Influence of Watering Regimes and Irrigation Quantities on Seedling Growth and Biomass Accumulation in Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach and Thonn.) Taub
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20372/sqjq6190Keywords:
biomass accumulation, growth parameters, Tetrapleura tetraptera, water quantity, watering regimes.Abstract
Effective water management is essential for producing high-quality tree seedlings, particularly under increasing climate variability. This study investigated the effects of watering regimes and water quantities on seedling growth and biomass accumulation of Tetrapleura tetraptera under controlled greenhouse conditions. Seeds were germinated, and 108 juvenile seedlings were transplanted in polythene bags in 12×14×16cm dimensions. A 3×4 factorial design was used, exposing seedlings to combinations of watering regimes (once daily, twice daily, once every 3days, once every 5days) and water quantities (30, 40, and 50ml). Growth parameters (height, collar diameter and number of leaves) and biomass (leaf, stem, root and total dry weight) were measured. Results revealed that both watering frequency and quantity significantly influenced all growth and biomass parameters (P≤0.05). Seedlings irrigated more frequently consistently outperformed those watered at longer intervals. Interestingly, seedlings receiving 40ml twice a day achieved the highest values for height (26.51±3.96cm), collar diameter (5.57±0.37mm), and total biomass (61.16±29.72g). In contrast, seedlings watered once in every five days exhibited markedly reduced growth and biomass, underscoring the species’ sensitivity to water stress. Increasing the quantity of water beyond the optimal level did not yield further growth, highlighting the importance of optimizing rather than maximizing irrigation. Overall, this study provides species-specific empirical evidence on the water requirements of T. tetraptera seedlings and demonstrates that frequent, moderate, irrigation promotes superior growth and biomass accumulation. The findings offer practical guidance for nursery management, and support optimized seedling production strategies in afforestation, agroforestry and conservation initiatives within water-limited tropical environments.
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