Growth performance and nutritional concentrations of two kale (Brassica oleracea var Acephala ) varieties in response to fertilizer types in Awka, Southeast Nigeria

Purpose: Soil nutrient depletion is an endemic factor that constitutes one of the greatest limitations to crop production in the tropics. Identifying high yielding kale varieties that thrive best with the most cost-effective fertilizer type can help meet the nutritional deficits of most families in Africa in line with WHO recommendations. The propose of this study was to determine the effect of fertilizer type and variety on growth, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and vitamin concentrations of kale.Method: Two kale varieties, curly and lacinato, and three fertilizers, 200 kg ha-1 NPK 20:10:10 (NPK200), 16 t ha-1poultry manure (PM16), and 100 kg ha-1 NPK 20:10:10 + 8 t ha-1poultry manure (NPK100+PM8) were evaluated in a 2Ã3 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data collections were based on selected agronomic, vitamins, and minerals parameters.Results: Fertilizer type, variety and their interaction significantly affected (p