Articles
Effects of Azolla soil amendments on growth performance of choy sum (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis)
Article number
1354_3
Pages
17 – 24
Language
English
Abstract
Azolla has been used as a soil amendment (fresh or composted) due to high nitrogen (N) content (3-6% N by dry weight). Azolla incorporation in rice fields can increase the yield up to 47%. However, the effect of fresh and composted Azolla on the growth performance of leafy vegetables has scarcely been studied.
Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of fresh and composted Azolla on the growth performance of choy sum.
Polybag trial with the arrangement of the completely randomized design was conducted throughout two planting seasons.
The soil amendment treatments were i) 150 kg ha‑1 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer (0.7 g polybag‑1) (control); ii) fresh Azolla 3, 6, 9%; and iii) composted Azolla 1, 2, 3% of soil weight.
The fresh and dry weight (shoot and root), root length, leaf area, plant height, number of leaves and chlorophyll content were observed at harvest.
The data were analyzed using ANOVA of Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). There was a significant interaction effect between soil amendments × planting seasons on shoot fresh and dry weight, leaf area and chlorophyll content of choy sum.
Choy sum treated with fresh and composted Azolla recorded significantly lower shoot fresh and dry weight and chlorophyll content than the control.
No significant differences in leaf area were observed between the control and 2% composted Azolla in planting season 1. Planting season 1 had a higher fresh and dry weight (shoot and root), leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, and chlorophyll content than planting season 2. However, no significant interactions were observed between soil amendments × planting seasons on choy sum roots fresh and dry weight, root length, plant height and the number of leaves.
Composted Azolla can enhance the uptake of nutrients from the soil by crop; hence, improving the choy sum growth performance.
Besides, the growth performance of choy sum was reduced tremendously at the planting season 2. Therefore, soil amendments need to be applied before each planting season to obtain excellent growth performance.
Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of fresh and composted Azolla on the growth performance of choy sum.
Polybag trial with the arrangement of the completely randomized design was conducted throughout two planting seasons.
The soil amendment treatments were i) 150 kg ha‑1 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer (0.7 g polybag‑1) (control); ii) fresh Azolla 3, 6, 9%; and iii) composted Azolla 1, 2, 3% of soil weight.
The fresh and dry weight (shoot and root), root length, leaf area, plant height, number of leaves and chlorophyll content were observed at harvest.
The data were analyzed using ANOVA of Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). There was a significant interaction effect between soil amendments × planting seasons on shoot fresh and dry weight, leaf area and chlorophyll content of choy sum.
Choy sum treated with fresh and composted Azolla recorded significantly lower shoot fresh and dry weight and chlorophyll content than the control.
No significant differences in leaf area were observed between the control and 2% composted Azolla in planting season 1. Planting season 1 had a higher fresh and dry weight (shoot and root), leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, and chlorophyll content than planting season 2. However, no significant interactions were observed between soil amendments × planting seasons on choy sum roots fresh and dry weight, root length, plant height and the number of leaves.
Composted Azolla can enhance the uptake of nutrients from the soil by crop; hence, improving the choy sum growth performance.
Besides, the growth performance of choy sum was reduced tremendously at the planting season 2. Therefore, soil amendments need to be applied before each planting season to obtain excellent growth performance.
Publication
Authors
N.S.A. Rashid, M.B. Jalloh, A. Awang, R. Murdad, E.A. Azman, N.E. Tajidin
Keywords
soil amendment, Azolla, compost, fresh weight, leaf area
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