The effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) organic fertilizer on the vegetative growth of Carrot (Daucus carota), Royal Chantenay variety

Abstract

This study conducted in Gasabo District, Nyacyonga marshland aimed to investigate the effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) organic fertilizer on the vegetative growth of the Royal Chantenay variety of carrot (Daucus carota). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Four treatments were applied: T1 (control, no fertilizer), T2 (NPK 17-17-17), T3 (25% water hyacinth organic fertilizer + 75% NPK 17-17-17), and T4 (50% water hyacinth organic fertilizer + 50% NPK 17-17-17). The growth parameters assessed included plant height, leaf number, and root diameter. Results showed that the application of water hyacinth organic fertilizer significantly influenced the vegetative growth of Royal Chantenay carrot plants. T3 and T4 treatments enhanced plant height, leaf number, and root diameter compared to the control (T1) and NPK 17-17-17 (T2). The highest vegetative growth parameters were observed in T4, indicating that a higher concentration of water hyacinth organic fertilizer positively affected the growth of carrot plants. The findings suggest that water hyacinth organic fertilizer can be a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers in promoting the vegetative growth of Royal Chantenay carrot plants. The utilization of water hyacinth as an organic fertilizer can contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.