Efficacy of Palm Bunch Ash on the Growth Performance and Mineral Nutrient Composition of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Grown in Diesel Oil Polluted Soil

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of palm bunch ash on the growth and nutrient composition of Phaseolus vulgaris affected by diesel oil pollution of soil. The model chosen for this study was the growth and nutrient composition of Phaseolus vulgaris. The Study was undertaken at the University of Port Harcourt Botanic garden. The polluted treatments were obtained by mixing thoroughly 100 ml of diesel oil with 2kg of loamy soil, while 0 ml (unpolluted soil) was used as control. Amelioration treatments were carried out by adding organic supplements (palm bunch ash) at the rate of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg to the 100 ml level of diesel oil polluted soil. The experimental works were undertaken in polythene bags. The growth parameters examined were: Plant height, leaf number, root length and shoot/root ratio. While the nutrient composition examined were: Calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, nitrogen, sodium, zinc, iron and copper. This study showed that there were significant increase (P = 0.05) in plant height, root length and leaf number with increase in the level of palm bunch ash. Similarly, the calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, sodium and calcium contents of P. vulgaris showed significant increase (P = 0.05) with levels of palm bunch ash. Therefore, palm bunch ash is an effective organic supplement for remediation of diesel oil polluted soil.