Effect of rate of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Mokwa

Abstract

This study determines the effect of rates of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor. The experiment was conducted in Mokwa, Niger state. A completely randomized design (CRD) was set up potted with improvised drip irrigation system with five treatments replicated three times. The pots were spaced at 2m x 2m distance. The treatments were; T1 – 2 liters (Ls) of water per week (w), T2- 2 Ls daily for 2 days/w (4 liters per week), T3 – 2 L daily for 3 days /w (6 liters per week), T4 – 2 L daily for 4 days / w (8 liters per week) and T5 – one liter a week. The soil preparation was done by treating the soil with bat manure; 50 Kg bags were half filled with soil from the college orchard, each bag was mixed with 2 Kg of bat manure. The soil was moistened for three days and allow for partial decomposition. Soil physical and chemical analysis was done before treatment by taking sample from a pot at depth of 0 - 20 cm with soil augers. The plant parameters determined include; Seedling Emergence, Plant Height (cm), Number leaves, Number of branches, Days to 50% Flowering, total Pod Number and seed oil yield. From the trial conducted the following conclusions were drawn: although castor can tolerate moisture stress, it performs well with irrigation at 8 liters per week per plant. The appropriate rate of irrigation that gives a better growth and yield of Castor plant were determined to be 8 liters per every 4 days. No irrigation should be given during maturity stage because it delayed maturity and also influences new vegetative growth. Farmers can work with the recommended rate of 8 L/4 days for castor for optimum yield.