ECONOMICS OF PHYSIC NUT (Jatropha curcas L) AS INFLUENCED BY PROPAGATION METHODS, NITROGEN LEVELS AND WEED CONTROL AT SAMARU, NIGERIA.
Abstract
The effect of propagation methods, level of nitrogen application and weed control methods on profitability of Jatropha curcas was examined using Gross margin analysis. Field trials were conducted during the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 farming seasons at the Institute for Agricultural Research (I.A.R) research farm Samaru (11o 111 N; 07o 381 E and 686m above sea level) to compare the economic benefit of propagation methods, level of nitrogen application and weed control methods on growth of Physic Nut using Gross margin analysis. The treatments consisted of two propagation methods of seeds and stem cuttings, four weed control treatments (Fusilade plus Diuron at 1.0 + 0.8 kg a.i ha-1, applied at 4 and 12 weeks after transplanting (WAT), followed by supplementary hoe-weeding at 16 WAT; Atrazine plus Diuron at 1.0 + 0.8 kg a.i ha- 1,, applied at 4 and 12 WAT, followed by supplementary hoe-weeding at 16 WAT; hoe weeded at 4,8,12 and
16 WAT and a weedy check) and three levels of nitrogen ( 0, 50 and 100kg ha-1). The treatments were laid out in a split-plot design and replicated three times. Nitrogen levels and weed control treatments were assigned to main plots while the propagation methods were assigned to the sub plots. The results indicated that the highest gross margin of N34, 386.08k was obtained by propagating physic nut through stem cuttings at a combinations of 100kg Nha-1 and postemergence application of Atrazine plus Diuron at 1.0 + 0.8 kg a.i. ha-1, followed by supplementary hoe weeding.
References
Akobundu, I. O. (1987). Weed Science in the Tropics: Principles and Practices. John Wiley amd Sons Publication, London. pp 165 – 171.
Akintola, M. (1987). Fertilizer and Nigeria farmer: Problems and Prospects. Towards efficiency of fertilizer use land development in Nigeria. Proceeding of the national fertilizer seminar held at Port-harcout 28th -30th October 1987
Balasubraamanian, V., Nnadi L.A. and Mokusunye A.V(1978) Fertilizer sole crop maize for high yields. Samaru Miscellaneous paper No.76 Institute for Agricultural Research/Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nigeria.
Eraboh, O (2005). Comprehensive Agricultural Science, for Senior Secondary School, Published by Johnson, A. H. publishers. pp 170-171.
Gour, V.K., 2004, Production practices including post harvest management of Jatropha curcas. http://www.jatrophaworld/dr-v-k-gour-58.hml.date
Heller, J. (1996). Physic nut. Jatropha curcas L. Promoting the conservation and use of under utilized and neglected crops. I. Institute of plant genetics and crop plant Research. Gatersleben/international plant genetic resources Institute, Rome. 65pp.
Henning, R. (1996): Combating Desertification: The Jatropha Project of Mali, West Africa.http://ag.arizona.edu/OALS/ALN/aln40/jatropha .htmL.p.1-5. Accessed: 23 June 2006.
Henning, R. (2000). Use of jatropha curcas oil as raw material and fuel: an infegrated approach to create income and supply energy for rural development. Experience of jatropha projet in Mali West Africa. Presentation at the International Meeting ‘Renovable Energy. A vehicle for local development 11’. Folkecenter for Renewable Energy. Denmark, August 2000. 28pp.
Hikwa, D. (1995). Jatropha curcas L. Agronomy Research Institute. Department of Research and Specialist services, Harare, Zimbabwe. 4pp.
Jones, N. and Miller, J.H. (1992). Jatropha curcas: A Multipurpose species for problematic sites. Land resources series No.1. Asia Technical Department, World Bank, Washington, USA. 12pp. Annex 1-6.
Jepsen, J.K., Henning, R.K. and Nyati, B. (2006). Generative propagation of Jatropha curcas L. on Kalahari Sand. Environment Africa. Zimbabwe.incomplete
Makkar, H.P.S., Becker, K. and Schmook, B. (1997) Jatropha curcas L. Edible provenances of Jatropha curcas from Quintna Roo State of Mexico and effect of roasting on ant nutrient and toxic factors in seeds. Institute for Animal Production in the tropics and subtropics (480), University of Hohenhem, D70593 Stuttgart, Germany 6pp.
Mapako, M. (1998). Energy Application of Jatropha curcas oil. In: Foidl. N. and Kashyap, A. (eds). Exploring the potential of jatropha curcas n Rural Development and environmental protection. pp 94-96.
Raju, K.R. and K.M. Sinsinvar (2006). Quantifying nitrogen effects on castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) development, growth and photosynthesis. Industrial Crops and products Volume 31, Issue 1, January 2010, pp 185-191
Satish Lele (2007).The Cultivation of Jatropha curcas. Indian Green Energy Awarenness Centre Publication (http/www.svlele, com/jatrophaplant.htm). date accessed?
Sharma, G.D.; Gupta, S.N. and Khabiruddin, M. (1995). Cultivation of Jatropha curcas as future source of hydrocarbon and other industrial productions. In: Gubitz, G.M; Mittlebach, M and Trabi, M. (eds). Biofuels and Industrial Products from Jatropha curcas, Managua, Nicaragua. 19pp.
Singh, R.A., Munish, K. and Haider, E. (2007). Synergistic cropping of summer groundnut with Jatropha curcas. A new two-tier cropping system for Uttar Pradesh. ICRISAT journal 5(1): 1-2.
Snedecor, G. W. and Cocchran, W. G. (1967). Statistical method 6th (ed). The Iowa state University Press, Anes Iowa, USA. 607 pp.
Taylor,R.S, Weaver, D.B., Wood,C.W and Santen, E.V.R (2005). Nitrogen application increase yield and early dry matter accumulation in late planted soyabeans. Crop Science., 45: 854-858.
Wegmersghaus, R. and Oliver, G. (1997). Jatropha curcas L. in Zimbabwe.Coroners Handbook. Plant oil and Engineering Development Group PVT Ltd (POEGD, Harare).
Copyright (c) 2023 FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
FUDMA Journal of Sciences
