Response of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) to different application rates of organic fertilizer

Growth and development response of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) to four application rates of organic fertilizers (treatments) was investigated in a field experiment at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (formerly Botswana College of Agriculture) from November 2014 to March 2015. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomised block design (RCBD) with each of the four treatments; 0, 5, 7.5 and 10 kg m-2 replicated three times. Data on growth and development parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and plant canopy (spread) was recorded at weekly intervals whereas, stem diameter (thickness), and shoots fresh and dry weights were recorded at the termination of the experiment. In general, significant statistical differences (P<0.05) were revealed for plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, stem thickness, canopy diameter and shoots fresh and dry weights. Application rates of organic fertilizers of 10 kg m-2 significantly enhanced the performance of the growth and development parameters of parsley with highest application rate revealing numerical superiority. Based on the findings, highest application rate of organic fertilizer is recommended to small scale farmers because its constituents are readily available and are in abundance locally.