COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF THE GROWTH OF Zea mays Linn. AND Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. IN HYDROPONIC SOLUTION AND SOIL

ABSTRACT

Comparative studies of the growth potential of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] and Maize [Zea mays L.] in terms of quality, quantity and the time it takes for maturity using the conventional methods of growing plants in soil (loamy soil) and the hydroponic system. This experiment was carried out within the departmental screen house of Plant Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Benin City, Edo State. Thirty-two (32) samples of Vigna unguiculata and Zea mays were used in total, eight maize and eight bean seeds were equally planted for both planting systems. The different parameters that were used to compare the growth for both systems includes; Chlorophyll content (CCI), Temperature (°C), Stem girth (mm), Moisture content, Light, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved salts, Salinity (%), Specific gravity, Salinity (ppm), Oxygen reduction potential (-mV), pH, Leaf number, Whole plant dry and fresh weight including the dry and fresh weight of the roots and stems based on the scientific system of a controlled environment and observational studies. The results from this study revealed that beans performed better in both the hydroponic and loamy soil in majority of the parameters especially in loamy soil which in includes a higher percentage of chlorophyll content (CCI) with an average of 29.0% in the hydroponic system and an average of 43.7% in loamy soil, while the maize performed quite poorly with an average of 11.8% in the hydroponic system and an average of 43.7% in loamy soil. Beans also had a higher number of leaves with its highest at eight (8) leaves in four weeks for both systems while the highest for maize was six (6) in both systems at the same period of time.