Economical Analysis of Kenaf Grown with Different Nutrient Sources

Mr. Palmer designed an experiment to test yield response of kenaf to three fertilizer sources. He divided a 24-acre field into four 6-acre blocks. One block was treated with chemical fertilizers at a rate based on soil test recommendations, a second block received poultry manure at the rate of three tons per acre, and a third block was treated with lime-based sludge, also at the rate of three tons per acre. The fourth block served as a control, and received no treatment.

Kenaf is normally harvested in January or February, however Mr. Palmer reports that for extraneous reasons his harvest was delayed until spring was well advanced. By then the field was so choked with weeds that the contractor he had engaged to do the harvesting refused to enter the field. Mr. Palmer wound up discing the whole field under. He took no data, but does report having the impression that the plot treated with poultry manure had produced the most growth, followed by that treated with chemical fertilizer. The sludge-treated plot rated third, he thinks, and the control plot last.