Response of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) Grown in Different Soil Textures and Lead Concentrations

This study investigated effect of soil textures and Lead (Pb) concentrations on the growth, fibre yields and Pb absorption of kenaf. Screenhouse experiment was conducted in the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) Ogun State, Nigeria. Top soils were collected from Murtala Victoria Botanical Garden, Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria and UNAAB Teaching and Research Farm. Ten-litre plastic pots were filled with 10kg soil. Experimental design was a 2 x 5 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Two soil textures and five levels of Pb concentration (as Lead nitrate): 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 mgPb/kgsoil. Growth and yield parameters were collected. Lead levels in plant and soils were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. UNAAB soil had pH of 6.3 and sandy loam texture while Epe soil had pH and texture of 5.3 and sand respectively. Control had significantly (P<0.05) higher stem girth, plant height, bast and core yields while 600mg/kg had the least in the two soils. Increased in the Pb concentration resulted in the increased in Pb absorption; Epe soil had better absorption of 89.87mg/kg than UNAAB soil with 78.17mg/kg.