The effect of organic manure on the growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carota.) grown in Jos, and Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of organic manure on the growth and yield of carrots (Daucus carota L.) grown in Jos and Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria. The treatments used were organic manure sources (Poultry dropping (20t/ha), Cow dung (20t/ha), Goat manure (20t/ha), dung site (20t/ha) and control (zero application and) the spacing used between plants and rows were 15 and 75cm, respectively. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. During the investigation, some physiological variables, such as plant height and the number of leaves were measured. Other characteristics like aerial weight, root weight, root length, rot diameter, harvest index and over-all yield were also recorded. The results of the investigation revealed that carrot responded to nutrient sources with poultry dropping and Jos producing better in both growth and yield parameters. All the parameters studied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) responded to nutrient source with poultry dropping been superior in both growth and yield-related characters such as plant height at 8WAT (32.20), the number of leaves 8WAT(122.20), aerial weight (10.27g), root weight (18.02g), root length(12.81cm), root diameter (4.00mm), harvest index (0.71) and over-all yield (5.10t/ha). Carrot grown in Jos outgrows those cultivated in Makurdi in both growth and yield-related character. Based on the results obtained it could be suggested that the use of poultry dropping which is better in both growth and yield characteristics will lead to optimum yield in carrot cultivation in the study areas. Keywords: Carrot Manure, growth, Organic nutrient and yield