Title: Effect Of Slaked Lime On Soil Physical Properties Of An Alfisol And Growth Of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) In Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyibe, Christopher Emeka, Umukoro Prosper Omoefe, Okogu Ogheneruona Gideon, Ekama Charles Kelvin,
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 187-193
Publication Date: 2025/02/28
Abstract:
The study evaluated the effect of slaked lime on the physical properties of an Alfisol and the growth of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The research was conducted using a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with five treatment levels: T0 (control), T1 (1.2 tons/ha), T2 (1.8 tons/ha), T3 (2.5 tons/ha), T4 and T5 (3.0 tons/ha) of slaked lime, replicated three times. Data were collected on both physical and agronomic properties and analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA. The study aimed to determine the impact of Ca(OH)? on the physical properties of the Alfisol and the growth of groundnut. The physical properties examined included bulk density, total porosity, moisture content, and hydraulic conductivity. Agronomic parameters studied were percentage germination, plant height (cm), leaf area (cm), number of leaves, and number of branches. The results for both physical and agronomic properties showed the highest values under the T4 treatment (3.0 tons/ha of slaked lime). For physical properties, the highest values for total porosity, moisture content, and hydraulic conductivity were observed at 6 and 9 weeks after planting, with values ranging from 50.9% to 51.7%, 32.5% to 35.2%, and 0.312 to 0.342 cm/min, respectively. In terms of agronomic parameters, the maximum percentage germination was 100% at 2 weeks after planting. The plant height at 6 and 9 weeks after planting ranged from 20 cm to 35.7 cm. From 4 to 12 weeks after planting, the highest leaf area ranged from 17.8 cm² to 22.4 cm². The highest number of leaves recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after planting were 103, 122, 135, 182, and 220, respectively. Additionally, the highest number of branches recorded at 6, 8, and 10 weeks after planting were 34, 37, and 41, respectively.