Effects of Cow dung and N. P.K Fertilizer at different levels on the Growth performance and Nutrient Composition of Moringa oleifera

The study was carried out to assess the growth performance and nutritional value of Moringa oleifera. Supply of nutrients required for optimum growth of Moringa oleifera can be a limitation to its cultivation. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers at two levels; NPK 15:15:15 (5g and 3g) and cow dung (10g and 15g) in five replicates. The experimental design was completely Randomized Design (CRD). Growth parameters measured include number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm), and stem girth (cm). Proximate analysis of air dried leaves was done to determine the percentage protein, Ash, moisture, fat, fiber and carbohydrate. Result shows that 5g NPK 15:15:15 at week 10 produced more leaves of 178, tallest plant of 66.95cm, and the highest stem girth value of 2.28cm as compared to other treatments. NPK 15:15:15 produced the highest Ash (7.60%), protein (27.70%), fat (2.03%) and fiber (11.80%) while the control plant produced the highest carbohydrate (67.13%) and moisture (6.10%). This study concludes that vegetative growth and nutrients of Moringa oleifera were best supported by 5g NPK which is statistically significant (p<0.05) as compared to other treatments.