Title : Effect of organic manures on selected soil chemical properties and the yield of pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Abstract:
This study examined the effect of organic manures on selected soil chemical properties and the yield of pepper (capsicum spp.). The treatments consisted of poultry manure, pig manure, compost manure and cow dung. Each at 10tha-1 and 15tha-1. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete blocked design. Each treatment was replicated there (3) times. Data were collected on soil chemical properties, yield, growth and leaf nutrient contents and subjected to analysis of variance using statistical analysis system institute package (SAS). The data on initial soil chemical characteristics at the experiment site indicated that the soil was low in major soil nutrients, organic matter, nitrogen, and available P. exchangeable bases such as Mg. and K were low on the basis established critical levels of 0.15% for total N, 10-15mgkg-1 for available P. and 0.45cmolkg-1 to K. Application of organic wastes increased the growth and yield parameters of pepper. However, the growth parameters were more pronounced in plots treated with pig manure. 15tha-1 pig manure produced the greatest yield of pepper. The growth and yield parameters of pepper in plots amended with 15tha-1 cow dung likewise leaf nutrients content in terms of leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg were significantly (P 0.05) enhanced in organic manured plots.
