Effect of Moringa and Poultry Manure on Soil, Growth and Yield of (Amaranthus Cruentus) in Afikpo, Nigeria

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E. O. Azu, Donatus
Nkechi Uche
O. U. Nwanja

Abstract

A Greenhouse trial was conducted in Research farm of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Nigeria, to investigate the effects of composted moringa leaves and poultry manure on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of amaranthus. Treatments consisted of three rates of composted moringa leaves (MC), (0, 1 and 2-ton ha-1) and three rate of poultry manure (PM) (0, 1- and 2-ton ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design in a factorial pattern with three replications. The test soil was marginal in organic matter, inadequate in available P, acidic and general low in fertility. The results obtained showed that all rates of the manure significantly improved the soil nutrient status relative to control. All manure rates significantly increase the growth and yield of amaranthus. Relative to control, 2-ton ha-1 MC and 2-ton ha-1 PM increased number of leaves, plant height, and stem girth by 50%, 74.3% and 81% respectively. Generally, treatment combination of 2-ton ha-1 MC and 2-ton ha-1 PM gave the most appreciable increase in both soil nutrient and plant yield and it is therefore recommended for optimum and sustained amaranthus production in soils of Southeastern Nigeria.

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