria. Greener Journal of Science, Engineering and Technological Research, 12(1): 26-33. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8043708.
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