The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The total number of plots was
21. The plot dimension was 2m x 1.1m = 2.2m2
. Seven treatments and three replicates were applied: untreated,
300kgha-1 NPK, 400kgha-1 NPK, 500kgha-1 NPK, 5tha-1
PM, 7.5tha-1
PM, 10tha-1
PM. Raised seed beds were
well prepared by ploughing and harrowing. PM was applied and incorporated based on treatments two weeks
before sowing, while NPK fertilizer was applied as a single dose two weeks after emergence by the band
application.