Effect of Modified Leonardite on Growth and Fruit Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract

Leonardite is readily available and high in organic matter. It has potentially positive effect on plant growth and yield. The experiment evaluated the effect of modified leonardite on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Four treatments including untreated control, modified leonardite at the rate of 15.62 t ha, modified leonardite at the rate of 31.25 t ha-1 and modified leonardite at the rate of 46.87 t ha were arranged in a randomized completely block design with four replications. Data were recorded for soil properties after application of modified leonardite, plant height, number of leaves and yield at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after planting. Modified leonardite applied soils led to increase in organic matter and potassium contents in the soil. Cucumber treated with modified leonardite increased plant height. The application with high rate of modified leonardite had the highest number of leaves at 20 and 30 days after planting. Number of fruits and fresh weight of fruits showed significant response to the high rate of modified leonardite compared with other treatments. Therefore, the application of modified leonardite had positive effect on plant growth and improved production of cucumber plants.