Assessing the Influence of Spacing on the Growth of Sorrel in Bali, Taraba State

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of different plant spacing on the growth and yield of sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) at the Federal Polytechnic Bali, using three spacing treatments: T1 (o control), T2 (30 cm x 30 cm), T3 (45 cm x 45 cm), and T4 (60 cm x 60 cm). The experiment measured key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, number of branches, fresh and dry biomass, number of flowers, and fruit yield. Results showed that wider spacing (T4) significantly enhanced plant performance across all parameters. Data were statistically analyzed using bar chart to assess the significance of differences between treatments. T4 recorded the highest plant height (75.2 cm), largest leaf area (430 cm²), greatest number of branches (12), and highest fresh biomass (1.5 kg) and dry biomass (0.6 kg). Additionally, T4 produced the most flowers (35 per plant) and highest fruit yield (3.2 kg/plot). Conversely, the closest spacing (T1) led to reduced growth and yield, with increased competition for resources such as light, nutrients, and water. These findings demonstrate that wider spacing improves individual plant growth by minimizing competition, though farmers should consider balancing individual plant performance with overall yield per hectare when selecting the optimal spacing for sorrel cultivation.