A statistical analysis on the effect of NPK
fertilizer on crop growth (a case study of MichaelOpara University of
agriculture, UmuahiaAbia state)
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1. Background of the
study
Agriculture
is a cardinal sector in the economy of any nation. Fertilizer application has
over the period been essential in the effective growth of agricultural output.
The importance of fertilizer in agriculture cannot be over emphasized; in other
to effectively feed the nation and have enough to export, then understanding
the importance of fertilizers is paramount. Fertilizers where effectively used
from the 19th century in the world to grow crops amongst other
things. There are basically two major types of fertilizer viz:
·
Organic fertilizer
·
Inorganic or
synthetic fertilizers
These
types of fertilizers have overtime help in boosting agricultural output in
Nigeria and by extension help to boost our gross domestic product (GDP).
The nutrients required for healthy
plant life are classified according to the elements, but the elements are not
used as fertilizers. Instead compounds containing these elements are the basis
of fertilizers. The macronutrients are consumed in larger quantities and are
present in plant tissue in quantities from 0.15% to 6.0% on a dry matter (DM) (0% moisture) basis. Crops are
made up of four main elements: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen. Carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen are widely available as water and carbon dioxide. Although
nitrogen makes up most of the atmosphere, it is in a form that is unavailable
to plants. Nitrogen is the most important fertilizer since nitrogen is present
in proteins. To become nutritious to
plants, nitrogen must be made available in a “fixed” form. Only some
bacteria and their host plants (e.g. legumes)
can fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by converting it to ammonia.
Phosphate is required for the production of DNA, the main energy carrier in
cells, as well as certain lipids.
Micronutrients are consumed in
smaller quantities and are present in plant tissue on the order of parts per million (ppm), ranging from 0.15
to 400 ppm DM, or less than 0.04% DM. These elements are often present at the
active sites of enzymes that carry out the plant’s metabolism. Because these
elements enable catalysts (enzymes) their impact far exceeds their weight
percentage. Nitrogen being one of the most important nutrients needed for
effective crop growth has prompted the effect of the NPK fertilizer on crop
growth.
Nitrogen phosphorous
potassium (NPK) fertilizer
The agriculture industry relies heavily on the use of NPK
fertilizer. There are various nutrients
that plants need for healthy and effective growth. Soils often lack these
elements, either naturally, or as a result of over cultivation or depletion,
and needs to have these nutrients into it.
NPK fertilizer is primarily composed of three main elements:
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), each of these being essential
in plant nutrition and growth. Among other benefits, Nitrogen helps plants grow
quickly, while also increasing the production of seed and fruit, and bettering
the quality of crops. Nitrogen is also a component of chlorophyll, the
substance that gives plants their green color, and also aids in photosynthesis
which is the most important process in every crop development as a lot depends
on how well a plant photosynthesizes.
Phosphorus, also a key player in the photosynthesis process,
plays a vital role in a variety of the things needed by plants. Phosphorus
supports the formation of oils, sugars, and starches.
Potassium, the third essential nutrient plants demand, assists
in photosynthesis, fruit quality, the building of protein, and the reduction of
disease.
While these three
elements only scratch the surface of healthy plant nutrition and growth, they
are the main nutrients required in the development of healthy, productive
plants.
1.2.
Aims and objectives of the study
Ø To know the effect of fertilizer on crop growth.
Ø To compare the crops fertilized with NPK with those not
fertilized.
Ø To know the optimum quantity of fertilizer needed for effective
growth of crops.
Ø To know the best combination of the NPK fertilizer required for
healthy growth of crops.
1.3.
Statement of the general problem
The
decline of agricultural output which has made Nigeria to turn from a major
agricultural exporter to a country that imports agricultural goods has prompted
this research with a view to boosting our agricultural products by monitoring
the effect of the NPK fertilizer on our crops.
Nigerian
farmers especially the rural ones have always encountered problems on the best
quantity and combination of these fertilizers that would increase their crop
yield, the need to advice these teeming farmers has prompted us into this
research.
1.4.
Significance
of the study
The
findingsfrom this study seeks to educate the rural farmers on the best
combination and quantity of the NPK fertilizer to be used so as to achieved
increase in their agricultural output
and at the same time avoid over application of this fertilizer thereby
minimizing cost.
1.5.
Scope
of the study
The
scope of this study is on the effect of NPK fertilizer on crop growth using the
federal university of agriculture Umuahia, Abiastate as a case study.
1.6.
Limitation
of the study
A
major limitation of this study is on the retrieval of data as most of the crops
under study died thus giving rise to missing values but these missing values
were not statistically significant enough to affect the outcome of the study.
1.7.
Research
questions
1. What
is NPK fertilizer?
2. What
is the best combination of NPK fertilizer that would be best for a healthy
growth of crops?
3. What
is the optimum quantity of NPK fertilizer that can be used on crops?
1.8.
Research
hypothesis
H0:
there is no significant effect of NPK fertilizer on crop growth.
H0:
there is a significant effect of NPK fertilizer on crop growth.
1.9.
Definition
of terms
Fertilizer: a
chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility.
NPK fertilizer:NPK fertilizer is primarily composed of three
main elements: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), each of these
being essential in plant nutrition. Nitrogen helps plants grow
quicklyasPhosphorus supports the formation of oils, sugars, and starches. Potassium, being the third essential
nutrient plants demand, assists in photosynthesis, fruit quality, the building
of protein, and the reduction of disease.
Organic fertilizer:refers
to a soil amendment derived from natural sources that guaranties, at least, the
minimum percentages of nitrogen, phosphate and potash.
Inorganic fertilizer:is
a fertilizer mined from mineral deposits or manufactured from synthetic
compounds
Crops:the
top layer of the earth in which plants, trees, etc grow.
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