Effect of Fertilizer Concentration on the Growth Performance of Cassia nodosa Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. and Cassia fistula L. Seedlings under Greenhouse Conditions of Kuwait

Fertilizer application is a common practice adopted in nurseries for the production of healthy seedlings since addition of the right amount of fertilizer can promote profuse flowering and foliage growth in flowering trees. Cassia nodosa Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. (Pink shower) and Cassia fistula L. (Golden shower) are two flowering trees that are tolerant to hot arid climates and produce abundant masses of colorful flowers for long durations. Since plants require adequate amount of nutrients to ensure optimum yield, it is essential to find out the appropriate quantity of fertilizer required for the seedlings based on the plants actual growth. Therefore, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) initiated this project to evaluate the growth response of Cassia nodosa and Cassia fistula species individually to different nutrient concentrations and to detect the best treatment among three levels of fertilization. The study revealed that both the species of Cassia exhibited maximum plant height and number of leaves when N: P: K was applied at 1g/l in a growing medium comprising of sand: peat moss: humus (1:1:1 v/v) compared to other fertilizer levels.