Assessment of the compatibility of some basic cultural practices in a sustainable bio-intensive garden of green pea

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the objective of combining some basic agronomic practices for the purpose of intensifying a sustainable organic production of Green Pea. The treatments consisted of practices that could facilitate N-fixation and general improvement of soil fertility through the promotion of microbial activities (from compost manure and seed inoculation with Rhizobium spp). Mulching was introduced to modify the soil temperature,
conserve soil moisture, and trellising was done to facilitate a high capture of photosynthetic active radiation. The cultural/agronomic practices were imposed on one another to get the maximum possible number of combination. In all, ten treatments were obtained. The experiment was laid in a split- plot design with 3 replications. Data were collected on nodule count, pod count, pod weight, percentage crude protein in seed, Relative growth rate and Net assimilation rate. The result showed that Nodulation and protein content of seed correlates positively and was enhanced by compost
manure and Rhizobium inoculation complements compost manure. The agronomic practices were observed to have favourably modified the subsoil environment for enhanced optimum moisture regime, favourable temperature. Trellising actually increased the capture of photosynthetic active radiation but, the crops yield was significantly (p≤0.05) high regardless of the contribution from trellising. The control gave the generally lowest result relative to other treatments. It was concluded that an enhanced microbial activity may facilitate a successful food production apart from the fact the organic technology recommended is simple and sustainable.