Effects of Different Potting Mixture on Early Development of Afzelia quanzesis Welw. Species Seedlings
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Planting native plant species is becoming increasingly important as the world begins to realise the importance of restoring ecosystems, especially since many valuable species are on the brink of extinction due to human over-exploitation. Afzelia quanzensis Welw. is one of the valuable timber species, highly targeted in uncontrolled selective loggings, hence threatening its existence. This study assessed the effects of different potting mixtures on A. quanzensis early seed germination, which is an essential step for its mass propagation. Four different potting mixtures: T1 (forest soil, agricultural residues, tobacco, and cow manures), T2 (forest soil, tobacco manure), T3 (forest soil and cow manure), and T4 (forest soil and agricultural residues) were utilised. Employing a completely randomised design with each mixture replicated four times, the study monitored growth parameters, such as leaf count and seedling height, over one month. Results from two-way ANOVA with Turkey’s multiple comparisons test showed that forest soil and cow manure (T3) yielded the tallest plants and highest scores of leaf count. The study provides valuable insights for nursery managers and researchers working on the mass propagation of the A. quanzensis tree species for plantations in the region.
Source: Journal of Plant Sciences
Authors: Monica Mahinya, Deo Shirima
Institution: Sokoine University of Agriculture
Language: English
Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4401758732