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The comparative
effects of sawdust ash (SDA), poultry manure (PM) and NPK
(20:10:10) fertilizer on the growth and foliar yield of
fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) were examined in a
two-year study, 2010 and 2011, at Onne, near Port Harcourt,
southeastern Nigeria. Eight treatments used in the study
included: 6 t/ha SDA, 3 t/ha SDA, 4 t/ha PM , 300 kg/ha NPK
(20:10:10), 3 t/ha SDA + 2 t/ha PM, 3 t/ha SDA + 150 kg/ha
NPK, 3 t/ha SDA + 2 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha NPK and Control (no
sawdust ash, no poultry manure, no NPK) laid in a Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times.
Results obtained showed that the application of either of
the soil improvement inputs significantly increased growth
and leaf yield of fluted pumpkin in relation to the control
plot. Similarly, application of either PM or NPK fertilizer
alone significantly increased yield in relation to
application of SDA and the control. Above all, application
of 3 t/ha SDA + 2 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha NPK, (a combination of
reduced quantities of SDA, PM and NPK fertilizer) gave a
significantly higher foliar yield than all the other
treatments in the second year. The incorporation of the
organic sources of manure with inorganic fertilizer perhaps
elevated the organic matter content of the soil, increased
soil pH and improved the nutrient exchange capacity of the
soil, thereby resulting in higher yield of fluted pumpkin.
Keywords: sawdust ash, poultry manure, NPK (20:10:10),
Telfairia occidentalis |
