dc.identifier.citation | Mnyambo J., S.I. Shibairo., F.M. Olubayo., A.W.Mwang’ombe and E. Lenihan (2011). Effect Of Chemical Fertilizers, Farm -yard And Poultry Manure On Growth And Yield Of Amaranthus And African Nightshade In Taita District. A paper presented at aGRO2011 Biennial Conference at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Upper Kabete Campus, University of Nairobi, on 26 - 28th September | en_US |
dc.description.abstract | African indigenous leafy vegetables (AILV’s) are known for their importance in providing
vitamins and minerals, and are largely grown by small scale farmers. They also play a crucial
role in income generation and subsistence. However, their production does not meet the
increasing demand. Studies were carried out in farmers’ fields in Taita district, to evaluate the
effect of chemical fertilizers, farm-yard and poultry manure on growth and yield of Amaranthus
(Amaranthus hybridus) and African nightshade (Solanum scabrum). The study was carried out in
four successive plantings where farm-yard manure at rates of 20 t/ha, 40 t/ha, 60 t/ha, poultry
manure at rate of 40 t/ha, farm yard manure at 20 t/ha, 40 t/ha, 60 t/ha each top dressed with
CAN at 1.03 t/ha, DAP at 0.2 t/ha top dressed with CAN at 1.03t/ha, farmer practice and a
control were evaluated. Results obtained revealed that, incorporation of farm-yard manure (20,
40, 60 t/ha), poultry manure (40 t/ha) and inorganic nitrogen (N), significantly increased plant
growth parameters (plant height, canopy width, number of branches, stem diameter) and hence
the yields. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in all growth parameters among
treatments. The growth parameters of the vegetables were observed to be higher in plants grown
with organic manures and top dressed with inorganic N compared to those from plants grown
with the manures alone. There was a significant difference in yields of the vegetables among
treatments. The highest yields of 58 t/ha and 72 t/ha in Amaranthus and African nightshade
respectively were obtained from treatments with 60 t/ha cattle manure top dressed with
1.03kg/ha. The results indicated that adequate soil nutritional supply increases yield of these
vegetables thus providing an opportunity for improved health and nutritional status, dietary
diversity, food security status, incomes and livelihoods of poor rural and urban dwellers. | en_US |