Treatments consisted of
Telfairia occidentalis as test crop subjected into
Gliricidia compost (C) at rate of (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0
t. ha-l) and mineral fertilizers (N) at 0 and 60kg. ha-l
recommended rate (Okoro., 2006) and their various
combinations (30kgN by 1.5t.C; 30kgN by 3.0t.C;
30 kg.N by 4.5t.C; 30 kg N by 6.0 t. C ha-1). This
gives a total of 10 treatment combinations laid out
in a factorial experiment and fitted into a
randomized complete block design with three
replications. Experimental plot was manually
cleared and raised beds measured 1.2m by 2.2m in
sizes were made. There were 10 beds in a replicate,
giving a total of 30 beds for the 3 replicates used.
Telfairia seedlings were transplanted 4 weeks after
sowing (WAS) at a spacing of 1m x 0.5m and
watered for quick plant establishment. The various
fertilizer treatments were applied to their respective
plots 2 weeks after transplanting. The plants were
staked at vine initiation. Weeding was done
manually as required and insect pests were
controlled by applying neem extract bi-weekly,
beginning from 4 WAS at the rate of 5 ml per liter
of water.