Effects of Soil Types and Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Humus on Growth and Survival of some Tree Seedlings in the Nursery

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effects of various soil types and
organic growing media on the growth of some tree seedlings. It was
conducted in the nursery of the Faculty of Forestry, University of
Khartoum, Shambat, during March-November 2006. Soil growing growth
media consisted of sand, silt and clay, while the organic matter consisted
of decomposed mango humus. Seeds of Tamarindus indica L., Albizia
lebbeck (L.) Benth. and Acacia senegal (L.) Wild. were directly sown in
polyethylene bags (10x20 cm). Seedlings shoot height, diameter, shoot
and root biomasses of all the species were positively significantly affected
by clay and silt media. Root growth was significantly greater in sand than
other media. Mango humus had negatively (P < 0.05) affected seedlings'
growth of all the tested species. Nonetheless, seedlings' survival rate was
far better in the sand than in the other media. Silt and clay can be used as
suitable growing media; pure sand may be used if production of seedlings
with well developed root system is envisaged. However, type and source
of organic matter should be cautiously chosen before it can be confidently
used as a suitable growing medium