2.6. Pot assay
The small scale pot assays of SBE-based bio organic fertilizer on
plant growth assessment was carried out on (1) Ipomoea aquatic or
kangkung, (2) Abelmoschus esculentus or okra. The PVC pots measured
12 cm and 25 cm in height and 12 cm and 25 cm in diameter,
respectively were filled up with the treatment and control soils to
about three quarters full. The soil used was sandy loam pre-mixed
with compost (commercially available) with a moisture of 45–55%,
pH 5.5–6.5 and C:N 25–35 (Table 4).
2.6.1. Ipomoea aquatic (kangkung)
A randomized block was designed having two fertilizer treatments:
(A) blank and (B) a compost soil with SBE-based bio organic
fertilizer. All treatments were replicated three times. Parameters
observed were average number of leaves and average height of
kangkung. The fresh weight of total biomass, shoot and root were
measured and used in a statistical analysis.
2.6.2. Abelmoschus esculentus (okra)
Two sets of planting block were set up; each set contained 3
planting pots having differentfertilizer treatment:(A) blank and (B)
a compost soil with SBE-based bio organic fertilizer. All treatments
were replicated three times. Seeds were soaked in water for 24 h
to allow water to nourish the seed for better germination beforeplanted. The physical parameters observed were plant height, root
length, number of leaf, size of leaf and number of fruit. Two performance
and efficacy assessments at different cultivation period
were conducted i.e. in a month of cultivation and after a complete
3-month trial. The plants were harvested after the set cultivation
periods. The physical parameters of the plant (fresh weight and or
dry weight of the total biomass, shoot and root) were measured
and used in a statistical analysis.