| dc.description.abstract | The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and
calcium ammonium nitrate (C.A.N) on vegetative growth, leaf yield, vitamins A and C as well as
nitrates (anti-nutrients) content of vegetable amaranth in Lugari District. The effect of traditional
method of cooking on the levels of these micronutrients and anti-nutrients was also evaluated.
The incorporation of different concentrations of both FYM (10-20 tons/ha) and C.A.N (100-400
kg/ha) significantly improved the vegetative aspects and yield of the plant, during the rainy and
dry seasons. The FYM and CAN, however, reduced b-carotene (vitamin A pre-cursor) content of
the vegetable amaranth, with slightly higher accumulation during the rainy season than during
the dry season. Application of different concentrations of FYM and CAN fertilizer as well as the
plant age showed no clear trend on the vitamin C content in both seasons. However, there was a
greater accumulation of nitrates, especially with age of the plants when FYM and CAN was
applied. Cooking during both seasons reduced the beta-carotene, vitamin C and nitrates by up to
30%, 70%, and more than 50%, respectively. In summary, addition of FYM and CAN
significantly increased the yield and quality of vegetable amaranth, but also increased the nitrate
anti-nutrients while cooking significantly decreased the said attributes. | en_US |
