







































 

 

 
13 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT RATES OF WOOD ASH ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF 
CARROT (DAUCUS CAROTA) IN AWKA, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA   

 

 

 Obidiebube E.A.1+ 

 Okolie H.2 

 Obasi, C.C.3 

 Ochuenwike K.L.4 

 

1,2,3,4Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, 
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. 
1Email: ae.obidiebube@unuzik.edu.ng Tel: +2348033230276  
2Email: h.okolie@unizik.edu.ng Tel: +2348032596944 
3Email: cc.obasi@unik.edu.ng Tel: +2348032558331 
4Email: ochuenwikekelechi@gmail.com Tel: +2349016007431 

 

 
(+ Corresponding author) 

 ABSTRACT 
 
Article History 
Received: 6 December 2021 
Revised: 10 January 2022 
Accepted: 24 January 2022 
Published: 1 February 2022  
 

Keywords 
Replication 
Experiment 
Field 
Pot 
Significant 
Yield 
Varieties. 

 
A 2 by 4 experiment laid out in RCBD was conducted at Crop science and Horticulture 
agricultural farm, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The experiments were 
conducted from June to September 2020 to study the effects of different rates (0.0, 
0.1,0.2,0.3 t/ha) of wood ash on the growth and yields of carrot varieties in Awka South 
Eastern Nigeria, the experiment was carried out on pots and beds. It was observed that 
treatment 0.3 t/ha performed significantly better in most of the assessed parameters both 
on growth and yields such as: plant height, marketable yield, root diameter, whole plant 
biomass, root length, total yield and harvest index. While 0t/ha performed lowest in the 
growth and yield of carrot varieties for the bed experiment. On pot experiment, 0.2t/ha 
of wood ash gave highest result both on growth and yield parameters (harvest index, leaf 
fresh weight, marketable yield, root diameter, root fresh weight, root length, whole plant 
biomass, and total yield in the pot experiment). Then with 0.3t/ha of wood ash and 
carrotte touchon variety was the best combination for carrot yield on bed experiment. 
Generally, carrote touchon performed better than tonchon France carrot variety both in 
the pot and field. Field experiment was also the best experiment than pot experiment.  
 

Contribution/Originality: This study is one of very few studies which have investigated how carrot responds to 

different rates of wood ash as growth promoter both in bed and pots. 

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Carrot (Daucus carota) a biennal herbaceous specie is a member of the Apiacea family [1]. It belongs to the same 

family as parsnip, celery, parley, dill and fenel [2].The cultivated carrot are mainly classified into eastern carrots and 

western carrots based on pigmentation [3].The Eastern carrots are thought to originate from Afghanistan, while the 

origin of the Western carrot is still uncertain [1]. The roots of most western carrot are: orange, red or white. The 

leaves of western carrots are highly dissected and the roots are unbranched [3].The roots of eastern carrots are 

yellow and some are purple; They have slightly dissected leafs and branched roots; The orange carrots are popular 

and more widely cultivated in the world; Western carrots are always cylindrical or tapered cylindrical in shape and 

have less pubescent leafs [1]. Eastern carrots always have thicker, shorter, narrow, conical roots, have pubescent 

leaves and flower early [1]. Like many other coloured vegetables, carrot is a gold mine of antioxidants; they have 

been shown to have inhibition mutagenesis activity contributing to decrease risk of some cancers; Carrot also exerts 

anti carcinogenic activities, reduce inflammatory insult, and moderate immune responses [4]. Among 39 fruits and 

vegetables, carrots have been ranked 10th in nutritional value; Carrot is a good source of dietary fiber and of the trace 

Current Research in Agricultural Sciences 
2022 Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 13-21. 
ISSN(e): 2312-6418 
ISSN(p): 2313-3716 
DOI: 10.18488/cras.v9i1.2915 
© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4033-0672
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7666-1778
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7770-9905
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9536-5368
mailto:ae.obidiebube@unuzik.edu.ng
mailto:h.okolie@unizik.edu.ng
mailto:cc.obasi@unik.edu.ng
mailto:ochuenwikekelechi@gmail.com
https://www.doi.org/10.18488/cras.v9i1.2915


Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
14 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

mineral molybdenum, rarely found in many vegetables [3]. Comparing to other vegetables, carrots can provide in 

the human diet significant amount of vitamin A due to the high bioavailability of carrot carotenoids [3]. Also, carrot 

is particularly rich in carotene (pro- vitamin A) [5]. 

Wood ash is the residue powder left after the combustion of wood, such as burning wood in home fire place or 

an industrial power plant. It results from burning or gasifying wood and consists mainly of minerals that the trees 

have absorbed over their life time. Wood ash increases the pH, Ca, Mg, K and P of a brunisol and luvisol but has little 

effect on their microbial activity and biomass [6]. A study in Alberta has shown that lime and wood ash increased 

microbial biomass and C mineralization, and changed the functional structure of bacterial communities in an acid 

agricultural soil [7]. Also, Wood ash has been used extensively in northern Europe to improve forest productivity 

and to curtail the cost of landfills [7]. 

Persistent over use of fertilizers to increase the crop yield has led to serious consequences on environment and 

human health. Carrot yield and nutritional quality are affected by the fertilizers applied and the varieties Win [8]. 

Adekayode and Olojugba [9] suggested that the increasingly high cost of mineral fertilizers and preferred economic 

disposal of wood ash had necessitated research in the use of wood ash to reduce the rate of fertilizer application for 

maize production [10] Scientists are now on look for alternatives of fertilizers which can substitute nutrients in soil 

without damaging the environment; this led to the use of wood ash in the experiment instead of chemical fertilizer. 

Due to the chemical composition of wood ash, it has been shown that ash can be used to raise pH in soils. Its content 

of many of the  plant nutrients often limiting plant growth suggests that wood ash could also be useful as fertilizer; 

since  the content of nitrogen is low, fertilization with only wood ash would not be sufficient for most crops 

[11].Wood ash increased crop performance in production of crops such as Soybeans [12, 13] cassava [14], tomato 

and pepper [15], groundnut [16] and vegetables [17]. On other hand, the organic source of nutrients provide 

consistent and slow release of nutrients, maintain ideal C: N ratio, improve water holding capacity and microbial 

biomass of soil profile, without any adverse residual effects [18]. Although wood ash has been applied on crops at 

different rates, unfortunately, the Effect of Different Rates of Wood Ash on the Growth and Yield of carrot (Daucus 

carota) in Awka South - Eastern Nigeria has not been reported. 

The objectives of the research were therefore to: 

1. Determine the effects of wood ash on the growth and yield of carrot. 

2. To identify the rate of wood ash that gives optimum yield on the production of carrot. 

3. To compare the performances on the field and pots. 

4. To compare the yields of the two cultivars. 

 

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 

2.1. Experimental Site Description  

This present experiment was carried out at the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture Research Farm, 

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria to study the Effect of Different Rates of Wood Ash on 

the Growth and Yield of carrot (Daucus carota) in Awka, South­Eastern Nigeria. Awka is characterized by tropical 

rainforest with temperature of 270C-300C.The area is located between latitude 06015lN and longitude 07008lE, with 

an average rainfall of 1810.3 mm per annum. The bed and pot experiments were carried out in the raining season 

(June – September, 2020). 

 

2.2. Experimental Treatment and Experimental Design 

This research was carried out on beds and pots. For the bed and pot experiment, 2 factors were used: Factor 

A=Wood ash rates (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 tonnes/ha); Factor B= 2Carrot cultivars. The experiments were a 2×4 factorial 

experiment laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications. These varieties were sourced 

from a reputable dealer at Jos. The wood ash rates 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 tonnes /ha and two carrot cultivars listed above 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
15 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

were used for the two experiments. The treatment combination for the bed and pots includes: A0tonne/ha+V1, 

A0tonne/ha+V2; A0.1tonnes/ha+V1; A0.1tonnes/ha+V2, A0.2 tonnes/ha+V1, A 0.2tonnes/ha +V2, A0.3tonnes 

/ha+V1, A0.3tonnes/ha+V2. 

 

2.3. Bed and Pot Experiment Description 

The bed experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different rates of wood ash on the growth and yield 

of carrot in Awka, South- Eastern Nigeria. The field had a land area of 11.5m by 5.5 m and a plot size of 1m x 1m, 

furrow spacing of 0.5m along each plot and a 0.5m pathway across each plot. Plant spacing of 20cm by 30cm was 

used. A total of 16 seeds were sown per bed. On the whole 32 beds were used for the bed experiment. The pot 

experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different rates of wood ash on the growth and yield of carrot in 

Awka, South- Eastern Nigeria. A total of 32 pots were used as in the field for the experiment and were perforated at 

four spots at the base and four spots by the side to ensure effective drainage and aeration. Top soil was collected from 

the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture Research Farm, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, 

Nigeria. The soil was air dried for three days to expose pests and some disease-causing organisms. 

 

2.4. Data Collection and Analysis 

Soil samples from 0­15cm depth of the experimental site were taken by simple random sampling method in order 

to analyze the physicochemical properties of the soil at the start of the experiment. Ten sub-samples were randomly 

taken and mixed thoroughly to get a composite sample. The soil sample was then pretreated by air drying and passed 

through a 2mm sieve before analysis. Wood ash was also sieved to remove unwanted particles and taken to the 

laboratory for analysis. Plant height was measured in centimeters (cm) using a meter scale at 45,60 and 75 days after 

sowing (DAS) from the point of the attachment of the leaves to the root (ground level) up to the tip of the longest 

leaf. Number of leaves per sampled plant both for the bed and pot experiments was counted at 45, 60 and75 DAS. All 

the leaves of the plants were counted separately. Only the smallest young leaves at the growing point of the plant 

were excluded from the counting. The plant girths of sampled plants were recorded for the bed and pot experiments. 

A thread was placed at the base of each sample to measure its circumference and was placed on a meter rule. The 

plant girth was measured separately and recorded at 45, 60 and 75 DAS. The average diameter of the root was 

measured at the thickest portion of the root at harvest with the help of a slide caliper. The average length of the root 

was recorded in cm using a meter rule from the point of attachment of the leaves (proximal end) to the last point of 

the root (distal end) in each treatment combination. Total yield tonnes /ha was taken which consists of both good 

quality roots, branched, racked and rotten roots. The marketable yield of roots tonnes /ha which consisted of good 

quality roots other than branched, racked and rotten roots was measured. Thus: Marketable yield = Gross yield - Non 

marketable yield of cracked, branched and rotten root. Number of harvested plants per bed and pot was also measured 

where three plants were harvested from each bed and pot. Harvest Index on fresh weight basis (%) was collected by 

calculation using the formular below: 

HI (%) =
𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

𝑊ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑏𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
×

100

1
 

 

Table 1. Root uniformity indices and percentages. 

S/No Index 
Description 

Percentage of each Index 

1 Not Uniform <30% of the roots are similar in size and shape  
2 Fairly Uniform >30%<50% of the roots are similar in size and shape   
3 Uniform >50%< 70% of the roots are similar in size and shape 
4 Very Uniform >70%<90% of the roots are similar in size and shape 
5 Highly Uniform >90% of the roots are similar in size and shape 

 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
16 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Data were collected on root uniformity using visual examination of the roots following uniformity indices as 

shown Table 1. 

For determining the significance between the treatment means and to draw valid conclusions, statistical analysis 

was made. The data from the various observations were subjected to statistical analysis by using Analysis of variance. 

The difference of the treatment means was tested using least significance difference at 5% level of significance and 

GENSAT version 12.1, year 2009 was used. 

 

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

3.1. Soil and Wood Ash Physico –Chemical Properties of the Experimental Sites 

In Table 2, the available result indicated that potassium content in the wood ash was 4.99%, nitrogen 0.025%, 

organic carbon 1.26%, organic matter 2.17% while C:N was 45.00. Other parameters were also observed in the same 

table. The result of analysis carried out with soil samples collected from the experimental site as presented in Table 

3, shows the physical and chemical soil properties. Based on the physical soil properties, there was high percentage 

of sand (71.2%), clay was the least (8.4 %) while the textural class of the soil is sandy-loam. The chemical soil 

properties showed the percentage base saturation to be 80.23 %, organic matter 1.98%, and Total N0.97%, other 

parameters were also determined. 

 

Table 2. Wood ash chemical composition. 

Properties Percentage (%) 

pH in water 10.69 
Organic carbon (%)   1.26 
Organic matter (%)  2.17 
Phosphorus   0.317 
Ca2+ 19.58 
Mg   2.31 
N (%) 0.025 
K (%)  4.99 

C: N ratio  45.00 
 

 

Table 3. Physical and chemical properties of the soil samples taken at 0 – 15cm depth 
of the experimental site before planting. 

Soil Properties Percentage (%) 

Physical 
Sand (%)  69.6 
Silt (%)  22.0 
Clay (%)  8.4 
Textural class  Sandy-loam (SL) 

Chemical  
pH (H2O)  5.14 
Total N (%)  0.97 
Organic carbon (%)  1.14 
Organic matter (%)  1.98 
Ca (Cmolkg-1)  2.27 
Mg (Cmolkg-1)  1.33 
K (Cmolkg-1)  0.25 
Na (Cmolkg-1)  0.12 
EA (Cmolkg-1)  1.63 
ECEC (Cmolkg-1)  4.97 
BS (%)  80.23 
Available P (mgkg-1) 5.53 

Abbreviations: P-Phosphorus, N-Nitrogen, Ca-Calcium, Mg-Magnesium, K-Potassium, Na-Sodium, 
EA-Exchangeable acidity, ECEC-Effective Cations Exchange Capacity, BS-Base saturation. 

 

 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
17 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

3.2. Effects of Wood Ash Rates on the Growth Parameters of Carrot Varieties (Daucus carota) For the Bed and Pot Experiments 

In Table 4, for the bed experiment, the growth parameters of carrot such as plant girth, leaf number and plant 

height increased with an increase in the application of wood ash rates, but then no significant difference was recorded. 

This agrees with the work of Ajala, et al. [19] who reported that the growth parameters such as plant height, number 

of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, leaf length, stem  diameter, number  of  flowers,  number  of  pods, weight  of  plant 

and  total biomass of amended maize-lima beans intercrop were significantly (P>0.05) increased by wood  ash  

application, Lupwayi, et al. [7] reported that the tallest carrot plants were obtained with high levels of Shrawan, et 

al. [20] explained  that increased potassium increased the number of leaves per plant and  addition of ash to tilled 

and non- tilled soil increased cassava growth parameters (plant height, number of leafs and stem girth). 

 

Table 4. Main effects and interactions of wood ash rates and variety on plant height and leaf number of carrot 
for bed experiment. 

TRT P H LN PG 

W-Ash 45 
DAS 

60 
DAS 

75 
DAS 

45 
DAS 

60 
DAS 

75 
DAS 

45 
DAS 

60 
DAS 

75 
DAS 

T0 17.9 23.9 32.0 7.99 7.74 7.75 2.04 2.53 3.08 
T1 14.8 22.2 28.5 5.12 6.36 7.87 2.18 2.68 3.12 
T2 21.4 29.3 42.3 5.83 7.17 9.12 3.05 3.69 4.05 
T3 19.8 31.2 42.4 4.83 7.42 9.80 3.07 3.57 4.04 
LSD 7.64 8.98 8.36 3.956 1.761 2.329 1.386 1.555 1.415 

Variety  
V1 19.6 25.9 35.0 5.93 6.97 8.21 2.86 3.20 3.82 
V2 17.3 27.4 37.6 5.96 7.37 9.07 2.31 3.04 3.32 
LSD 5.40 6.35 5.91 2.797 1.245 1.647 0.980 1.100 1.001 

INT                  
T0×V1 18.9 24.1 30.1 8.31 7.06 7.25 2.43 2.91 3.41 
T0×V2 16.8 23.7 33.8 7.67 8.42 8.25 1.64 2.15 2.75 
T1×V1 12.9 18.1 21.9 3.98 5.42 6.75 1.77 2.27 2.65 
T1×V2 16.6 26.3 35.1 6.25 7.29 9.00 2.59 3.09 3.59 
T2×V1 24.7 28.2 44.0 6.42 7.25 9.08 3.86 3.72 4.86 
T2×V2 18.0 30.4 40.6 5.25 7.08 9.17 2.23 3.66 3.24 
T3×V1 21.8 33.2 44.1 5.00 8.17 9.75 3.38 3.87 4.37 
T3×V2 17.8 29.3 40.7 4.66 6.67 9.85 2.76 3.27 3.72 
LSD 10.81 12.71 11.82 5.594 2.490 3.294 1.960 2.200 2.001 
Note: TRT=Treatment, PH= Plant height, LN= leaf number, PG= Plant girth, LSD=Least significant difference, 
INT=Interaction. 

 

For the pot experiment Table 5, statistically, the main effects and interactions of wood ash rates and carrot 

varieties was not significantly different (P>0.05) as there was variations in growth parameters. This is not in line 

with the report of  Lupwayi, et al. [7] that the vegetative growth, including plant height, number of leafs, fresh and 

dry weight of leafs were enhanced by higher potassium levels while control plants produced the lowest values. 

 

3.3. Effects and Interactions of Wood Ash Rates and Carrot Varieties on The Yield of Carrot (Daucus Carota) For the Bed and 

Pot Experiment 

3.3.1. Bed Experiment 

With the result of the bed experiment in Table 6, statistically, the main effects and interactions of wood ash rates 

and carrot varieties were significantly different (P>0.05) on the yield parameters. This is in consonant with the study 

of Mbah and Nkpaji [21] who stated that when synthetic fertilizers were not applied, the use of wood ash produced 

significant effect on the yield of many crops, particularly maize; [7] reported that wood ash application generally 

improved soil properties which in turn enhanced maize grain yield. Wood ash increased performance in production 

of crops such as Soybeans [12, 13] cassava [14, 22] tomato and pepper [15] groundnut [16, 23] and vegetables 

[17].  



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
18 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Table 5. Main effects and interactions of wood ash rates and variety on plant height and leaf number of carrot for pot experiment. 

TRT P H LN PG 

W-Ash 45 
DAS 

60 
DAS 

75 
DAS 

45 
DAS 

60 
DAS 

75 
DAS 

45 
DAS 

60 
DAS 

75 
DAS 

T0 22.68 25.09 24.78 5.07 6.02 6.20 2.60 2.76 2.99 
T1 25.88 27.55 27.02 5.40 5.35 6.00 2.39 3.01 3.22 
T2 29.22 29.54 28.90 5.54 5.40 6.00 2.94 3.12 3.32 
T3 25.96 27.36 25.59 5.52 5.27 7.50 2.79 2.99 3.19 
LSD 5.608 5.090 5.343 0.628 0.809 1.033 0.883 0.749 0.723 

Variety  
V1 27.15 27.83 27.34 5.48 5.43 41.00 2.65 3.05 3.27 
V2 24.72 26.94 25.80 5.28 5.59 5.00 2.71 2.89 3.09 
LSD 3.966 3.599 3.778 0.444 0.572 73.0 0.624 0.530 0.511 

INT                  
T0×V1 23.46 24.53 24.52 5.33 5.54 6.00 2.59 2.78 2.97 
T0×V2 21.90 25.65 25.05 4.80 6.50 6. 00 2.61 2.75 3.00 
T1×V1 27.04 27.60 28.18 5.50 5.58 6. 00 1.99 3.02 3.28 
T1×V2 24.72 27.51 25.85 5.29 5.12 5.00 2.80 3.00 3.17 
T2×V1 30.34 30.41 30.17 5.50 5.71 6.00 3.00 3.20 3.40 
T2×V2 28.10 28.67 27.63 5.58 5.08 5.00 2.88 3.05 3.25 
T3×V1 27.75 28.79 26.49 5.58 4.88 146. 3.2 3.23 3.42 
T3×V2 24.16 25.94 24.68 5.46 5.67 5.00 2.56 2.76 2.96 
LSD 7.931 7.199 7.556 0.888 1.144 146.0 1.249 1.059 1.022 

Note:  TRT=Treatment, PH= Plant height, LN= leaf number, PG= Plant girth, LSD=Least significant difference, INT=Interaction. 

 

Table 6. Main effects and interactions of wood ash rates and variety on yield parameters of Carrot (Daucus carota) for bed experiment. 

TRT H I LFW MY NOHR RD RFW RL RU TMY 

W-ASH % G tones /ha  cm G Cm % % 

T0 30.8 20.3 0.000024 3.00 1.24 8.5 15.5 54.2 3.57 
T1 52.7 27.3 0.000059 2.38 1.60 28.2 19.0 68.8 2.83 
T2 51.3 48.1 0.000121 2.75 1.84 51.5 22.4 70.8 3.27 
T3 47.0 60.6 0.000136 2.71 2.41 53.5 23.2 54.0 3.22 
LSD 20.02 20.47 0.0000722 0.681 0.716 22.02 6.44 22.87 0.810 

Variety 

V1 47.0 42.6 0.000113 2.75 2.06 38.9 22.0 58.3 3.27 
V2 43.9 35.5 0.000057 2.67 1.49 31.9 18.1 65.6 3.17 
LSD 14.16 14.47 0.0000510 0.481 0.506 15.57 4.55 16.17 0.573 

INT 

T0×V1 32.4 14.3 0.000021 3.00 1.25 8.1 15.9 50.0 3.57 
T0×V2 29.1 26.3 0.000026 3.00 1.23 8.9 15.1 58.3 3.57 
T1×V1 60.4 26.4 0.000088 2.00 1.71 28.0 18.6 75.0 2.38 
T1×V2 45.0 28.1 0.000030 2.75 1.48 28.5 19.4 62.5 3.27 
T2×V1 48.8 53.8 0.000150 3.00 2.26 51.2 26.6 58.3 3.57 
T2×V2 53.8 42.3 0.000092 2.50 1.43 51.9 18.2 83.3 2.97 
T3×V1  46.2 75.9 0.000191 3.00 3.01 68.4 26.9 50.0 3.57 
T3×V2 47.7 45.4 0.000081 2.42 1.81 38.5 19.6 58.1 2.88 
LSD 28.31 28.95 0.0001021 0.963 1.012 31.15 9.10 32.35 1.146 
Note: H I= Harvest Index, LFW= Leaf fresh Weight, MY=Marketable Yield, NOHR=Number of Harvested roots, R D=Root diameter, RFW=Root Fresh 
Weight, RL=Root length, RU=Root Uniformity, TMY=Total Marketable Yield. 

 

The result of the current study revealed that the application of 0.3t/ha of wood ash enhanced the following yield 

parameters: harvest index, marketable yield, root diameter, leaf fresh weight, root length, root fresh weight, total 

yield and whole plant biomass. This is in line with the work of Silva Dias [5] who stated that there is an increase in 

root yield, marketable yield in carrot root, juice concentration and total titratable acidity of root juice with increase 

in organic manure rates. The genotypes were significantly similar on the number of harvested roots for the pot and 

bed experiment. This was also stated by Aarssen [24] in his hypothesis that all variations of the competitive abilities 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
19 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

among genotypes do not differ sufficiently among coexisting species to cause any competitive exclusion at the 

community level. 

 

3.3.2. Pot Experiment 

Table 7 showed the results of wood ash and variety effects on yield parameters of pot experiment. The parameters 

measured showed no significant in almost all the parameters. The parameters having no significant effect on the pot 

experiment could probably be as a result of environmental factors being almost homogeneous that is, same quantity 

of sand, water, same size of pot and only wood ash rates and carrot varieties were varied. This also means that the 

wood ash does not have any significance effect on the performance of carrot in the pot experiment. However, the 

combination of 0.2t/ha of wood ash and carotte touchon varieties enhanced plant height, harvest index, leaf fresh 

weight, marketable yield, root diameter, root fresh weight, root length and total yield in the pot experiment. Also the 

combination 0.3t/ha of wood ash and carotte touchon variety significantly enhanced the yield parameters of carrot in 

the bed experiment such as leaf fresh weight, marketable yield, root diameter, root fresh weight, marketable yield, 

root diameter, root length, total yield and whole plant biomass. This finding is in agreement with the report by 

Ojeniyi, et al. [25] which stated that addition of ash to tilled and non-tilled soil increased cassava growth. 

 

Table 7. Main effects and interactions of wood ash rates and carrot varieties on yield parameters of carrot 
(Daucus carota) for the pot experiment. 

TRT HI LFW MY NOHR RD RFW RL RU 

W-Ash % g tones /ha  cm G cm % 

T0 61.2 3.23 0.000028 5.875 1.513 6.5 10.75 29.2 
T1 62.1 4.37 0.000033 6.000 1.723 7.4 10.61 33.3 
T2 67.9 4.98 0.000086 6.000 1.871 12.6 11.00 25.0 
T3 63.9 3.79 0.000030 6.000 1.646 8.5 9.13 33.3 
LSD 8.56 2.635 0.0000617 0.1838 0.4868 6.33 3.748 13.28 

Variety 
V1 64.8 4.34 0.000059 6.000 1.738 9.6 10.45 32.3 
V2 62.8 3.85 0.000030 5.938 1.639 7.9 10.29 28.1 
LSD 6.05 1.863 0.0000436 0.1300 0.3442 4.47 2.650 9.39 

INT 

T0 ×V1 62.9 2.87 0.000030 6.000 1.625 7.5 10.87 25.0 
T0×V2 59.5 3.59 0.000026 5.750 1.400 5.6 10.63 33.3 
T1×V1 60.7 5.17 0.000034 6.000 1.665 6.9 10.76 37.5 
T1×V2 63.5 3.58 0.000031 6.000 1.780 7.9 10.46 29.2 
T2×V1 71.7 6.09 0.000150 6.000 2.063 17.1 12.23 25.0 
T2×V2 64.2 3.88 0.000023 6.000 1.680 8.1 9.77 25.0 
T3×V1 63.9 3.25 0.000021 6.000 1.598 7.0 7.95 41.6 
T3×V2 63.9 4.33 0.000039 6.000 1.695 10.0 10.31 25.0 
LSD 12.10 3.726 0.0000872 0.2600 0.6884 8.95 5.301 18.79 

Note: TRT= Treatment, LFW=Leaf fresh weight, MY= Marketable yield, NOHR= Number of harvested roots per bed, RD= 
Root diameter, HI= Harvest Index, RFW= Root fresh weight, RL=Root length, RU=Root uniformity, LSD= Least 
significance difference. 

 

4. CONCLUSION 

Considering the overall result, the combination 0.3t/ha of wood ash and carotte touchon variety was the best 

option for carrot yield of bed experiment while the combination 0.2t/ha of wood ash and carotte touchon variety to 

an extent was the best option for carrot yield of pot experiment. 

To obtain maximum yield for carrot production, carrot seeds should be grown on beds and not on pots. Carotte 

touchon variety should be used and 0.3t/ha of wood ash should be applied. If pots are to be used, 0.2 t/ha of wood ash 

should be applied.  

 

 

 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
20 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Funding: This study received no specific financial support.    
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Authors’ Contributions: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the study. 

 

REFERENCES 

[1] F. Que, X.-L. Hou, G.-L. Wang, Z.-S. Xu, G.-F. Tan, T. Li, Y.-H. Wang, A. Khadr, and A.-S. Xiong, "Advances in 

research on the carrot, an important root vegetable in the Apiaceae family," Horticulture Research, vol. 6, pp. 1-15, 

2019.Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41438-019-0150-6. 

[2] L. W. Jett, "Growing beets and carrots within high tunnels," Extension Service West Virginia University Commercial 

Horticulture Specialist 2102 Agriculture Building Morgantown, WV 26506 Pp 1-4 20112011. 

[3] D. J. C. Silva, "Nutritional and health benefits of carrots and their seed extracts," Food and Nutrition Sciences, vol. 5, pp. 

2147-2156, 2014.Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/fns.2014.522227. 

[4] J. S. Dias, "Major classes of phytonutriceuticals in vegetables and health benefits: A review," Journal of Nutritional 

Therapeutics, vol. 1, pp. 31-62, 2012.Available at: https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2012.01.01.5. 

[5] J. C. Silva Dias, "Nutritional benefits of carrot and their seed extracts," Food and Nutrition Sciences, vol. 5, pp. 2147-2156, 

2014.Available at: https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2014.522227. 

[6] S. Pugliese, T. Jones, M. D. Preston, P. Hazlett, H. Tran, and N. Basiliko, "Wood ash as a forest soil amendment: The 

role of boiler and soil type on soil property response," Canadian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 94, pp. 621-634, 2014.Available 

at: https://doi.org/10.4141/cjss-2014-037. 

[7] N. Lupwayi, M. Arshad, R. Azooz, and Y. Soon, "Soil microbial response to wood ash or lime applied to annual crops 

and perennial grass in an acid soil of northwestern Alberta," Canadian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 89, pp. 169-177, 2009. 

[8] L. L. Win, "Agronomic characteristics and nutritional quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.) cultivars from Myanmar and 

Germany as affected by mineral and organic fertilizers," Ph.D Thesis, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Georg-August-

University Göttingen, Germany, 2010. 

[9] F. Adekayode and M. Olojugba, "The utilization of wood ash as manure to reduce the use of mineral fertilizer for 

improved performance of maize (Zea mays L.) as measured in the chlorophyll content and grain yield," Journal of Soil 

Science and Environmental Management, vol. 1, pp. 40-45, 2010. 

[10] J. Aditi, "Leaves from nitrogen-rich trees can be potential fertilizers.India Science Wire. Retrieved from; 

https://www.researchstash.com/2018/04/19/leaves-from-nitrogen-rich-trees-can-be-potential-fertilizers/2018," 

2018. 

[11] J. Wiklund, "Effects of wood ash on soil fertility and plant performance in southwestern Kenya," Examenasarbeten, 

Institutionen for Mark Ochmilijo, SLU, vol. 16, pp. 34-40, 2017. 

[12] M. Akinola, S. Ojeniyi, and O. Amusan, "Soil chemical composition and soybean yield as influenced by tillage and ash," 

Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 22, pp. 24-28, 2013. 

[13] A. Soretire and A. Olayinka, "Response of soybean (Glycine max L.) to cow dung and wood ash application in tropical 

acid soils of South-Western Nigeria," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 23, pp. 103-113, 2013. 

[14] S. O. Ojeniyi, A. Adejuwon, and M. I. Abdulraheem, "Soil Physico-chemical properties and cassava yield in alfisol given 

tillage ash treatments," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science (Special), vol. 25, pp. 71-82, 2015. 

[15] B. Ewulo, O. Babadele, and S. Ojeniyi, "Sawdust ash and urea effect on soil and plant nutrient content and yield of 

tomato," American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, vol. 3, pp. 88-92, 2009. 

[16] J. C. Obiefuna, I. Ibeawuchi, E. A. Ekong, N. A. Okoli, and R. A. Alagba, "Liming efficiency of organic and inorganic 

limes for acid soil amelioration and production of groundnut in Tropical rainforest - ultisols of Southeastern Nigeria," 

in Proceedings of the 8th Annual Conference on Organic Agriculture University of Calabar, 2012, pp. 18-22. 

[17] S. O. Ojeniyi, O. P. Oso, and A. A. Arotolu, "Response of vegetables to wood ash fertilizer," in Proceedings of the 35th 

Annual Conference of Agricultural Society of Nigeria, UNAAB, 2002, pp. 39-43. 

http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/fns.2014.522227
http://www.researchstash.com/2018/04/19/leaves-from-nitrogen-rich-trees-can-be-potential-fertilizers/2018,


Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 9(1): 13-21 

 

 
21 

© 2022 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

[18] S. K. Yadav, U. V. Khokar, and R. P. Yadav, "Integrated nutrient management for strawberry cultivation," Indian Journal 

of Horticulture, vol. 67, pp. 445-449, 2010. 

[19] R. Ajala, M. Awodun, and S. Oladele, "Effects of wood ash biomass application on growth indices and chlorophyll content 

of maize and lima bean intercrop," Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology, vol. 5, pp. 614-621, 

2017.Available at: https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v5i6.614-621.1093. 

[20] S. Shrawan, P. K. Yadav, and B. Singh, "Effect of nitrogen and potassium on growthand yield of onion (Alliumcepa L.) 

cv. PusaRed," Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences, vol. 33, pp. 308-309, 2004. 

[21] C. N. Mbah and D. Nkpaji, "Response of maize (Zea mays L.) to different rates of wood-ash application in acid ultisol in 

Southeast Nigeria," The Journal of American Science, vol. 5, pp. 53 - 57, 2009. 

[22] D. O. Babadele, S. O. Ojeniyi, and O. O. Agbede, "Periodic nutrient content of cassava as influenced by sawdust ash and 

siam weed residue," in Proceedings 37th Annual Conference of Soil Science Society of Nigeria, Lafia, 2013a, pp. 133-140. 

[23] M. Awodun and S. Ojeniyi, "Response of ground nut yield and nutrient status totillage and wood ash," Nigeria 

Agricultural Journal, vol. 36, pp. 80-87, 2005.Available at: https://doi.org/10.4314/naj.v36i1.3209. 

[24] L. Aarssen, "Causes and consequences of variation in competitive ability in plant communities," Journal of Vegetation 

Science, vol. 3, pp. 165-174, 1992.Available at: https://doi.org/10.2307/3235677. 

[25] S. Ojeniyi, A. Oyatoye, and M. Abdulraheem, "Use of ash for soil fertility improvement effect on cowpea," Nigeria Journal 

of Soil Science, vol. 27, pp. 216-221, 2017. 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Views and opinions expressed in this article are the views and opinions of the author(s), Current Research in Agricultural Sciences shall not be responsible or 
answerable for any loss, damage or liability etc. caused in relation to/arising out of the use of the content. 

 


