The effects of four strains of mycorrhizal fungi and goat manure on fodder production by Moringa oleifera under rain-fed conditions in the Gambia

Four myccorhizal fungi strains {Glomus facultative, Glomus mossae, Glomus agregatum and Glomus intraradices } and goat manure were assessed as options to NPK fertilization on fodder production by Moringa oleifera over a 60-day growing period in a randomized complete design. Germination percentages, average plant heights, canopy formation, biomass yields and fodder:stem ratios were monitored. Experimental soil samples' and resulting moringa fodders' contents of N, P and Ca were assessed. No fertilization (P>0.05) effects were observed on germination percentage and plant height at germination. The myccorhizal fungi (except Glomus facultative), NPK and goat manure produced comparable moringa biomass yields, with each treatment producing above 4 tons DM/ha. Fertilization effects (P<0.05) were however observed on plant height at harvest, final canopy formation and the resulting fodder:stem ratios. No significant (P>0.05) effects were observed on the mineral contents of the moringa fodders, while a significant (P<0.05) depletion in available soil P was observed. Two of the investigated mycorrhizal fungi; Glomus agregatum and Glomus mossae, and goat manure applications could be practical alternatives to chemical fertilization in the cultivation of Moringa oleifera for fodder production, with goat manure having the edge in terms of relative availability, cost and nutrient recycling.