Fertilizer effect on proximate composition and nutritive value of exotic/minor vegetable crops

Abstract

Purpose: A study was conducted on the effect of single-based fertilizers and compound fertilizers on the nutritive quality potential of lettuce (var. Eden), sweet pepper (var. Yellow wonder), and carrot (var. Bahia). Research method: This was accomplished following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Lettuce, sweet pepper, and carrot were fertilized using 71 kg, 100 kg, and 128 kg of ammonium sulphate (20.5 % N, 23.4 % S)/ha, 350 kg of NPK (15-15-15)/ha, and Control/No fertilizer application; 81 kg, 100 kg, and 138 kg of 6-24-12 NPK/ha, 225 kg of NPK (15-15-15)/ha, and Control; and on 43 kg, 71 kg, and 100 kg of 10-10-30 NPK/ha, 225 kg of NPK (15-15-15)/ha, and Control; respectively. Findings: Compound fertilizer resulted in high Fe content in lettuce whiles Single 2 treatment was in favour of that in carrot and sweet pepper. Single 3 treatment resulted in high Ca content in lettuce and sweet pepper whiles Single 2 treatment was in favour of that in carrot. Compound fertilizer resulted in high Mg content in lettuce whiles Single 3 treatment was in favour of that in carrot and sweet pepper. Crude protein content of lettuce, carrot, and sweet pepper was significantly high in the single-based fertilizer treatments. Compound fertilizer treatments recorded high carbohydrate content for lettuce and sweet pepper. All treatments recorded high moisture and high fat content. Limitations: No limitations. Originality/Value: Proximate composition patterns were strikingly dissimilar in all test crops.