Response of Terminalia ivorensis (A. Chev) Seedlings to Different Levels of N.P.K.Mg. (15.15.17.2) Fertilizer Treatment

The growth and dry matter accumulation of Terminalia ivorensis (A. Chev.) seedlings given different doses of inorganic (N.P.K.Mg: 12. 12. 17. 2) Fertilizer were investigated using a Completely Randomized Block Design with 3 treatments (0kg/ha; 100kg/ha & 300kg/ha) and 4 replicates. At 16 Weeks After Planting (WAP), there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the control (0kg/ha), and 100kg/ha & 300kg/ha in respect of most variables measured - height; number of leaves; collar girth; number of nodes; leaf area; and number of branches. The results of dry matter accumulation recorded at 0kg/ha, 100kg/ha and 300kg/ha also recorded significant differences (p<0.05). While some results were not significantly different among the 100kg/ha & 300kg/ha treated plants, it is apparent that the applied doses of N.P.K.Mg (12.12.17.2) fertilizer significantly enhanced the growth and dry matter accumulation of the seedling. It is recommended that the limit of the upper threshold of optimal growth performance, beyond which further application would be deleterious to the seedlings, be further investigated.