Effects of NPK fertilizer on growth and yield of Nigerian turmeric (Curcuma longa linn.) germplasm in coastal rainforest ecology of Nigeria

The study investigated the responses of 10 Turmeric Nigerian Curcuma Longa (NCL) Germplasm, to NPK nutrient rates and its effect on some soil properties. The experiment laid out, was a 3 x 10 factorial in RCBD, to evaluate the growth and yield performance on coastal rainforest soil in Nigeria. The following data were collected: soil physico-chemical properties, tiller count, leaf area (cm2), plant height (cm), plant biomass (mtons ha-1), economic yield (mtons ha-1) and harvest index. Also, linear correlation matrix and traits variability of the accessions were characterized. Data were subjected to ANOVA, as outlined for factorial in RCBD. Treatment means were separated using Fisher’s least significant differences (p < 0.05). The soil is acidic (3.60 - 5.20), low total Nitrogen (1.10 - 1.12 g kg-1) and exchangeable bases with Potassium (0.02 – 0.15 cmol kg-1 soil). Nutrient rates at 150 kg N, 50 g P2O5, and 50 kg K2O (500 kg ha-1NPK), significantly (p