Ha-1 Poultry Manure Research Articles

Agronomic Response of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.) to Plant Densities and Fertilizer Application in a Tertiary Institution Experimental Farm in Benin City Nigeria

The objectives of this study was to investigate yield, nutrient concentration and uptake of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.) in response to plant densities and fertilizer application. Two fluted pumpkin plant densities (10,000 and 20,000 plants ha-1) D1 and D2 were evaluated at three levels of NPK fertilizer (F1, 20 t ha-1 poultry manure, F2, 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and F3, 10 t ha-1 poultry manure + 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15) using a factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Leaf length, breadth, number of leaves and stem diameter were significantly increased at both plant densities of 10,000 and 20,000 plants ha -1 while herbage yield increased with higher plant density of 20,000 plants ha -1using 300 kg ha-1 inorganic NPK 15:15:15 or a combination of 10 t ha-1 poultry manure + 150 kg ha-1 inorganic NPK 15:15:15. Potassium (K) concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 10,000 plants ha -1 and Iron (Fe) uptake was higher with combine application of organic and inorganic fertilizer (F3). To maximize good herbage yield of fluted pumpkin, farmers in this locality should adopt plant density of 20,000 plants ha -1using 300 kg ha-1 inorganic NPK 15:15:15 (D2F2) or a combination of 10 t ha-1 poultry manure + 150 kg ha-1 inorganic NPK 15:15:15 (D2F3).

Effect of poultry manure and wood ash on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativum L.) in Owerri Southeastern Nigeria

An experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri between April and June 2018 to determine the effect of poultry manure and wood ash on the growth and yield of cucumber in Owerri southeastern, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of 3 poultry manure rate (0. 5 and 10 t ha-1) and 3 wood ash rates (0, 2 and 4 t ha-1) laid in a 3 × 3 factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were collected on soil chemical properties, growth and yield parameters of cucumber, and were analyzed using ANOVA. Means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) statistical method. Results showed that poultry manure and wood ash significantly affected the growth and fruit yield of cucumber. Soil amendment at 10 t ha-1 poultry manure and 4 t ha-1 wood ash recorded the highest number of leaves, vine length (cm) at 6 weeks after planting (47.10 and 127.6 respectively). Fruit yield (47.8 t ha-1), fruit length (29.93 cm/plant) and number of fruit (7.67) per plot was highest with 10 t ha-1 poultry manure and 4 t ha-1 wood ash application but was least in 0 t ha-1 poultry manure and 0 t ha-1 wood ash (0.7, 7.00 and 1.33) respectively. On the basis of consistent higher production, it is recommended that 10 t ha-1 poultry manure and 4 t ha-1 wood ash be adopted in cucumber production in southeastern Nigeria. Keywords: Poultry manure, wood ash, cucumber, growth, yield.

EFEITOS DE DIFERENTES FONTES DE MATERIAL ORGÂNICO NA FERTILIDADE E UMIDADE DO SOLO

Soil is a resource of fundamental importance for agriculture, one of its functions being the balanced supply of nutrients to plants. One of the ways to make the soil sustainable is by applying organic matter, which can be of animal or vegetable origin. The objective was to evaluate the effect of adding different organic materials to the soil in relation to its fertility and moisture. Conducted an initial analysis to analyze soil fertility. Then the area was divided into plots and the treatments were applied, which consisted of 40 ton ha-1 cattle manure, 5 ton ha-1 poultry manure, 53 ton ha-1 swine manure, 30 ton ha-1 coffee straw and 0 ton ha-1 organic material (control). After 90 days, samples were taken from this soil to analyze its fertility and moisture. The treatments that best contributed to its fertility were swine and cattle manure and the treatment that retained more moisture was coffee straw.

Profitability of the use of poultry manure for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production in Iwollo, Southeastern Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Enugu state polytechnic, Iwollo, Southeastern Nigeria in 2020 to evaluate the profitability of the use of poultry manure for cucumber production in the area. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatment comprised different rates of poultry manure viz; 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1. The growth and yield parameters investigated were vine length, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare. The data collected on growth and yield parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and treatment means were separated using Fisher's least significant difference (F-LSD) at 5% level of probability. Gross margin (GM) as well Return on Investment (RoI) was calculated to determine the profitability. The results showed that poultry manure significantly (p<0.05) induced higher vine length, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leave area index, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare compared to control (0 t/ha) with optimum values obtained in 20 t ha-1. The profitability of the use of poultry manure increased with increase in the rate of poultry manure. The highest gross margin (N 3,233,860) was obtained from 20 t ha-1 of poultry manure followed by 15 t ha-1 (N 2,021,020), 10 t ha-1 (N 1,381,748), 5 t ha-1 (N 588,300) and 0 t ha-1(N14,660). Similarly, the highest RoI was obtained in 20 t ha-1 of poultry manure (325.95%) followed by 15 t ha-1 (237.49%); 10 t ha-1 (185%); 5 t ha-1 (93%) and the lowest was in 0 t ha-1 (2.76%). It could be concluded from the study that the use of poultry manure for cucumber production in Iwollo is profitable and most profitable when 20 t ha-1 is used.

Effects of Different Doses of Poultry Manure Application on Yield Components and Yield of Different Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Varieties

Background: A study was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of poultry manure application on the yield and some yield components of faba bean crop under ecological conditions of Siirt province, Southern Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. Methods: The study was carried out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The main plots were varieties and the sub-plots were poultry manure doses. At 15 days prior to sowing, 0 (control), 500, 1000, 1500 kg ha-1 of poultry manure was spread and mixed with a rake. Result: All observed parameters were effected from poultry manure doses. Application of 1000 kg/ha poultry manure was found superior in terms of yield and yield related parameters. Grain yield was highest at 1000 kg/ha poultry manure application in 2017 and 2018, (2119 kg/ha and 2083 kg/ha, respectively). Salkım variety was superior in terms of grain yield and most of the other parameters. Both varieties were yielded higher and most of the parameters were higher in 2017 compared to 2018. As a result of the study, cropping “Salkım” faba bean variety with 1000 kg/ha poultry manure application in South Eastern Anatolia or similar ecologies was proposed for higher grain yields.

Effect of the Vermicompost and Poultry Manure on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Rain-fed Condition

Background: Use of organic manures to meet the nutrient requirement of the crop would be an inevitable practice for sustainable agriculture. Since organic manures generally improve the physical, chemical and biological properties along with conserving soil moisture and thus resulting in enhanced crop productivity along with maintaining the quality of crop production. Organic farming in recent years is gaining significance due to the realization of inherent advantages it confers in sustaining crop production and also in maintaining dynamic soil nutrient status and safe environment. Organic farming is also concerns to produce the quality food and human health, so that this research and studied the interaction effect of vermicompost and poultry manure on groundnut crop in Chitrakoot condition. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Rajola Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot in kharif 2019. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of poultry manure and vermicompost applications. The morphological and biochemical parameters were evaluated in experimental farm and departmental laboratory. Result: The combination dose of V3P3 (6 ton ha-1 vermicompost and 4 ton ha-1 poultry manure) was found to be best giving the maximum values. The effect of V3 on the number of pod per plant and number of seed per plant was maximum 15.20 and 3.22 and effect of P3 on the number of pod per plant and number of seed per plant was maximum 14.156 and 3.11 respectively. The interaction of vermicompost and poultry manure of the V3P3 combination was recorded maximum 17.13 per plant. Seed per pod interaction of vermicompost and poultry manure of the V3P3 combination also recorded maximum 3.66 per pod. Effect of vermicompost and poultry manure on 100 kernel weight was maximum in V3 (42.55 g) and P3 (41.00 g) respectively. The shelling percentage also was recorded maximum in V3 (69.77) and P3 (67.77) and interaction of both parameters was recorded non significance. Effect on yield (q/ha) was recorded maximum in V3 (1.05) and P3 (0.99) and the interaction was recorded maximum in V3P3 combination (1.27). The effect of vermicompost on oil percentage, protein percentage and oil yield (kg/ha) was recorded maximum 48.46, 21.33 and 1573.5 in V3 respectively. The effect of poultry manure recorded maximum in P3 (48.03), 20.68 and 1411.2 kg/ha oil percentage, protein percentage and oil yield respectively. The interaction of vermicompost and poultry manure was recorded maximum with the combination of V3P3 and found 49.52 oil percentage, 21.76 protein percentage and 1696.00 kg/ha oil yield. The results indicated that all these parameters were significantly increased due to vermicompost and poultry manure application. Their interaction was also significant. It was evident that a combination dose of V3P3 (6 ton ha-1 vermicompost and 4 ton ha-1 poultry manure) was found to be best giving the maximum values.

Effects of Irrigation, Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on the Growth, Yield and Soil Fertility Status With Rice-Rice Cropping

Continuous cultivation of highly exhaustive cropping sequence in most of the irrigated fertile lands has resulted in the decline of soil physico-chemical condition in general and particularly soil organic matter (SOM) content. The experiment was laid out inasplit- plot design with irrigation (I1: traditional irrigation i.e. continuous flooding, I2: saturated condition, I3: Alternate wetting and drying) in main plots and fertilizers treatments: T0 = Control, T1 =100% (Recommended dose of chemical fertilizer), T2 =50% RDCF + 5 ton cowdung ha- 1, T3=70% RDCF + 3 ton cowdung ha-1, T4 =50% RDCF + 5 ton compost ha-1, T5 =70% RDCF + 3 ton compost ha-1, T6 = 50% RDCF + 3.5 ton poultry manure ha-1, T7 =70% RDCF + 2.1 ton poultry manure ha-1to the sub - plots. The rice yields were not significantly affected by different irrigation but higher grain yields were obtained in continuous flooded irrigation. The treatment T7 gave higher Boro and T. Aman rice yields. The higher Boro rice grain yields were obtained from I1T7 (70% RDCF + 2.1 ton poultry manure ha-1 with continuous flooded irrigation) followed by I3T7 (alternate wetting and drying + 70% RDCF + 2.1 ton poultry manure ha-1). The 100% RDCF was applied to T. Aman rice resulted residual effects of fertilizer and the higher T. Aman rice yields were recorded in I2T2 (saturated condition + 50% RDCF + 3 ton cowdungha-1) followed by I2T3 (saturated condition + 50% RDCF + 3 ton cowdungha-1) treatment combinations due to more residual effects of inorganic plus manure application during Boro rice cropping. The highest organic matter level was found in post-harvest soils where inorganic fertilizer plus cowdung were used and soil pH increased by using poultry manure. The higher levels of available P and K concentrations were observed in the post experiment soils where fertilizer and manure were applied. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2021, 24(1): 71-81

Soil Health as Influenced by Fertilizer Management in Rice Based Cropping System

Nutrient management influences soil health and crop productivity. Sustained crop production re-quires specific nutrient management options after a certain period. The objectives of this investigation were to examine the effects of inorganic and organic fertilization on yields and soil carbon budget under rice based cropping patterns in Bangladesh. The research data and informationhave been gen-erated based on previouslypublished, unpublished sources and own concept.Omission of K or im-balanced K are more influential for reduction in grain yield up to 47% in Boro (dry) season but N was most limiting up to 35% in T. Aman (wet) season. With existing fertilizer rates for growing rice, the balances of N and K are always negative. Balanced chemical fertilizer (NPKSZn) can be an option for improving crop productivity and maintain soil quality. Net ecosystem carbon (C) balances are posi-tive when 3 t ha-1 cow dung (CD), 2 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM) and 2 t ha-1 vermicompost (VC) are used in combination with chemical fertilizers. Soil amendments with organic nutrient sources (rice straw, CD, PM, VC, legume crops) and rice based cropping patterns such as T. Aman-Mustard-Boro, Boro-Fallow-Fallow, Jute-T. Aman-Fallow, Wheat-Mungbean-T. Aman, Grass pea- T. Aus-T. Aman and Potato-Boro-T. Aman can be beneficial in improving soil C budget, soil nutrient ratio, total crop production and maintenance of environmental health that will meet SDGs goal. Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (2): 119-131, 2021

Effect of organic inputs and mulching on growth and yield of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffavar. sabdariffa)

A field experiment was carried out on a farmer’s field at Kannitamilnadu village in Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu during 2018 to find out the suitable organic inputs and pattern of mulching for better growth and yield of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffavar. sabdariffa). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with five levels of organic manures and four levels of mulching with three replication.. Best of the interaction effect was due to the combined application of 25 t FYM + 3 t poultry manure ha-1+ plastic mulch (M3S2) which recorded the highest values for all growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (228.3 cm), number of branches (14.5), leaf area (308.9 cm2), number of calcyes/plant (33.5), calyx yield/plant (233.9 g) and calyx yield/ha (6568.75 kg). The lowest values of these parameters were recorded under control (no organics and no mulching) treatment

Effect of phosphorus enriched organic manures on p-uptake and p-availability to onion crop in Vertisol

The experiment was conducted in Kalaburagi district, which belongs to North Eastern Dry Zone (Zone-2) of Karnataka state. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three main plot treatments viz., control (0 Kg P2O5 ha-1), 50 per cent of recommended dose of P (30 Kg P2O5 ha-1) and 100 per cent of recommended dose of P (75 Kg P2O5 ha-1) and seven sub-plot treatments viz., no organic manure, farmyard manure @ 12 t per ha-1, vermicompost @ 6 t per ha-1, poultry manure @ 6 t per ha-1, P enriched farmyard manure @ 6 t per ha-1, P enriched vermicompost @ 3 t per ha-1 and P-enriched poultry manure @ 3 t per ha-1. Application of P-enriched organic manures at different levels of P-fertilizers had significantly increased the P-uptake of onion crop. Among different P-enriched organic manures, poultry manure gave highest uptake and available status of phosphorus.

Effect of Organic Manures Application on Soil Physicochemical Properties of Coarse-textured Ultisol and Okra Productivity in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria

Background: The greenhouse and field studies were carried out to assess the effect of different rates of poultry manure (PM), pig slurry (PS) and the recommended NPK fertilizer on some soil physico-chemical properties and okra yield of coarse-textured Ultisols in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria. Methods: The PM and PS were applied at three different rates (10, 20 and 40 t ha-1) as well as no amendment as control and the recommended NPK fertilizer (300 kg/ha) and replicated five times. Soil and agronomic data collected were analyzed for variance (ANOVA) using Genstat 4.0.Result: The PM and PS significantly (p less than 0.05) improved soil pH, soil organic matter, available phosphorous, total nitrogen, aggregate stability, mean weight diameter, bulk density, porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity in greenhouse and field studies. Significant improvement in CEC was obtained in the field study. The PM and PS significantly (p less than 0.05) improved agronomic parameters e.g. plant height, number of leaves, biomass weight and yield of okra than the control. Poultry manure showed its superiority over other amendments in improving soil and agronomic properties. The study recommended 20 t ha-1 of PM and 40 t ha-1 of PS for sustainable soil and optimum productivity of okra in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria.

Integrated Nutrient Management on Panikachu in Joypurhat

An experiment was conducted at the Multi location Testing (MLT) site, (medium highland under AEZ-25) Pachbibi, Joypurhat, Bogura district during rabi season of 2015-16. In the study, to evaluate the response of panikachu to different nutrient management practices under farmer’s field condition. There were five treatments viz. T1=Soil test based fertilizer dose (FRG 2012), T2=T1+ 25% NPK, T3=IPNS with 3 tha-1 poultry manure, T4= IPNS with 5 tha-1 cowdung, and T5= Farmers practice. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six dispersed replications.T3= IPNS with 3 t ha-1 poultry manure, T4 = IPNS with 5 t ha-1 cowdung, and T5= Farmers practice. The highest Panikachu rhizome yield (21.71 t ha-1), gross return (TK. 430185ha-1) and BCR (3.61) were found from T3 (IPNS with 3 t ha-1 poultry manure) which was followed by T5 (19.66 tha-1) T4 (19.45 tha-1), and statistically differed to other treatments. However, from results, it could be recommended that IPNS will be a promising technology for higher crop yields of Panikachu and profit as well as for the improvement of soil fertility and sustain soil productivity in Joypurhat region.
 Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 12(1&2): 29-32, 2019

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

An experiment was carried out during the Rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 on the farmer’s field of Village Bisrekhi, Block Ghorawal of Sonbhadra UP, India to evaluate the effect of different combination of integrated nutrient management in Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)]. There were 8 treatments namely; T1–control, T2-100% R.D.F., T3-75% R.D.F. + 5t FYM ha-1, T4-75% R.D.F. + 5t poultry manure ha -1, T5 - 75% R.D.F. + 250 kg gypsum ha-1, T6 -75% R.D.F. + 10t FYM-1, T7 -75% R.D.F. + 10t FYM ha-1+ 5t Poultry manure ha-1 and T8 was 50% R.D.F+10t FYM ha-1+5t Poultry manure ha-1+250 kg gypsum ha-1 which were tested in randomized block design with four replications. The seed yield of mustard was significantly increased due to increase the supply of plant nutrients through organic and inorganic sources of plant nutrients. The highest seed yield of mustard was (18.65 q ha-1 ) recorded when applied of 50% R.D.F. + 10t FYM ha-1+ 5 t poultry manure ha-1 +250 Kg gypsum ha-1 (T8) followed by (18.15 q ha-1) with application of 75% R.D.F. + 10t FYM ha-1+ 5t poultry manure ha-1 (T7), however, minimum seed yield mustard crop (15.35 q ha-1) was noted under control plot (T1). The significantly highest oil yield of mustard crop was (6.79 q ha-1) recorded under the application of 50% R.D.F. +10t FYM ha-1+5t poultry manure ha-1 +250 Kg gypsum ha-1 (T8) followed by (6.37 q ha-1) with application of 75% R.D.F. + 10t FYM ha-1+ 5t poultry manure ha-1 (T7), however, lowest oil yield of mustard crop was (4.76 q ha-1) noted under control plot (T1).

Uticaj razlicitih doza iivinskog stajnjaka i navodnjavanja na rast i prinos bamije (Abelmoschus esculenfus L.)

The use of organic addition has been found to be an environmentally beneficial method for enhancing quality of crops with good soil quality. Similarly, selection of suitable irrigation period is an important factor for optimum crop production. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chicken manure and irrigation interval on the development and production of okra in a greenhouse. The poultry manure was applied to 5 kg soil at three different rates, namely: 20 t ha-1 (T1), 40 t ha-1 (T2), and 60 t ha-1 (T3), and the fourth group without poultry manure treatment were set up as the control. Four levels of irrigation intervals (3, 6, 9 and 12 days) were selected for the study. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area (cm2), and stem diameter were all assessed as growth metrics. Leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, and total plant dry weight were the yield characteristics that were measured. The findings indicated that increasing poultry manure rates enhanced the examined growth and yield parameters, but increasing irrigation intervals decreased the studied growth and yield characteristics of Abelmoschus esculentus. The interplay between chicken manure and irrigation intervals, on the other hand, had no significant effect on leaf area and stem diameter. Finally, the application of 60 t ha-1 poultry manure and a three-day watering interval boosted the development of Abelmoschus esculentus. Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, irrigation, okra, poultry manure, yield

Effects of Biochar, Poultry Manure and Their Combined Application on Leaf Nutrient Concentrations, Root Storage Minerals, Growth and Yield of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.)

Research information on the effects of biochar and poultry manure on the growth, yield and concentrations of nutrients in edible portions of sweet potato is rare, as essential nutrient concentrations in crops can affect human health. Hence, field experiments were carried out for two growing seasons (2019 and 2020) at two degraded sites using a randomized complete block design in a factorial layout with three replications to evaluate the effects of biochar (B), poultry manure (PM) and their combined application on leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, growth and yield of sweet potato. Each year, the experiment consisted of 4 × 3 factorial combinations of biochar (0, 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 t ha-1) and poultry manure (0, 5.0 and 10.0 t ha-1). The results showed that the sole application of B and PM and their combined application, improved sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, growth and yield of sweet potato. In both years, there were significant interactions of B and PM (B × PM) on leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, growth and yield of sweet potato that were determined, indicating the potential of B in enhancing PM use efficiency and improving better use of the nutrients in the PM. It was found that the highest application rate of 30.0 t ha-1 B and 10.0 t ha-1 PM (B30 +PM 10) gave the highest leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, growth and yield of sweet potato at both sites. Averaged over two years, the highest application rate of B at 30.0 t ha -1 and PM at 10.0 t ha-1 (B30 +PM 10) significantly increased tuber yield of sweet potato by 108, 147, 196, 89, 124 and 220%, compared with B alone at 30.0 t ha-1 (B30 +PM 10), B alone at 20.0 t ha-1 (B 20 +PM 0 ), B alone at 10.0 t ha-1 (B10 +PM0), PM alone at 10.0 t ha-1 (B30 +PM10), PM alone at 5.0 t ha-1 (B0 +PM5) and no application of B or PM (control) (B 0 +PM 0 ), respectively. Lowest leaf nutrient concentrations, root storage minerals, growth and yield was obtained for the control. The study indicated that B in combination with PM have the potential to improve sweet potato growth and yield, leaf nutrient concentrations and root storage minerals of sweet for human health in severely degraded soils. The results of this work should be verified for different soil types, crops and agroecological zones. Future research should focus on long-term field studies to fully understand the behaviour of biochar under natural circumstances. The use of variable rates of biochar, poultry manure and their combine application on should also be considered.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of boro rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

For sustainable boro rice production in Bangladesh, a balanced fertilization to improve the current soil condition caused by mono-application of inorganic fertilizers and appropriate rice variety selection are very crucial. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the boro season of December 2016 to May 2017 to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on two boro rice cultivars. The varieties were BRRI dhan28 and BRRI dhan29 and eight kinds of nutrient management viz., control (no fertilizers), recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (120-60-40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 + gypsum 60 kg ha-1 and ZnSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1), full dose of poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1, cowdung @ 10 t ha-1, poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1 + 50% prilled urea and full dose of other inorganic fertilizers, cowdung @ 5 t ha-1 + 50% prilled urea and full dose of inorganic fertilizers, poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1 + 75% prilled urea and full dose of inorganic fertilizers, and cowdung @ 5 t ha-1 + 75% prilled urea and full dose of other inorganic fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Result showed that, yield and yield components of boro rice were significantly influenced by variety, nutrient management and interaction of variety and nutrient management. In respect of grain yield, BRRI dhan29 produced the maximum yield (5.46 t ha-1). BRRI dhan28 showed poor performance with all characters and gave the minimum yield (4.07 t ha-1). In case of nutrient managements, the highest yield and yield component were obtained from poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1 + 50% prilled urea and full dose of inorganic fertilizers and produced the maximum grain yield (5.70 t ha-1). In the interaction of variety and integrated nutrient management, the highest grain yield (6.83 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.61 t ha-1) was obtained from poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1 + 50% prilled urea and full dose of inorganic fertilizers with BRRI dhan29 variety. So, BRRI dhan29 with 2.5 t ha-1 poultry manure + 50% prilled urea and full dose of the recommended inorganic fertilizers might be a promising practice for boro rice cultivation.

EVALUATION OF PARED SUCKERS IN NEEM DIPS AND FERTILIZER SOURCES ON SUSTAINABILITY OF INFLORESCENCE DICHOTOMOUS PLANTAIN CULTIVARS IN TROPICAL ULTISOL OF SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Inflorescence dichotomous cultivars of false horn plantain (Musa spp.) is facing potential genetic erosion and extinction of its gene pool as a result of desertion, poor management practices, pests and diseases. Field trials were conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 planting seasons to determine the effect of paring plantain suckers dipped in neem extracts and fertilizer sources on growth and yield related components of dichotomous plantain. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design RCBD and replicated four times. The treatments consisted: pared sucker + 10% neem extract +10 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM); pared sucker + 10% neem extract + 20 t ha-1 PM; pared sucker + 10% neem extract + 400 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer; pared sucker + 0 t ha-1 PM and unpared sucker + 0 t ha-1 (which served as controls). Data collected on growth and yield related components were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% level of significance. Results indicated that pared suckers treated with neem extract and fertilizer sources had positive effect on growth and yield of inflorescence dichotomous plantain. However, unpared suckers + 0 t ha-1 were significantly (p>0.05) poor in growth and yield. The growth and yield parameters in the mother and first ratoon plants of pared suckers + 10% neem extract + 20 t ha-1 PM were significantly (p<0.05) superior than other treatment applications, notably, with taller pseudostem height which ranged from 306.50 to 309.50 cm, larger pseudostem girth ranged between 60.70 and 65.60 cm, number of suckers produced at harvest ranged from 9.50 to 10.00, fruit length ranged from 24.17 to 24.42 cm while the fruit diameter were between 17.83 and 18.17 cm respectively. In addition, the fruits in treated suckers increased significantly with yield ranging from 22.72 to 23.28 t ha-1 respectively. Consistently, pared plantain suckers dipped in 10% neem extract cum 20 t ha-1 PM in the field could effectively improve yield and encourage sustainability of inflorescence dichotomous plantain performance.

Productivity, nutrient concentration, uptake and quality of Amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus L.) as influenced by cutting heights and fertilizer type

Amaranthus cruentus L. is a leafy vegetable that is cultivated mainly for its leaves and grains. Due to high demand for this crop in Nigeria, the need to boost its productivity becomes necessary. Field and laboratory studies were conducted during in two successive cropping seasons at the experimental farm and laboratory unit of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City. Three cutting heights C1: (10 cm), C2: (15 cm), C3: (20 cm) and a control C0: (no cutting) and four rates of fertilizer application F0: (Control), F1: (10 t ha-1 poultry manure), F2: (150 kg ha-1 NPK15:15:15) and F3 (75 t ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 5 t ha-1 poultry manure) constituted the treatments. The treatments were in three replicate laid out in a (4 × 4) factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design. Data collected were plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (cm) and number of branches. Fresh and dry herbage yield were taken at harvest. Growth, yield, and quality of Amarathus cruentus were significantly influenced by cutting heights and fertilizer application. In both years, number of branches (3.50 and 6.01) were lowest at C0 compared with other treatments. Herbage fresh and dry yield (49.10 t ha-1 and 18.20 t ha-1) were highest at C3 and was consistent in both years. Similarly, the concentration of K, Ca, and Mg in plant tissue and the uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na) increase at C3 compared with other treatments. F3 significantly (p<0.05) produced highest dry herbage yield (13.08 t ha-1and 25.15 t ha-1) in both years. Crude protein, fibre and fat content of the shoots were highest at cutting height of C3 and at F3 fertilizer rate. Therefore, for good yield and better quality of Amaranthus cruentus L, a combination of (75 t ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 5 t ha-1 poultry manure) at cutting height of C3: (20 cm above soil level) is recommended for Amaranthus cruentus L production in the study area.

Application of Response Surface Methodology in Optimization of the Yields of Common Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Using Animal Manures

The objective of design and analysis of experiments is to optimize a response variable which is influenced by several independent variables. In agriculture, many statistical studies have focused on investigating the effect of application of organic manure on the yield and yield components of crops. However, many of these studies do not try to optimize the application of the manures for maximum productivity, but select the best treatment among the treatment range used. This is mainly due to design and analysis of experiments applied. Therefore, there is a need to apply a statistical method that would establish the effect of the application of organic manures on crop production and in addition optimize the levels of application of these manures for maximum productivity. This study aimed at application of response surface methodology for optimization of the yields of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using animal manure. The study was conducted at Chuka University Horticultural Demonstration Farm. The experiment was laid down in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The treatments consisted of three organic manure sources (cattle manure, poultry manure and goat manure) each at three levels (0, 3 and 6 tonnes per ha). Data was collected from six weeks after sowing to physiological maturity. Data was collected on the weight of the grain yield harvested in each experimental plot measured by use of a weighing scale. The data collected was analysis using the R-statistical software. The study findings indicated that animal manures had a significant effect (p -1, 12.7213 t ha-1 and 4.1417 t ha-1 cattle manure, poultry manure and goat manure, respectively. These were the optimum levels that would lead to maximum yield of common beans without an extra cost of input.

Integrated Approach of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Management on Nutrient Composition and Uptake of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Udic Rhodustalf Soil

Background: Pulses are important food crops that can play a major role in achieving food security, nutrition, and human health, contributing to the sustainability of agriculture and aiding the mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The nutrient uptake is directly or indirectly affected by many factors like total concentration as well as available quantity of different nutrients, root development, aeration, water potential, climatic conditions and other related soil parameters.
 Aims: A field experiment was carried out to find out the effects of different manures along with inorganic fertilizers on nutritional status of two mungbean varieties.
 Study Design: Experimental treatments consisted of eight combinations of each manure and inorganic fertilizers with Soil Test Base (STB).
 Results: The results showed that integrated effects were found significant on Ca, Zn and Mn contents in seed and P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn contents in stover. The highest N (4.34%), Mg (0.48%), P (0.56%) contents in seed and N (1.52%), Mg (0.78%) and B (30.67 µg g-1) contents in stover was obtained by the application of 3 t ha-1 poultry manure + 70% STB. The highest seed protein content was found from the same treatment. On the other hand, the highest Zn, Mn, Cu and S contents in seeds, and Zn, Fe and K contents in stover were obtained from 3 t ha-1 vermicompost + 70% STB. The treatment of 3 t ha-1 poultry manure + 70% STB produced the highest uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu in seeds and the highest uptake of Mg, Fe and B was found with stover. The nutrient contents of seeds were positively and significantly correlated with each other. In Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the first two principal components accounted for approximately 81.80% of the total variability. BARI Mung-6 appeared as the best variety and poultry manure @ 3 t ha-1 along with 70% inorganic fertilizers treatment for the better nutritional quality of Mungbean.
 Conclusion: It was observed that different treatments performed differently in respect of nutrients contents and uptake of seed and stover, and protein contents. From the above experimental findings, it is concluded that BARI Mung-6 appeared as the best variety and poultry manure @ 3 t ha-1 along with 70% IF should be applied for getting better nutritional mungbean seed with higher protein contents under the agroclimatic condition of BARI.