The Comparative Study of the Proximate and Mineral Composition of Bush Okro (Corchorus olitorious L.) under the Influence of Jatropha Seed Cake, Chicken droppings and NPK fertilizer

Abstract

This study compared the effects of chicken dropping, NPK fertilizer, and Jatropha seed cake on the growth of bush okro (Corchorus olitorious L.), as well as its proximate and mineral composition. In a completely randomized design with three fertilizer treatments at four levels, soil samples were homogenized with 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/bag each of Jatropha seed cake, chicken dropping, and NPK fertilizer for the growth of bush okra. Standard techniques were used to assess the compositions of the proximate and minerals. The highest percentages of ash, lipid, fiber, nitrogen, crude protein, and moisture observed in Jatropha seed cake were: 16.5% (4g/bag), 3.5% (8g/bag), 11.5% (4g/bag), 1.15% (1g/bag), 7.18% (1g/bag), and 7% (8g/bag), NPK fertilizer: 21.5% (1g/bag), 3.0% (2g/bag), 10.5% (1g/bag), 1.27% (1g/bag), 7.96% (1g/bag), and 7.5% (2g/bag), Chicken dropping: 20.5% (8g/bag), 3.5% (4g/bag), 10% (2g/bag), 1.12% (8g/bag), 7% (8g/bag), and 6.5% (2 and 8g/bag) respectively.. All of the minerals that were examined (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) were found to be present in modest amounts. The composition of Corchorus olitorious L. proximate and mineral components were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by fertilizer types. The study's findings indicate that the application of Jatropha seed cake, which is comparable to NPK fertilizer and chicken droppings at 8 g/bag, accelerates the growth of C. olitorious. The findings support the use of Jatropha seed cake as a source of organic fertilizer, which may aid in the present need for food that is produced.