Effect of Cocoa Pod Husk on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Status of Tomato in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The use ofcocoa pod husk in improving soil and tomatoes yield is ofimportance in Nigeria in view ofthe sizeable amount ofcocoa pod husk generated and often wasted. In order to test the effectiveness ofground cocoa pod husk (CPH) as nutrient source for tomato: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 t ha-1 CPH and N.P.K (15:15:15) fertilizer (NPKF) at 200 kg ha-1 were applied to soil. The treatments were applied to early and late crops grown at two sites at Akure, Southwest Nigeria. The test soils were deficient in organic matter, P, and Ca. Growth and fruit yield data were collected and leaf analysis was done. Leaf area, plant height and number of branches increased with level of CPH. Increase in growth parameters given by 20 t ha-1 CPH and NPKF were similar. Leaf P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations increased with level of CPH. Compared with NPK, 15, 20, and 25 t ha-1 CPH increased leafK, Ca and Mg concentration. CPH application increased fruit weight, and increases by 10, 15, 20, 25 t ha-1 CPH and NPKF were significant (p>0.05). Increases in fruit yield by application of5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 t ha-1CPH and NPKF were 86, 503, 397, 658, 747 and 653% respectively.