LATIN SQUARE DESIGN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF NPK AND UREA FERTILIZER: AN APPLICATION TO THE YIELD OF TOMATO

Abstract

Fertilizers are essential to modern farming (Agriculture), their overuse can have harmful effects
on human being, plants, crops and soil quality in general (Popoola, et al., 2015). Thus, this
paper attempts to develop a model that investigates the effects of NPK and Urea fertilizer on
the yield of tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum), examine if the NPK and Urea fertilizers
contribute to the growth and yield of tomato. The paper also detects which of the NPK or Urea
components contribute most to the yield of tomato. It thus determines further at what proportion
each of the NPK and Urea is to be applied for optimum yield if applied correctly, confirm the
optimum yield at kilogram per square (hectare). Latin Square Design ANOVA was adopted in
the analysis to determine if the NPK and Urea fertilizers used have effect on the tomato. Post
Hoc analysis was carried out using Least Significant Difference (LSD) test to determine which
level of the NPK and Urea fertilizers differed. The result of the analysis showed that NPK and
Urea fertilizers contribute immensely to the growth and yield of tomato at the different zones
of the state as well as different levels of fertilizer application. Furthermore, the overall model
for the yield of tomato was also obtained and can be described as good.