Effect of poultry manure sources and levels on yield of cowpea in Minna.

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in the cropping season of 2024 to determine the effect of poultry manure sources and levels on the yield of cowpea. The study was a 2 x 5 x 4 factorial experiment. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments consisted of two sources of poultry manure (Deep Liter and Battery Cage Poultry systems) at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha replicated four times. The treatments were applied 2 weeks before planting to ensure proper breakdown of the organic material. The gross plot size was 4m x 4m (16 m2) each, while the net plot size was 45m x 22m (990 m2). Seeds (SAMPEA 20T, Early Maturing and Semi Erect) were planted at the rate of 3 seeds/hill and a spacing of 75cm between the rows and 25cm within the rows and later thinned to 1 plant/stand at 2 weeks after planting (WAP). All plots received a basal dose of N and P at an approved rate of 10kg N/ha and 30kg P/ha. The same quantity of inorganic fertilizer was applied per plot irrespective of the different levels of treatment. Pods were harvested at 12 WAP and sundried. The pods were threshed to separate the grains from the haulm. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance at a 5% level of probability using Statistix 8.0 statistical software. Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) was used to separate significant differences between means. Results showed that the poultry manure sources did not significantly affect the yield of cowpea. The poultry manure level did not significantly affect the yield parameters. However, the best improvement in yield parameters was observed when 0 t/ha poultry manure was applied regardless of sources. It is therefore recommended that growing SAMPEA 20T with poultry manure should not be encouraged. If, however, there is a need to use poultry manure, the battery cage source should be recommended.