Abstract: This research was done at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Student’s Farm, with an objective to evaluate the effects of poultry manure rates on the growth and yield of pepper (Capsicum annum) during the 2015 cropping season. Pepper (Capsicum annum), a vegetable crop which belongs to the Solanaceae family and Capsicum genus, has served many purposes over time. The yield obtained by small-scale farmers in southeastern part of the country is often very low due to various production constraints attributed to poor soil, fertility etc. The treatments used were 10 t/ha, 15 t/ha and 25 t/ha as well as control. The experiment was laid out on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Genstat package at 0.05 probability level and means compared using least significant difference (LSD). The result from the experiment showed an increase in both growth and yield parameters at different manure rates. Poultry manure rate of 15 t/ha recorded the highest yields for number of leaves per plant, stem girth, plant height while the control recorded the lowest yield. The work showed that an increase in the rate of 25 t/ha did not affect yield rather there was a drop in the yield, hence it is safe to recommend 15 t/ha to farmers in this region. The application of poultry manure to the farm will result in long term nutrient availability for crops as well as increased yield. There is the therefore the need to treat the poultry manure before application to avoid disease development. The findings suggest further studies especially in other localities.Abstract: This research was done at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Student’s Farm, with an objective to evaluate the effects of poultry manure rates on the growth and yield of pepper (Capsicum annum) during the 2015 cropping season. Pepper (Capsicum annum), a vegetable crop which belongs to the Solanaceae family and Capsicum genus, has serv...Show More
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) a staple food for over 1.3 billion people in SSA, is limited by poor soil fertility that characterize soils in the region and as such increases production cost in rural areas. Therefore this experiment was carried out at the Students' Research and Demonstration Farm, Faculty of Agriculture at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria to compare the effect of poultry droppings with inorganic fertilizers (NPK 15:15:15) on the growth and yield of Maize during the 2021 cropping system. The study site was 16 m x 48 m (768 m²) and the treatments used were 10t/ha, 20t/ha, 200kg/ha, 400kg/ha with their combinations as well as control (check). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, and replicated three times. Data was taken on growth and yield components. All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Genstat Statistical Package and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. From the results, treatment of 20t/ha gave the highest percentage LAI (3.89), PH (192.7) and biomass (24.78) at 12WAS amongst the organic fertilizer for all parameters measured, while control recorded the lowest. For inorganic fertilizer (NPK), 400kg/ha gave the highest percentage for LAI (3.65), PH (163.8) and biomass (23.76) amongst all the parameters measured. The treatment combination (20 t/ha + 400 kg/ha) gave the highest total yield (266.66) amongst all the treatments while control gave the lowest total yield (12.79). From the result, it was observed that control had the least percent effect amongst all parameters measured while treatment combination showed positive impact. Further studies are ongoing to collaborate and authenticate findings.Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) a staple food for over 1.3 billion people in SSA, is limited by poor soil fertility that characterize soils in the region and as such increases production cost in rural areas. Therefore this experiment was carried out at the Students' Research and Demonstration Farm, Faculty of Agriculture at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Nduf...Show More
Abstract: The cultivation of vegetable crops faces many problems, including the lack of quality and vigorous seeds, soil fertility problems and pest attacks. In order to improve crop productivity and soil quality, some farmers have adopted the use of synthetic inputs (herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides) that are harmful to the environment and to humans, but also not affordable to the small holders farmers. The use of a biological compost could be an alternative to these numerous problems through the improvement of crop growth directly and protection indirectly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biological compost based on Tithonia diversifolia on the growth of Ocimum basilicum. The production of the various composts was done according to the technique of heap composting. The effect of compost amendment on the growth of basil seeds was evaluated and correlated to the synthesis of total chlorophyll, total proteins, total phenols and plant defense related enzymes notably peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases. Mature composts were obtained after four (04) months based on the kinetic of temperature variations during the composting process. The compost amendment increased basil plant growth including height by 50%, stem diameter by 52%, number of leaves by 75%, leaf length by 160% and leaf width by 125% compared to controls plants. The treatment improved the accumulation of total chlorophylls, total proteins and total phenols in the leaves, as well as peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases content. These results show the positive effect of compost amendment on the growth of Ocimum basilicum. The soil amendment with biological composts seems to intervene directly in the stimulation of the physiological processes of the basil plants by a fertilizing action and indirectly, possibly confer a pool of defense biomarkers. This biological compost could therefore be an effective tool for promoting eco-responsible and resilient agriculture.Abstract: The cultivation of vegetable crops faces many problems, including the lack of quality and vigorous seeds, soil fertility problems and pest attacks. In order to improve crop productivity and soil quality, some farmers have adopted the use of synthetic inputs (herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides) that are harmful to the environment and to humans, ...Show More