Yield Of Amaranth Research Articles

Amaranth yield depending on the sowing rate

The main value of amaranth lies in its ability to accumulate a large amount of protein in its seeds and leaves. With a seed protein content of 15-18%, amaranth surpasses wheat (12-14%), rice (7-10%), maize (9-10%), and other grain crops. The purpose of this study was to establish the optimal seed sowing rates for amaranth under the conditions of the Western Ukrainian Forest-Steppe zone. The study employed general scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis, experimentation, description, observation, and comparison, as well as field methods like phenological observations and record-keeping, along with statistical and correlation-regression analyses for data processing. The sowing rates of the variety Kharkivskyi 1 were investigated under conditions of sufficient moisture on dark-grey forest soil. It was found that the field germination varied with different sowing rates. At a sowing rate of 0.2 million seeds/ha, the field uniformity was 70%, but it decreased to 60% at a sowing rate of 1.2 million seeds/ha, representing a 10% decrease. Higher sowing rates resulted in greater plant density. In the seedling stage, there were 14 plants per 0.2 million seeds/ha sowing rate, while at 1.2 million seeds/ha, the number of plants increased to 72/m². Plant survival during the vegetation period sharply decreased with increased planting density, from 86% at a sowing rate of 0.2 million seeds/ha to 45% at a sowing rate of 1.2 million seeds/ha. Therefore, before harvesting, the plant density was adjusted to 12-32 plants/m². The best combination of the main elements of the structure was found to be 21 plants/m² and 26 plants/m², with a grain weight per plant of 20.4g and 16.1g, respectively. The highest grain yield of amaranth variety Kharkivskyi 1 was obtained at sowing rates of 0.4 million seeds/ha and 0.6 million seeds/ha, resulting in 4.28 t/ha and 4.20 t/ha, respectively. Any increase or decrease in sowing rates led to a decrease in the yield level. The results of this study can be used for further establishment and improvement of the main elements of amaranth cultivation technology by both scientific institutions and agricultural farms

Oxygenation promotes vegetable growth by enhancing P nutrient availability and facilitating a stable soil bacterial community in compacted soil

Soil compaction is a widespread phenomenon in intensive agriculture and can severely hamper root growth and crop yield. Hydrogen peroxide urea (UHP) has been employed as an effective measure for oxygenation in dryland systems. However, whether oxygenation via UHP could alleviate negative effects on vegetable growth induced by soil compaction is unknown. A pot experiment involving different soil bulk densities (1.2, 1.5, and 1.7 g cm−3) with oxygenation at different stages of development (seedling stage, mid-growth stage) was conducted in amaranth (A. mangostanus), with non-oxygenation at different soil bulk densities as a control. Increased soil compaction affected vegetative growth of both the shoot and root system of amaranth and caused yield reduction. Oxygenation in topdressing significantly improved soil O2 supply until the harvest period, imparted 17.9–20.4 % additional O2 to soils. Increased O2 supply alleviated soil compaction stress, and amaranth yield increased by 5.50–16.1 % at the same soil bulk density compared with control, respectively. Oxygenation during the mid-growth stage had a superior effect on vegetable growth compared to oxygenation at the seedling stage, coincident with the higher oxygen demand during mid-growth in amaranth. Oxygenation promoted root growth in compacted soil, and increased root length by 76.3 % at a soil bulk density of 1.5 g cm−3 and 74.7 % at a bulk density of 1.7 g cm−3 compared with control. The alleviatory effect on the root system can be linked to increased root catalase activity and decreased malondialdehyde content. Oxygenation furthermore increased phosphorus (P) bioavailability by increasing both phosphatase activity and the relative abundance of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Firmicutes and Proteobacteria), with an increase in DGT-P by 10.5–23.6 % compared to control. The soil bacterial co-occurrence network at a soil bulk density of 1.5 g cm−3 with oxygenation was more similar to 1.2 g cm−3 soil compaction with oxygenation, which possessed most complex and the proportion of connectors, but was dissimilar from 1.7 g cm−3 soil compaction with oxygenation, which was less stable microbial network structure. Improvement of O2 content could build a healthy and stable rhizosphere bacterial community, and increased the proportion of important nodes in the network, which was conducive to the collaborative development of microorganisms to face compaction stress. And bacterial community structure with oxygenation in compacted soil could recovery to near normal microbiology community structure. The research provides a theoretical and technical framework for the development of strategies that can maximize crop yield in compacted soil.

ASSESING THE RESIDUAL PERFORMANCE OF CURED AND UNCURED POULTRY DROPPING ON AMARANTH (AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS L.) PRODUCTION AND SOIL QUALITY

Addition of poultry Manure (PM) to a piece of land at a given rate has been speculated to enhance Amaranth yield, increase land-use and improve soil quality. To address this speculation, the residual effects of Cured Poultry Dropping (CPD) and uncured Poultry Dropping (UPD) at different rate of application (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha) were evaluated on Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) production during two growing seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan. The effects of CPD and UPD on the yield of Amaranth and some post cropping soil properties were assessed. 150 kg N ha-1 UCP had higher fresh and dry biomass yield (12.14 t/ha and 1.94 t/ha) in dry season, while 100 kg N ha-1 CPD gave better yield (19.6 t/ha and 3.98 t/ha) at wet season. The post soil chemical properties showed that 150 kg N ha-1 CPD by standard deviation increased the organic carbon (43.1 g/kg), nitrogen (9.4 g/kg), phosphorus (55 mg/kg), and Calcium (9.5 Cmol/kg) content at dry season. While100 kg N ha-1 CPD increased the nitrogen (9.6 g/kg), organic carbon (36.1 g/kg), phosphorus (56 mg/kg) content at wet season. Although, there was significant difference amongst the rates of application in terms of yield at dry season, CPD still left the soil in better condition for subsequent cropping.

Effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.)

Effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.)

Comparing the yield and nutritional value of ensiled amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) cultivars with corn silage (Zea mays) in doublecropping condition.

Yield, chemical composition, and fermentation variables were compared for amaranth silages (AMS) from five cultivars (A5, A12, A14, A28, and Maria) and corn (Zea mays; CS). In vitro methane production, organic matter disappearance, microbial protein, ammonia-N concentration, volatile fatty acid levels, cellulolytic bacteria and protozoa populations, and in situ dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability were evaluated. All crops were harvested when the plant was at the mid-milk line stage, then chopped, placed in sealed 5 L plastic bags and stored for 60 days. Data analysis was carried out using the PROC MIXED method of SAS with a randomized complete block design. The mean DM forage yield of CS was higher than the average DM yield of the amaranth cultivars (P < 0.001). In comparison with CS, the AMS had higher CP, lignin, ether extract, ash, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, total phenolics and metabolizable protein (P < 0.001), but had lower DM, neutral detergent fiber, non-fiber carbohydrates, organic matter disappearance, lactic acid (P < 0.01) and in vitro methane production (P = 0.001). The AMS had higher (P < 0.01) pH, ammonia-N concentration, in vitro microbial protein, in situ digestible undegradable protein, and metabolizable protein compared to CS. Overall, in comparison to CS, the amaranths produced a silage of medium-quality.

The nutritional value and yields of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) cultivar silages compared to silage from corn (Zea mays) harvested at the milk stage grown in a hot-humid climate

Amaranth forage requires less water than corn forage. Moreover, the yield and nutritional value of plants grown in different geographical areas may vary. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare silages from amaranth cultivars (Maria, A28, A14, A12, and A5), grown in hot-humid conditions, with corn forage (Zea mays) (CS) in terms of yield, chemistry, silage characteristics, in vitro fermentation, and in situ degradability. The crops were harvested at the mid-milk stage, chopped, and ensiled in five-liter containers for a 45-days period. The yield, chemical composition, and silage characteristics of the plants were determined. In vitro gas production, organic matter disappearance (OMD), methane production, microbial crude protein (MCP), ammonia-N, volatile fatty acids (VFA), cellulolytic bacteria and protozoa populations, and in situ dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability were measured using fistulated sheep. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS in a randomized complete block design. Average DM yield of amaranth forages from different varieties was lower (P < 0.01) than corn forage. Among amaranth forages, the highest (P < 0.01) DM yield was observed for A12. Compared to CS, amaranth silages (AMS) had lower (P < 0.01) mean values of DM, OM, and metabolisable protein (MP) yields. The AMS contained higher (P < 0.01) concentrations of CP, ash, calcium, phosphorus, nitrate, and total phenolics, but lower (P < 0.01) neutral detergent fiber, lignin, non-fiber carbohydrates, and lactic acid. Compared to CS, the in vitro incubation of AMS resulted in lower (P < 0.01) OMD, methane production, total VFA, cellulolytic bacteria, and protozoa population, but higher (P < 0.01) MCP. The in situ protein effective degradability, digestible undegradable protein, and MP of AMS were higher (P < 0.01) than CS. Overall, amaranth cultivars made a medium-quality silage when grown in hot-humid conditions, though, silage of A12 cultivar could be used instead of CS.

Seed Characterization of Grain Amaranthus Using Morphological and Physiological Traits

Amaranth is one of the most cultivated native leafy vegetable in Africa high leaves production within a short period. A factorial experiment was laid out using randomized complete block (RCBD) with the aim of comparing the seed characteristics of some selected amaranths based on morphological and physiological traits. Four varieties of grain Amaranth consisting of Num-Amaranth, White Amaranth, Red Amaranth, and Celosia as well as harvest before and after flowering in three replicates at the Teaching and Research Farm of Osun State University, Ejigbo Campus. Measurements were taken on growth components (leaf area index, leaf width, the number of branches per plant, numbers of leaves per plant, plant height (cm), and stem girth (cm). All data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means separated by the least significant difference at five percent probability level (LSD0.05). The result showed high viability among the amaranth varieties for leaf area index, leaf width (m2), the number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm) and stem girth (cm). Highest values for characters for leafy vegetable were recorded for Num-Amaranth while lowest was found in Celosia. The number of branches per plant had high significant positive correlation with plant height. Principal component analysis (PCAs) accounted for 81% of the total variation were used for clustering the genotypes. Therefore, to ascertain within the same cluster while inter-crossing could be done between different clusters to achieve maximum yield. In this study, the maximum exploitation of grain amaranth potentials, Num-Amaranth and Red Amaranth can be included in future breeding programme for high yield of amaranth.

Supplementation of Manure Compost with Trichoderma asperellum Improves the Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Edible Amaranth under Field Conditions

Manure composts can improve soil health and crop production, but their application with Trichoderma species has not been well evaluated in amaranth cultivation. This study aimed to determine the effects of manure compost (MC) and MC supplemented with Trichoderma asperellum CHF 78 (MC+CHF 78) on the yield and nutrient uptake of amaranth, as well as on soil properties, under field conditions. Four fertilization treatments, including a control without fertilization, chemical fertilization (CF), MC, and MC+CHF 78, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications in the experimental field. MC and MC+CHF 78 significantly increased the yield of amaranth by 96.2–102% in comparison with CF. In addition, MC and MC+CHF 78 significantly increased the soil pH, soil organic matter, soil available P and exchangeable K, and soil microbial activity compared with those in the control and CF treatments. However, only amaranth plants applied with MC+CHF 78 showed a significantly greater P uptake than those with the control and CF treatments, which may be attributed to the phosphate-solubilizing ability of T. asperellum CHF 78. In conclusion, manure compost fortified with T. asperellum CHF 78 can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers for amaranth cultivation.

Yield of Amaranth (Amaranthus) Depending on the Cultivar in the Conditions of Ukrainian Western Forest-Steppe

Amaranth is called the culture of the future due to its unique food, feeding and medicinal properties. The acreage of Amaranth in Ukraine is very small, which can be explained by the lack of adaptive cultivation technologies, especially for growing this crop for grain. The purpose of the research was to establish the most productive cultivars for growing in the conditions of excessive and sufficient moisture in the western forest-steppe on dark grey soil. For this purpose, field research was conducted in the experimental field of Lviv National Agrarian University. The total area of the site was 30 m2, recording – 20 m2. The studies were conducted in three repetitions. The authors studied seven of the most common cultivars of Amaranth in Ukraine: Kharkivskyi 1, Lera, Sam, Studentskyi, Polishchuk, Aztec, Ultra. It was established that the yield of amaranth considerably depended on the hydrothermal conditions of the year. It was lower in years with excessive rainfall in the first half of vegetation (2019 and 2020). The highest grain yield (2.46-4.35 t/ha) was formed in 2021 when the amount of precipitation in May, June and July was within the normal range. A strong inverse correlation was established (r=-0.82–r=-0.95) between the yield of amaranth cultivars and the amount of precipitation. The highest grain yield (4.03 t/ha) among the studied amaranth cultivars was obtained in Kharkivskyi 1. The lowest yield was formed in the Ultra cultivar (1.97 t/ha), which is less than in the Kharkivskyi 1 cultivar by 2.06 t/ha. The study of elements of the yield structure showed that the height of the plant had a positive effect (r=0.63) on the level of amaranth grain yield, while average relationship was observed between panicle length and yield (r=-0.36). The weight of 1000 seeds in the cultivars ranged from 0.74-0.88 g. The low mass of seeds per plant had the greatest impact on yield (r=0.99). The highest yield of amaranth of the Kharkivskyi 1 cultivar was formed with the following ratio of the main elements of the crop structure: the number of plants – 21 p/m2 and the mass of seeds from the plant – 19.2 g. To obtain a high stable yield of amaranth grain, additional research is required to clarify the main elements of cultivation technology for these soil and climatic conditions

Prospects of using amaranth Amaranthus caudatus L. as an oil culture in southern Ukraine

Prospects of using amaranth Amaranthus caudatus L. as an oil culture in southern Ukraine

Evaluating the Potential of Protected Cultivation for Off-Season Leafy Vegetable Production: Prospects for Crop Productivity and Nutritional Improvement

The effects of different protective structures on horticultural and nutritional yield of amaranth and water spinach were studied in three seasons of 2020–2021 in Taiwan. The number of people that can receive recommended dietary intake of iron and β-Carotene from vegetables grown under different production conditions was also estimated. The yield of white and red amaranths was consistently better (7.68–19.70 t/ha) under pink poly-net house in all the seasons, but the yield of water spinach was consistently better under white poly-net house (16.25–20.88 t/ha). Spider mite (fall &amp;amp; spring) and aphid (winter) infestation was mostly observed on all crops under poly-net houses. Neoxanthin, lutein and β-carotene were almost two-fold higher in red amaranth harvested from poly-net houses than open field. Based on the RDI values, β-Carotene supply to both men and women (14+) was consistently higher in all crops produced under pink ploy-net houses in all seasons, except for white amaranth produced under white poly-net house during winter. Its supply to 64,788 more men and 83,298 more women was estimated for red amaranth harvested from pink poly-net house than other production conditions. α-carotene was 2–3 fold higher in amaranths and water spinach harvested from poly-net houses than open field. The iron content of the amaranths was lower in poly-net houses (234.50–574.04 g/ha) than open field (645.42–881.67 g/ha) in the fall, but its supply from pink poly-net house was comparable with open field in the winter. However, pink poly-net house was the highest iron supplier from water spinach (323.90 g/ha) in the winter, which was estimated to provide iron to 19,450–22,939 more men and women than other production conditions. Both poly-net houses were the sole supplier of iron through amaranths in the spring, with pink poly-net house supplying iron to 2,000–5,000 more men and women. Thus, protected cultivation not only leads to more marketable yields but also results in higher quantities of health promoting nutrients. Hence, pink poly-net house may be considered to produce more nutritious vegetables, especially during the off-season to bridge the gaps in the seasonal variations in vegetable consumption, besides providing better income opportunities to the smallholder farmers.

Yield and quality of Amaranthus hypochondriacus grain amaranth under drought and salinity at various phenological stages in southern Italy

Several studies have shown that grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is tolerant to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. Irrigation applied only during sensitive growth stages can stabilize yield and improve water use efficiency. Given the increasing frequency of salinity and drought stress in European countries and the scarcity of information on grain amaranth responses to combined salt and drought stress, an open field trial was carried out in Italy in order to evaluate the response of one accession of Amaranthus hypochondriacus to various irrigation strategies. Grain amaranth yield components were not negatively affected either by different irrigation volumes or by irrigation time. Some differences in seed yield were caused by water quality; salinity significantly reduced seed yield. The combined effect of irrigation time and irrigation volume significantly influenced seed yield. The quality of amaranth seeds was preserved; no significant differences due to simple or combined stresses were found during the three-year field experiment. The overall results from this study suggest that A. hypochondriacus can be cultivated in a more sustainable way compared to other protein crops, thus reducing water use and using saline water. It could be introduced to marginal European environments where traditional crops cannot be cultivated. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of fertilization and microbiological preparations in ecological technologies of agricultural enterprises

One of the methods of agricultural enterprises ecologization is the use of fertilization and microbiological preparations. The paper presents the results of the field studies into the effectiveness of seeds preparation for sowing soybeans, amaranth and buckwheat by treatment with Baikal EM-1 and potassium humate. It was found to improve the biological properties of the soil and reduce the incidence of weediness of crops when using the Baikal EM-1, as well as increasing the growth and development of plants. As a result, the use of Baikal EM-1 led to an increase in green mass yield of soybeans by 8.5% and yield of its seeds by 7.9%. For amaranth, the values are 24.6 and 24.2%, respectively, and for buckwheat they are 4.9 and 32.5%. The effectiveness of potassium humate was lower: the green mass yield of amaranth increased by 5.9%, seeds – by 5.5%; the values for buckwheat were 3.9 and 30.7%, respectively. The results indicate the prospects for use of preparations in ecological crops technologies in agricultural enterprises.

Ozone dose-response relationships for tropical crops reveal potential threat to legume and wheat production, but not to millets

The tropical-grown crops common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), mung bean (Vigna radiate), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), amaranth (Amaranthus hypochonriacus), sorghum (Sorghum bicolour) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were exposed to different concentrations of the air pollutant ozone in experimental Solardome facilities. The plants were exposed to ozone treatments for between one and four months, depending on the species. There was a large decrease in yield of protein-rich beans and cowpeas with increasing ozone exposure, partly attributable to a reduction in individual bean/pea weight. Size of individual grains was also reduced with increasing ozone for African varieties of wheat. In contrast, the yield of amaranth, pearl millet and finger millet (all C4 species) was not sensitive to increasing ozone concentrations and there was some evidence of an increase in weight of individual seedheads with increasing ozone for finger millet. Sorghum did not reach yield, but was not sensitive to ozone based on changes in biomass. Dose-response relationships for these crop species demonstrate that tropospheric ozone pollution could reduce yield of important crops, particularly legumes, in tropical regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.

Optimizing sowing time for boosting productivity and nutritional quality of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) genotypes under Mediterranean climate

Currently, there is increasing interest in the cultivation of alternative grain crops, such as amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) in Italy. However, few information exist for the most optimal sowing date (SD) of amaranth especially under rainfed conditions. A field-trial was conducted in Tuscany during 2018 to evaluate SD effects on amaranth genotypes (‘Kharkov’ and two new breeding lines coded ‘A-61’ and ‘A67’). The three SD were March 27 (first), April 20 (second), June 4 (third). Only the first and second SD coincided with increasing photoperiod. Cumulative Growing Degree Days (GDD) for ripening were 2282, 1990 and 1480 for the first, second and third SD, respectively. Compared to the first two SD, ground-cover was 20 % less from panicle formation in the third SD, therefore potentially less competitive towards weeds. A-67 was more “palatable” to the incidence of sugar beet flea beetle (Chaenoctema tibialis Illinger) from the earliest stages of growth. In contrast, ‘Kharkov’, was significantly less attacked by the insect over all three SD.‘Kharkov’, demonstrated greater flexibility with stable yields of 1.3 t ha-1 for the first and second SD. In contrast, significant yield reductions (1.5 to 1.2 t ha-1, from the first to second SD, respectively) were evident for both lines of amaranth in response to SD delay. Adverse effects of the third SD, included significant decline in yield, protein content and 1000 seed mass. In conclusion, amaranth, March-April SD may be recommended for obtaining optimal grain yield of amaranth along with making it successful as a viable alternative grain crop under under agro-ecological conditions of Central Italy.

Resistance of Amaranthus Spp. to the Green Peach Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer)] is an important pest of amaranth grown for leaf consumption (i.e., leafy amaranth) in the tropics. Aphids reduce the amount of fresh leaf yield of amaranth and the value of leafy amaranth as aphid-infested leaves are not marketable. Our objective was to evaluate Amaranthus species selected by a breeding program in East Africa to develop cultivars for leaf consumption with resistance to M. persicae. We focused on antibiosis to determine whether varieties of Amaranthus spp. could be grown without producing an aphid population. Artificial infestations of aphids were placed on multiple selections of three species of Amaranthus: two selections of A. blitum, four selections of A. hybridus and one selection of A. hypochondriacus. Aphid populations were assessed over a 5-wk period. Evaluations of vegetative yield, leaf damage symptoms, and specific leaf area (SLA) were made of the seven selections at the end of this experiment. Aphid populations assessed 49 d after planting differed significantly (P ≤ 0.001) among the amaranth species and within selections of the same species. The selections of A. blitum had the lowest aphid populations, and A. hybridus had the highest populations. Selections of A. hybridus produced the most marketable leaves (i.e., aphid free). The fresh weight of A. blitum were the lowest of the seven selections, whereas A. hybridus had the greatest fresh leaf weight. Implications of these finding for further promotion of amaranth breeding are discussed related to pest management for leaf production.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Amaranth (Amaranthus Oleraceus) and Soil Properties

Amaranth (Amaranthus oleraceus) is grown in wide range of environmental condition across the world. Low-nutrient availability is common phenomena for crop production; hence, proper nutrient management is essentially important for sustainable productivity maintaining soil health. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different nutrient management options on growth and yield of amaranth and soil properties in Bangladesh. We conducted an experiment at the research farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh. The experiment involved six treatments, namely T1 (control), T2 (standard dose: N-P-K-S = 95-25-51-6 kg ha-1respectively), T3 (T2+ 5 t ha-1 cow dung), T4 (75% of T2+ the rest 25% N, P, K, S from cow dung, 3.76 t ha-1), T5 (50% of T2+ the rest 50% of N, P, K, S from cow dung, 7.5 t ha-1) and T6 (100% nutrients from cow dung, 15 t ha-1) in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Among the treatments, T3 performed the best regarding yields of amaranth followed by T5 treatment. Bulk density and organic carbon content of soil were improved due to the application of organic manure either as sole or in combination. The highest nutrients uptake and availability were found in the treatments where combined application of organic and chemical fertilizer was maintained. Among the treatments, T5 was found sustainable for achieving crop production as well as for maintaining soil health. The results revealed that organically fulfillment of the reduced dose of chemical fertilizer performed better compared with others.

Effects of organic and inorganic fertilisers on the growth and yield of amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus)

Amaranth is a traditional leafy vegetable of the genus Amaranthus spp., which has been consumed throughout history. Amaranth has great potential as a sustainable crop that could improve household food security, nutrition security and farm incomes. The growth environment of amaranth, can have a major impact not only on the productivity of the crop but its nutritional value as well. Production of amaranth in developing countries like Swaziland is very low, if any at all. This could be attributed to, among some reasons, lack of agronomic information on production of amaranth. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different types of fertilisers on the growth and yield of Amaranthus hybridus. The trial was done at Malkerns Research Station, in Swaziland. The treatments were 20 t ha(-1) kraal manure, 40 t ha(-1) kraal manure, 100 kg ha(-1) 2.3.4 (39) + 5% Zn (compound NPK), 150 kg ha(-1) 2.3.4 (39) + 5% Zn and the control (no fertiliser). The experimental design was a randomised complete block design. Data were collected at 4, 5 and 6 weeks after planting. The data were subjected to analysis of variance through SPSS 20. Mean separation test was performed by the Duncan's new multiple range test at P=0.05 significant level. Addition of any type of fertiliser had significant (P 0.05) different from each other in all the growth and yield parameters at the different harvest stages. It was concluded that addition of fertiliser, either organic or inorganic, promotes the growth rate and yield of Amaranthus hybridus.

Marketable yield and nutritional composition of amaranths in response to fertiliser

Field experiments were conducted at the University of Limpopo, Syferkuil and Lwamondo Experimental Farms during the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 growing seasons to determine the effect of nutrient input dynamics on marketable yield and nutritional compositions of two Amaranthus species. A. hybridus and A. hypochondriacus were planted in a 2×6 factorial split-plot experiment using a randomised complete block design replicated three times. Organic fertilizer (poultry manure) and inorganic fertilizer (LAN/urea) were applied at rates equivalent to 0, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg N ha-1. Application of fertilzer increased marketable yield of amaranth, irrespective of location, source of nitrogen and the species of the amaranth. Interactions between amaranth species and nitrogen fertilizer application were significant (P≤0.05) for fresh marketable mass of amaranth. Both Amaranthus species also differed significantly in fresh marketable yield. The highest fresh leaf mass of 91 g plant-1 was obtained for A. hybridus compared to 82 g plant-1 obtained for A. hypochondriacus with with 150 kg ha-1 N treatment at 12 WAT. For inorganic N source, A. hybridus had higher average dry matter value of 91.2% and protein content of 5.1% compared to 90.8 and 3.2% of dry matter and protein contents, respectively, in A. hypochondriacus. Amaranths grown in inorganic fertiliser treated soils had higher dry matter and protein contents fibre contents than that grown in organic fertilizer treated soils.

Response of Growth and Grain Yield of Amaranth (A. hypochondriacus) to Combined Manure and Inorganic Fertiliser Pellets and Non-pellets

Response of Growth and Grain Yield of Amaranth (A. hypochondriacus) to Combined Manure and Inorganic Fertiliser Pellets and Non-pellets