Abstract

The aim of this research was to find whether Sesamum radiatum growth requires cow manure and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizers. We examined the survey vegetable over two growing seasons on ferruginous soil: from June to December in 2009 (Season 1) and 2010 (Season 2). We used cow manure (0, 20, 30 and 40 t.ha-1) and NPK 10:10:20 (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1) during season 1 and no amendments during season 2 to determine if application of amendments would carry through to a second season as partially described by effects on soil and yield. A randomized complete block designed through three replications is performed. Parameters such as pH, Organic carbon, Nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable bases (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+), cation exchange capacity, base saturation and yields were identified. Cow manure significantly affected height, leaves yields while NPK had a lowly significant effect on total yield, stems yield and base saturation and highly significant effect on leaves yields, sum of bases and cation exchange capacity. Both cow manure and NPK fertilizers significantly affected magnesium and organic carbon. 20 t∙ha-1 of cow manure and 100 kg.ha-1 of NPK produced the best yield in the second season and our results opened up encouraging perspectives in using magnesium, organic or inorganic fertilizers for sesame growth. The outcomes provided important prerequisite for effective cultivation of the survey leafy vegetable and it is expected to be applied in research for cultivars suitable to modern planting systems and food purposes.

Key words: Amended soil, unamended soil, yield, growing seasons, leafy vegetable.