Application Of Cow Dung Research Articles

The effect of cow manure amendment and the ratio of gold mine tailings on sweet potato gold phytomining

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining has commonly used the mercury amalgamation method for gold ore extraction. The processing waste or tailings often contain gold and other metals. This study examined the effects of cow manure amendment and the ratio of gold mine tailings on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) gold phytomining. The pot experiment was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture greenhouse at Padjadjaran University in Indonesia. The sweet potato MZ119 clone (an orange-fleshed sweet potato) was planted on a polybag (40 x 40 cm) consisting of 10 kg of planting media, which was a mixture of gold mine tailing and soil. The design used was a completely randomized design factorial with three replications. The first factor was ratios of gold mine tailing consisting of three levels, namely 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% (w/w). The second factor was doses of organic manure, namely without cow manure, 250 g pot-1, 500 g pot-1, and 750 g pot-1. The results demonstrated that the application of cow dung and the gold mine tailings ratio (w/w) had a significant (p = 0.05) effect on plants' dry weight biomass, gold accumulation, and gold phytomining by sweet potato. The highest gold mass yield of 0.066 mg gold plant-1 was achieved by a 50% (w/w) gold mine tailing ratio and 750 g pot-1 cow manure treatment.

Natural Farming: Embracing Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Production

Natural farming, a regenerative agriculture is advocated and promoted worldwide to produce safe and quality produce and to live in harmony with nature. It is “Chemical free farming” or “do-nothing farming” is a sustainable farming approach that aims to work with nature instead of trying to change it. It focuses on improving soil biological fertility without relying on synthetic chemicals or external inputs. It lies in a simple principle of utilizing low-cost and local inputs with zero utilization of chemicals. Major strategy is continuous application of cow dung and cow urine-based concoctions beside following effective recycling of crop residues, leguminous intercrops as soil cover, pre- monsoon dry sowing, minimizing the irrigation and balancing the soil, air and moisture by irrigating at noon. The farmer is considered only to be a facilitator - the real work is done by Nature herself. No- tillage and farming without the application of herbicides, inorganic fertilizers and pesticides is practiced. Here, actual physical work and labor has been seen to reduce by up to 80% compared to other farming systems. The essence of natural farming is minimizing the external inputs to the farm land, which degenerate the soil nature and improving the crop yield. The Natural farming a cost-effective farming practices with scope for raising employment and rural development. Natural farming also offers a solution to various problems such as food insecurity, farmers distress, health problems arising due to pesticide, fungicide and fertilizers residue in food and water, climate change and natural calamities.

Comparative Study on the Effects of Organic fertilizer (Cow dung), Inorganic Fertilizer (N.P.K) and the Combined Effect of Fertilizers on the Growth Parameters of Strangler Fig (Ficus thonningii)

A comparative study on the effect of organic manure (Cow Dung), inorganic fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15), and their combined effect on the growth of Strangler fig (Ficus thonningii) was carried out at Government Senior Secondary School Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria for 28 weeks. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the effect of organic fertilizer (Cow Dung), inorganic fertilizer (N.P.K 15:15:15) and their combined effects on the growth of Ficus thonningii seedlings. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and a control replicated four times. The treatments consisted of T1= (15g NPK), T2 = (15g CD), T3 = (7.5g NPK: 7.5g CD), T4 = (11.3g NPK + 3.7g CD), T5 = (11.3g CD + 3.7g NPK) and a control (unfertilized) denoted as T6. Various growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, plant girth, leaf size and number of branches per plant were measured at 2-week intervals for 7 months. All the data collected were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p<0.05 level of significance using R-software. The results from the experiment showed that most growth characters measured were significantly affected by the application of sole cow dung (15g CD). Thus, based on results obtained in this study, it is suggested to use 15g sole of cow dung for optimum and better growth of Ficus thonningii seedlings in the study area.

Pengaruh Lumpur Laut Cair Serta Pemeberian Pupuk Kandang Sapi dalam Budi Daya Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens, L) Pada Lahan Gambut

This study to determine the effect of liquid sea mud and cow dung on the growth and yield of cayenne pepper plants on peat soils was carried out on the land of residents of Tnjung Rejo Paloh Panglima village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Medium Regency, North Sumatra Province, from May to August 2023. The study was arranged in a Complete Randomized Design with two factors and each treatment combination was replicated three times. The first factor is the dose of liquid coastal sediment (0; 0.5; 1; 1.5 L/ plant), while the second factor is the dose of cow dung (0; 50; 100; 150 g/ plant). The results of the first experiment showed that there was no interaction between liquid sea mud and cow dung in affecting plant height, dry weight of plants, number of fruit plants, weight of chili plants and plant weight, While the application of cow dung significantly increases plant height, dry weight of plants and weight of fruit crops. Application of liquid sea mud plants 1 L and cow dung 100 g / plant can promote soybean growth and yield in peat soils. Keywords : Cayenne pepper, Sea mud, cow dung

Herotrophic Bacterial Populations and Primary Production In Fish Ponds Under Different Manaement Practices

The aerobic heterotrophic bacterial populations in the water and sediment media and primary production levels with reference to the physicochemi cal conditions of carp polyculture ponds under different management practices, viz. , fortnightly application of cowdung in heaps, spray-application of cowdung on alternate days, gradual leaching of inorganic fertilizers, manual raking of pond bottom and bioturbation by common carp, were studied, along with observations on the growth characteristics of bacterial populations under simulated conditions. The bacterial counts were maximal in the ponds with agitated bottom, inspite of the absence of allochthonous organic enrichment. The generation time and generation number of the populations in the water and sediment media were in the ranges of 0.9-24.8 h, 0.7-21.2 h and 0.2-5.3, 0.2-6.4 respectively, indicating intense bacterial activities . Primary production levels in the ponds were moderate (1.13-3 6.77 g c/m3/d ) , comprising high (31.27-139.82%) respiration values. The results brought out the significance of the heterotrophic food chain in f i s h pond ecosystems and demonstrated the positive effects of simple pond environmental man ipu l a t ion measures like bottom raking on sediment-water interactions .

Pertumbuhan Bibit Kakao (Theobroma Cacao L) pada Media Tanah Ultisol yang diberi Perlakuan Pupuk Kompos Kotoran Sapi

The purpose of this study was to determine the growth of cocoa seedlings on Ultisol soil treated with cow dung compost. This research was conducted in the piyo garden, Batanghar University, Jambi Campus II. The environmental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) and the treatment design was cow dung compost which consisted of 4 treatments: K0 = no treatment (control), K1 = 100 gr/polybag of cow dung, K2 = 150 gr/polybag of cow dung, K3 = 200 gr/poly bag of cow dung. Observational data were analyzed using analysis of variance, if there was a significant effect it was followed up with Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at the 5% level. The results showed that the application of cow dung compost at different doses had a significant effect on plant height and stem diameter and had no significant effect on plant dry weight and root dry weight. Cocoa plant height increased by 36.64% and stem diameter by 18.26% with K3 treatment compared to the amount without treatmentKeywords: cow dung compost, Ultisol and cocoa

Application of Organic Fertilizer Cow Dung and Biofertilizer in Shallots (Allium Acalonicum L.) in Lowland

Lowland has the potential to be developed to plant shallots, given the importance of shallots in meeting the growing needs of the Indonesian people and supported by a high market share, therefore to increase the productivity of shallots in Lowland it is necessary to apply organic cow dung and biofertilizer. The purpose of this study was to determine the best organic cow dung and biofertilizer in increasing the productivity of shallots on land or in lowland. This research was conducted in Seri Tanjung Village, Tanjung Batu District, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province. The layout of the experiment was in polybags using a factorial randomized block design with 8 treatment combinations which were repeated 4 times. Factor 1 is organic cow dung fertilizer, namely 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 tons/ha. Factor 2 is biofertilizer, namely without and biofertilizer. The highest production (dry weight of plant tubers) was achieved in the application of organic cow dung fertilizer of 15 tons/ha with bio fertilizers, which was 53.56 g/plant.

Growth and yield performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as influenced by cow dung and NPK fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Charfasson Govt. College, Bhola, Bangladesh in rabi season in 2015-2016 to evaluate the effect of cow dung and chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of sunflower cv. BARI-2 (Keroni-2). Highest plant height (208.4 cm), leaf area (410.5 cm2) and leaf area index (12.75) were recorded in T16 (7.5 ton CD ha-1 +N120P90K150kg ha-1). Highest dry matter yield viz. stem (60.67g plant-1) found in treatment T16 (7.5 ton CD ha- 1+N120 P90K150kg ha-1). Maximum dry weight of leaf (25.33g plant-1) and dry weight of root (12.83g plant-1) were found in treatment T15 (7.5 ton CD ha-1 +N80P60K100kg ha-1). Highest dry weight of seed (64.7 g plant-1) and dry wt. of 100 seed (9.8 g) were found in treatment T15 (7.5 ton CD ha-1 +N80P60K100kg ha-1) but the highest number of seed (735.7plant-1) and florescence diameter (52.67 cm) were observed in treatment T13 (5 ton CD ha-1 +N120P90K150kg ha-1). Maximum total dry matter yield per plant was 92.01 g and per hectare was 5.75 ton in T16 (7.5 ton CD ha-1+N120P90K150kg ha-1). Results revealed that the combined application of cow dung and NPK fertilizers produced better growth and yield of sunflower in field condition at the coastal belt of Bangladesh. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(1): 83-90, 2023 (January)

EFFECT OF TIMING SLASHING, BURNING AND SOIL AMENDMENT ON SOIL MICROBES

Various challenges face the sustainability of soil ecosystem. This research was carried out to assess the impact of burning and application of cow dung on soil microbes. Soil samples were taken from three different locations: Afugiri, Lodu and Umudike. The study comprised of two experiments. The focus of the first experiment was to check the effect of slash and burn on soil pH, organic matter, microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) and soil microbes. Result obtained showed that burning affected soil pH, organic matter and MBP and microbial population. Burning reduced the organic matter content of soil, and increased soil pH. The results of the microbial biomass showed that burning was disadvantageous to the sustainability of soil ecosystem. However, in the second experiment, cowdung and fortified cowdung amendment were applied to determine the effect of organic amendment on soil microbes. Cowdung significantly affected bacteria population and number of earthworm species. Bacterial species have more population than fungal species. The results from this study indicate that burning in agricultural land increases soil pH, but have the capacity to destroy beneficial microbes and reduce those activities carried out by them.

Enhancing Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by Applying Cowdung and Micronutrients

Similar to other crops, balanced fertilization is one of the key elements of growing broccoli with a good yield. The study was carried out at the Horticulture Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the impact of different levels cowdung (C) and micronutrients (M) on the growth and yield of broccoli. The two-factor experiment consisted of three levels of cowdung viz., C0 (no cowdung), C1 (cowdung @ 7 t/ha), C2 (cowdung @ 10 t/ha) and three different doses of micronutrients viz., M0 (no micronutrients), M1 (B @ 1 kg/ha + Zn @ 2 kg/ha), M2 (B @ 1.5 kg/ha + Zn @ 2.5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that significant variations recorded for most of the parameters studied due to the application of cowdung and micronutrients. At 60 DAT, the highest plant height (58.79 cm) with maximum number of leaves (19.48) was observed in C2 treatment. In case of micronutrients all these characters maximized in M2 treatment and minimized in M0 treatment. At 60 DAT, plant height (61.90 cm) and number of leaves per plant (20.55) were recorded highest in the combination of C2M2 and lowest in C0M0 treatment combination. The highest yield (10.99 t/ha) was found when cowdung applied @ 10 t/ha and the lowest yield (7.44 t/ha) was found from the control treatment. Micronutrients (B and Zn) had also significant influence on yield. The highest yield (10.32 t/ha) was found from the application of micronutrients (1.5kg B/ha + 2.5 kg Zn/ha) and the lowest yield (8.21 t/ha) was found from the control treatment. The combined effects of cowdung and micronutrients were statistically significant. The combination of cowdung 10 t/ha and micronutrients (B @1.5 kg/ha + Zn @ 2.5 kg/ha) gave the highest yield (12.20 t/ha) and the lowest yield (7.00t/ha) was received from no cowdung and no micronutrients. The results of the experiment recommended that cowdung 10 t/ha and micronutrients (B @1.5 kg/ha + Zn @ 2.5 kg/ha) could be recommended for increasing broccoli yield.

PENGARUH KOMPOS KOTORAN SAPI TERHADAP BEBERAPA SIFAT KIMIA TANAH INCEPTISOL DAN PERTUMBUHAN TANAMAN JAGUNG PULUT (Zea mays var. ceratina)

This study aims to determine the effect of the use of Inceptisol soil on the coast of Napabalano Subdistrict and the application of cow dung compost as a planting medium on the growth of Pulut maize (Zea mays var. ceratina) and determine the best dose of cow dung compost on the utilization of Inceptisol soil on the coast of Napabalano District against maize growth. This research took place in October-January 2022. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments, namely without cow dung compost (P0); cow dung compost 100 g polybag-1 (P1); cow dung compost 200 g polybag-1 (P2); cow dung compost 300 g polybag-1 (P3); cow dung compost 400 g polybag-1 (P4), repeated four times to produce 20 experimental units. The variables observed were nutrient levels of N, P, and K in Inceptisol soil on Napabalano District's coast and plant growth, including plant height and number of plant leaves. The results showed that cow dung compost increased the N-total nutrient content from 0,072% to 0,11%, P-total from 20,34 mg 100g-1 to 29.29 mg 100g-1, and K-total 21,24 mg100g-1 to 30,60 mg100g-1. Giving cow dung compost, 400 g polybag-1 significantly increased plant height and the number of plant leaves compared to other treatments.

Multilevel analysis of individual and community level factors associated with the application of cow dung and oil on the umbilical cord stump in Ethiopia.

Hygienic umbilical cord care is one of the essential interventions advocated to reduce neonatal mortality. However, traditional cord care measures-applying cow dung and oil-that have harmful health consequences are commonly practiced in Ethiopia. Hence, in this study, it was planned to analyze individual and community-level factors associated with the application of cow dung and oil on the umbilical cord stump in Ethiopia. Data from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey were used to identify individual and community level factors associated with women's practice of applying cow dung and oil on the umbilical cord stump of their neonate. Taking into account for the hierarchical structure of the data; multilevel binary logistic regression analysis has been employed to a nationally representative weighted sample of 7,168 women. In Ethiopia, 780 (10.88%) with 95% CI (10.18-11.62) women apply oil and/or cow dung on the neonate's umbilical cord stump. Age increase by one year [AOR = 0.97; 95% CI (0.94-0.99)] and giving birth in a health facility [AOR = 0.61; 95% CI (0.42-0.89)] were individual-level factors that reduced women's practice of applying cow dung and oil on the umbilical cord stump of their neonate. Whereas, rural residence [AOR = 2.54; 95% CI (1.28-5.06)] was the predictor at the community level that raised the practice of applying cow dung and oil on the neonate's umbilical cord stump. This nationwide study revealed that a significant number of mothers in Ethiopia still apply cow dung and/or oil on the umbilical cord stump of their neonates. Both the individual and community level characteristics: maternal age, place of delivery, and residence were found to have significant influence on the practice of applying cow dung and/or oil on the umbilical cord stump in Ethiopia. Thus, to reduce neonatal mortality due to avoidable umbilical cord infections, clean cord care practice strategies should be designed by considering these factors.

Intercropping system of Capsicum annum L. and Tagetes erecta with Mycorrhizal application and cow waste compost

Factors that cause fluctuations in chili production are nutrient content and attack by plant disturbing organisms (PDO). To overcome pest attacks can be done by planting refugia which serves as an alternative that will bring in natural enemies. In addition, the application of cow dung and mycorrhizal compost as biological agents will be able to maintain soil quality and plant growth. This study aims to determine the effect of cow waste compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth and production of red chili plants intercropped with refugia plants. The method was a factorial randomized block design consisting of 2 factors, namely: cow waste compost and AMF. Cow waste compost consists of 5 levels, namely: K0 = without giving cow waste compost, K1 = cow waste compost at a dose of 5 tons/ha-1, K2 = cow waste compost at a dose of 10 tons/ha-1, K3 = cow waste compost at a dose 15 tons/ha-1, K4= cow waste compost dose of 20 tons/ha-1. Meanwhile, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi consisted of 4 levels, namely: M0= without AMF, M1= AMF 50 kg/ha-1, M2= AMF 100 kg/ha-1, M3= AMF 150 kg/ha-1. The results showed that AMF had a most significant effect on the number of fruits per plant, production per plant, and production per plot, but not significantly different on plant height, some branches, and flowering age of Laris variety red chili. AMF treatment with 150 kg/ha (M3) dose had the highest average value for all observed parameters.

UJI EFEKTIVITAS KOMPOS KOTORAN SAPI DAN SEKAM PADI MENGGUNAKAN MIKROORGANISME LOKAL BATANG PISANG TERHADAP POPULASI BAKTERI PELARUT FOSFAT DAN PRODUKSI PAKCOY (Brassica rapa var. chinensis L.)

Management of agricultural land in Jabung District using inorganic fertilizers with high doses resulted in a decrease in soil quality, such as a low population of phosphate solubilizing bacteria that can release phosphate from Al-P and Fe-P bonds. Inceptisols in Jabung Subdistrict with low fertility still has the potential to cultivate pakcoy with the innovative application of cow manure and rice husk compost with banana stem MOL bioactivator as a source of bacterial culture and organic matter decomposers. This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of the application of cow dung and rice husk compost on the population of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, the diversity of bacteria in dissolving phosphate based on the clear zone index, and the yield of pakcoy. This study used a randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. The results showed that cow dung and rice husk compost significantly increased the population of phosphate solubilizing bacteria by 27.7 × 106 CFU g-1, diversity of phosphate solubilizing bacteria based on the clear zone index as many as 23 isolates with the highest clear zone index 5,40 isolate code P52. The results also showed that the application of cow dung and rice husk compost significantly increased the wet weight by 15,520 kg ha-1 and the dry weight of pakcoy by 661.6 kg ha-1.

Effect of Bokashi Fertilizer on Increasing Soil Nutrients and Growth of Medicinal Plants

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of bokashi (Cow) fertilizer on increasing soil nutrients and the growth of medicinal plants (Biopharmaca). The research method was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments which were repeated 3 times. The type of bokashi fertilizer is cow dung, while the medicinal plants used are ginger and turmeric. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA (Analysis of variance) and 5% F test to determine the effect of treatment. The research findings showed that the application of organic matter bokashi cow dung succeeded in increasing soil nutrients consisting of H2O, C-Organic, P2O5, K2O, and CEC along with the increase in the concentration of bokashi. Giving bokashi cow dung had a significant effect on plant height, the number of leaves, and bulb weight of Biopharmaca plants at 30 DAP and 60 DAP measurements. It was concluded based on the results of the study that goat and cow dung bokashi can be used to increase soil nutrients such as KCl, C-Organic, N-Total, P2O5, K2O, and CEC. Besides, bokashi fertilizer can also be used for the growth of biopharmaceutical plants where plant height, number of leaves, and bulb weight of medicinal plants are indicators used.

APLIKASI PUPUK ORGANIK DAN BAKTERI PELARUT FOSFAT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN JAGUNG MANIS MANIS (Zea mays saccaharta sturt L.)

The use of organic matters on sweet corn cultivation is focused to decrease the utilization of chemical substances for minimizing environmental degradation. An experiment was conducted at Ujung Berung Indah Residence, Ujung Berung Districts, Bandung City (± 780 m asl.) from April to July 2020. The Aims of this research were to determine the suitable and effective inoculant to increase the growth of sweet corn plants. The sweet corn variety used was Bonanza F1 and the PSB inoculant that used was Bacillus Laterosporus. The organic fertilizers were compost, chicken and cow dung, and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), as a biofertilizer. A randomized block design with three replications was utilized in this experiment. The treatments consisted of without organic fertilizers or PSB (control) (K), inoculation of PSB (P1), application of compost (P2), (4) application of chicken and cow dung (P3), and application of the chemical fertilizer (NPK) (P4). The results showed that the application of organic fertilizers and PSB increased the growth of sweet corn plants after harvesting. The inoculation of PSB resulted in highest plant height compared to control and the highest sweet corn yield compared to the control treatment, and even it was higher than the yield caused by the application of the chemical fertilizer.

LAJU PERTUMBUHAN DAPHNIA MAGNA DENGAN PEMBERIAN PUPUK ORGANIK BERBEDA

This study aims to determine the growth rate of Daphnia magna with different organic fertilizers. This research is an experimental study using CRD (completely randomized design) with 3 treatments (p) and 3 replications (u). The organic fertilizer treatments applied to daphnia culture media were: P0 = Control, P1 = Cow dung, P2 = Swallow Manure, and P3 = Chicken Manure. Parameters measured included specific growth rate, and population density of daphnia. Data were analyzed statistically (Anova). The results showed that the application of organic cow dung, swallow and chicken manure had a significant effect on the specific growth rate and population density of daphnia (P<0.05). The best treatment was on P2 (swallow droppings) with a specific growth rate of 19.9%/day and a population density of 1635 ind/L

Evaluation on the Effect of Cost Effective Cow Dung (in Bio-Fertlizers Form) on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays) Production in the Niger Delta Area (Bayelsa State) of Nigeria

Evaluation on the effect of cost effective cow dung in bio-fertilizer form on growth and yield of Maize (Zea mays) production in the Niger Delta Area, was conducted, in 2017 cropping season of Bayelsa State, at the Niger Delta University Teaching and Research Farm, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, located within latitude 50N and longitude 6.050E of the equator. Treatments adopted for the experiment was cow dung in bio-fertilizer form, which was applied with different rates 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha, and replicated 5 times, experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The least significant difference (LSD) was used to compare the means at 5% level of significance. Parameters assessed were growth and yield components of maize which included plant height, leaf area, cob length and girth, average number of kernels per cob, weight of 1000 kernels and yield in t/ha. Parameters, generally, increased significantly with an increase in the rate of application of cow dung on the experimental plots. The result obtained from the yield (t/ha) showed that, there was no significant differences between the application rates of 20, 15, 10 and 5 t/ha of cow dung, whereas only at 20 t/ha differed significantly when compared to the untreated (Control), but 20t/ha, had more yield than the rest rates of application. However, twenty (20 t/ha) application rate of cow dung bio-fertilizer produced the highest yield with a mean value of 6.45 t/ha when compared to the control (0 t/ha) which had the least mean yield value of 4.05 t/ha. Furthermore, the control had the lowest mean values in all the growth and yield parameters tested throughout the period of assessment, whereas application rate of 20t/ha produced the highest mean values and differed significantly from the rest application rates of cow dung in all of the growth parameters of maize of production. Therefore, 20t/ha of cow dung was recommended for small scale farmers in the study area and other parts of the Bayelsa State and the Global World which had similar soil characteristics and environmental conditions, that are found in the arable area of land for maize production. In fact, this research work has created positive awareness to the people of Niger Delta Area on the danger of inorganic fertilizer application in our soils, because they are hazardous to the ecosystem that affected the biodiversity of some beneficiary soil microbes, because the type of maize farmers in the area which had little or no adequate knowledge on the negative chemical residual impact of inorganic fertilizer, to our crops and the soil microbes, which affected the biodiversity of some beneficiary soil microbes, hence the evaluation on this research project work to create the awareness on the importance of cow dung bio-fertilizer that are readily available in our environment at the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria.

Influence of humic acid on morpho-physiology and yield of rice

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of soil organic amendments-cow dung and humic acid on morphology and yield of rice under drought stress at the net-house, Agricultural Botany Department at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, during the period from July 2018 to November 2018. This single factorial experiment pots where arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Four different levels of soil organic amendments viz. SM1 = Soil + inorganic fertilizer (control), SM2 = Soil + cow dung + inorganic fertilizer, SM3 = Soil + inorganic fertilizer + humic acid and SM4 = Soil + inorganic fertilizer + cow dung + humic acid. The results showed that morphological characters and yield of rice significantly increased with addition of cow dung and humic acid into the soil. In terms of morpho-physiology, the highest plant height 112.90 cm and number of tillers plant-1 11.25 were achieved from the treatment SM4 (Soil + inorganic fertilizer + cow dung + humic acid). In terms of the variables that contribute to the yield, the highest days to 1st flowering (72.75) and days to 1st maturity (122.05 days) were found from control treatment SM4 (Soil + inorganic fertilizer + humic acid + cow dung). Similarly, the highest panicle length (24.94 cm), number of filled grain panicle-1 (221.40), number of unfilled grain panicle-1 (42.25), root length (17.93 cm), number of grains panicle-1 (247.40), grain weight hill-1 (25.17 g), straw weight hill-1 (33.26 g) and harvest index (42.93%) were achieved from SM4 (Soil + inorganic fertilizer + cow dung + humic acid) . The highest soil moisture content (17.23 and 16.17% at 55 and 70 DAT, respectively) was also achieved from SM4 (Soil + inorganic fertilizer + cow dung + humic acid). This experimental results highlighted that together use of cow dung and humic acid increased the grain weight plants-1 more than 150% compared to controlled condition. Finally, it concluded that application of cow dung and humic acid as soil organic amendments increases the yield of aman rice.

Improving growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) using staking and mixed fertilization

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm and Postgraduate Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from September 2019 to March 2020 to study the effects of staking and mixed fertilization for improving growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato cv. Binatomato 10. The two-factor experiment consisted of two types of staking viz. S1 = Single, S2 = Trellis type and five doses of mixed fertilizers viz. T0: Control, T1: 25% of mixed fertilizers (cowdung, mustard oil cake (MOC), urea, TSP and MoP @ 4000, 125, 100, 87.5, and 75 kg/ha, respectively), T2: 50% of mixed fertilizers (cowdung, MOC, urea, TSP and MoP @ 6000, 250, 200, 175, and 150 kg/ha, respectively), T3: 75% of mixed fertilizers (cowdung, MOC, urea, TSP and MoP @ 9000, 375, 300, 262.5, and 225 kg/ha, respectively) and T4: 100% of mixed fertilizers (cowdung, MOC, urea, TSP and MP @ 12000, 500, 400, 350, and 300 kg/ha, respectively). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Staking and mixed fertilization had significant effects on all the parameters under study. Trellis type staking along with combined application of cowdung, MOC, urea, TSP and MoP @ 9000, 375, 300, 262.5, and 225 kg/ha, respectively (S2T3) gave the highest plant height (134.93 cm), number of leaves (46.87), flowers (384.32) and fruits per plant (312.31), individual fruit weight (11.68 g), fruit length (3.68 cm) and diameter (2.67 cm), yield per hectare (64.24 t), and TSS (8.69%).