Sanni K.

O/International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research 2016; 2(03): 076-082 76

International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research

ISSN: 2395-3616 (Online)
Journal DOI: 10.7439/ijasr Research Article

Effect of compost, cow dung and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on growth

and yield performance of Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus)

Sanni K.O*
Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria

*Correspondence Info:
Sanni, K. O.
Department of Crop Production and Horticulture
Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract
Nigerian soils are generally low in fertility and enhanced crop yield is only possible through external
use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The present study was carried out under field condition at Teaching and
Research Farms, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu to evaluate effects of compost, cow dung and NPK 15-15-15
fertilizer amendments on the growth and yield performances of Amaranthus hybridus. The obtained results
indicated that all treatments significantly achieved an increment in morphological parameters (numbers of
leaves stem girth, leaf area and plant height) and fresh weight yield comparing with the control. The best results
in terms of these characters were obtained in the following order Cow dung > compost > NPK 15-15-15 and
control. Post soil analysis shows that all the treatments reduced the soil pH from 6.20 to a range between 5.58-
5.68 and available phosphorus, magnesium, organic carbon, total nitrogen and CEC increased significantly
compared with control plot. Results suggest that the use of cow dung and composts has potential to improve the
growth and yield of amaranth and improves the soil physiochemical properties in the study area.
Keywords: Amaranthus hybridus; amendments; morphological parameters; Post soil analysis.
1. Introduction external fertilizer input. The use of fertilizer (organic
Deficiencies in micronutrients such as or inorganic) supplements the soil with nutrients,
vitamin A and iron in developing countries are especially nitrogen for succulent green leafy growth
widespread and have negative consequences for [7]. Farmers in Nigeria rarely use inorganic fertilizer
children’s growth and development [1]. Therefore due to scarcity and cost, hence the dependence on
there is a need for people to grow green vegetables cheaper organic sources of nutrients.
like amaranths to supply the body with such nutrients. Animal manure is known to be effective in
The vegetable is accredited with possession of high maintenance of adequate supply of organic matter in
nutritional values of essential nutrients like calcium, soil, with improvement in soil physical and chemical
phosphorous, iron and other important components condition and enhanced crop performance [8], poultry,
such as vitamins C, fiber, carbohydrate, fat and a high cattle, sheep and pig manure has been found to
calorific value [2]. improve soil fertility and crop yield [9][10].
Amaranthus hybridus species is one of the Ewulo[11] reported that addition of poultry and cattle
plants often considered as the most important green manure to soil lead to increase in soil PH, Organic
leaf vegetable in Nigeria. The crop is predominantly Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium,
produced in Nigeria by resource-poor farmers and Magnesium, Sodium and CEC. Therefore the aim of
compound gardens where it is intercropped with arable this study is to assess the effect of cow dung, compost
starchy staples to produce enough food to satisfy their and inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on the growth and yield
dietary and cash requirements and to minimize the risk of amaranth and on chemical properties of the soil.
of crop failure [3].
Nigeria is the largest producer and consumer 2. Materials and Methods
of amaranth [4] and its production has been plagued 2.1 Experimental location and design
with an array of factors including incidence of insect The field study was conducted at the
pest, decreasing soil fertility and quantity of manure Teaching and Research Farm, Lagos State
required for optimum crop productivity [5][6]. The Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Nigeria; geographically located
low fertility status of the soil necessitated the need for within latitude 6° 37' 0" North, 3° 31' 0" East. It has an

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Sanni K.O / Effect of compost, cow dung and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on growth and yield performance of Amaranth 77
altitude of 50m above sea level with total annual 5 weeks after transplanting (WAT). The leaf growth
rainfall ranges between 1670mm – 2200mm and mean parameters were measured on all the leaves on each
temperature between 25°C - 32°C, and relative plant and the average was obtained and used for data
humidity between 65 – 68% [12]. The experiment was analysis. The leaf width of all the tagged plants from
laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design the plots was measured using a 30 cm rule. This was
(RCBD) with four treatments (200 kg/ha-1 NPK 15-15- measured from one end of the leaf to the other end (in
15 fertilizer, 200 kg/ha-1compost, 25 t ha-1cow dung the middle position of the leaf length). Plant height
and control), replicated three times getting a total of was measured using a measuring tape to determine the
twelve experimental plots, each experimental plot distance from the soil surface at the base of the leaf to
having a dimension of 5 m x 1 m with 0.5 m discard the apex of the leaf. The leaf length was determined by
between plots. The site was disc ploughed and meter rule from the leaf stalk to the leaf apex; while
harrowed before seedbeds were marked and stem girth was determine using digital Vernier caliper.
demarcated. Seedbeds were levelled using hand tools The number of leaves was measured quantitatively by
to provide a medium fine tilth for the growth of the A. counting. Harvesting was done by cutting the plant at
hybridus. 10cm above soil surface was done at 5 WAT. The
fresh shoot and leaves were weighed using digital
2.2 Crop establishment and treatment weigh balance.
The seed of A. hybridus cultivated was
obtained from National Horticultural Research 2.5 Data analysis
Institute NIHORT) Ibadan, Nigeria. Sowing of the Data collected were subjected to Analysis of
seed was done by broadcasting on well prepared Variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Package for
seedbed to serve as nursery and covered with palm Social Science (SPSS Inc., 2011). Significant
frond to provide shade for the emerging seedlings. treatment means were separated by Least Significant
Two weeks after sowing, the seedlings were Difference (LSD) test at p<5% [18].
transplanted to a well-constructed seedbed at a spacing
30cm × 30cm [13]. All agronomic practices such as 3. Results
weeding, irrigation and insect pest control were carried 3.1 Soil physio-chemical properties
out as at when due. The chemical properties of the soil used for
the experiment before and at harvest are presented in
2.3 Soil sampling and analysis Table 1. The soil was sandy loam in texture, slightly
A composite sample of the soil was taken acidic and low in total N, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and
randomly (0-20cm) using soil auger before the available P. The low nutrient status of the soil
commencement and after the experiment to determine indicates that it needs additional nutrient for optimal
the soil fertility status before and after the experiment. A. hybridus performance. Hence, application of
Soil pH was taken using digital pH meter. Soil organic nutrients from organic and mineral fertilizers was
carbon was determined by the Walkley Black justified. Post cropping soil analysis revealed that the
Modified method, while exchangeable base cations soil pH across various treatment drop from 6.20 to a
Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe were determined range between 5.58-5.87 making the soil acidic in
by the Mehlich-3 extraction procedure [14]. Available nature. Available P, C.E.C, %C and Total N increased
P was determined using Bray-1 method [15] and Total slightly in all treatments except control plot.
nitrogen was analyzed by the Technicon AA II method Magnesium (Mg) increased in compost and cow dung
[16]. Particle size distribution was determined with a treated plots but reduced in N.P.K treated and control
hydrometer [17] using sodium hexa meta-phosphate as plots. Calcium (Ca) reduced in all treatments, but was
the dispersing agent. highest in compost treated plots. Potassium (K)
increased in control plots, but was reduced in others.
2.4 Data collection Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers equally
Five plants were randomly sampled and increases the soil bulk density.
tagged per plot to determine growth parameters at 3, 4,

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Sanni K.O / Effect of compost, cow dung and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on growth and yield performance of Amaranth 78
Table 1: Post experiment soil analysis
Post experiment soil analysis
Sample code Pre- soil N.P.K Compost Cow dung Control
pH (H2O) 6.20 5.63 5.76 5.87 5.58
Ca (cmol/kg) 2.67 1.61 1.83 1.81 1.53
Na (cmol/kg) 0.78 0.76 0.77 0.73 0.70
K (cmol/kg) 0.25 0.21 0.23 0.27 0.18
Mg (cmol/kg) 1.17 1.15 2.64 2.97 1.04
H+ 0.10 0.12 0.10 0.11 0.10
C.E.C 4.97 5.06 5.19 5.30 4.93
Av. P (ppm) 4.04 4.18 4.32 4.81 3.82
%C 1.77 1.98 2.09 3.11 1.43
Total Nitrogen 0.18 0.32 0.28 0.26 0.12
Bulk density 1.39 1.41 1.45 1.63 1.40
Sand (%) 71.3 69.8 72.4 71.9 70.5
Clay (%) 13.8 14.8 12.6 15.7 13.8
Silt (%) 14.9 15.4 15.0 12.4 15.7
Textural class Sandy Loam

3.2 Treatment effect on growth parameters of plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaves
Amaranthus hybridus width and leaves length was compost > cow dung >
Growth attributes of A. hybridus was control and NPK. While, at 4 and 5 WAT the order of
significantly enhanced with the application of organic performances due to the soil amendment agents was
and inorganic fertilizers. At 3 weeks after cow dung > compost > NPK and control.
transplanting (WAT) the order of performance for
50
45 41.3
40 36.5 35.5
Plant height (cm)

35
30 27.4
23.3 3 WAP
25 21.9
19.6 4 WAP
20 15.6 16.7
13.38 14.38 13.52
15 5 WAP
10
5
0
NPK Compost Cow dung Control

Figure 1: Plant height (cm) at 3, 4 and 5weeks after sowing (WAS).

5
4.5 4.13
4 3.67
3.37
3.5
Stem girth (cm2)

2.94
3 2.6
2.3 3 WAP
2.5
1.9 4 WAP
2 1.65 1.7
1.23 1.37 5 WAP
1.5 1.12
1
0.5
0
NPK Compost Cow dung Control

Figure 2: Stem girth (cm) at 3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS).

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Sanni K.O / Effect of compost, cow dung and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on growth and yield performance of Amaranth 79

80
67.2
70
60 56.9
52.2

Number of leaves
50
37.4 3 WAP
40
4 WAP
30
20.2 5 WAP
20 14.8 16.5
9.33 9.33 11.7
8.11 7.75
10
0
NPK Compost Cow dung Control

Figure 3: Number of leaves (cm) at 3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS).

8
6.8
7 6.4
5.9 5.8
6
Leaves width (cm)

5 4.7
3.9 3.8 3 WAP
4 3.3
3.2
2.8 4 WAP
3 2.5 2.6
5 WAP
2
1
0
NPK Compost Cow dung Control

Figure 4: Leaf width (cm) at 3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS).

18
15.6
16
13.8 14.2
14
Leaves length (cm)

12
9.97 9.4
10 3 WAP
7.9 8.2
8 6.8 4 WAP
6.29 6
6 5.1 5.19 5 WAP
4
2
0
NPK Compost Cow dung Control
Figure 5: Leaf length (cm) at 3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS).

3.3 Treatment effect on yield parameter of 6) result from the study showed that Cow dung treated
Amaranthus hybridus plots had the maximum yield (82.02 kg ha-1); followed
3.3.1 Fresh weight (kg ha-1) by NPK 15-15-15 treated plots with a yield of 63.0 kg
Addition of organic and inorganic fertilizer ha-1 and A. hybridus grown in control plots had the
significantly affected the yield of A. hybridus (Figure minimum yield (28.48 kgha-1)

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Sanni K.O / Effect of compost, cow dung and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on growth and yield performance of Amaranth 80

100
90 82.02
80
70 63
Amaranthus yield 60
50 45.61
Fresh weight (kg ha-1)
40
28.48
30
20
10
0
NPK Compost Cow dung Control

Figure 6: Fresh weight of plant at harvest (kg ha-1)

4. Discussion development and also helped to maintain functional

The productivity of many African soils is leaf area during the growth period [24].
normally limited by N and P deficiency which is a Addition of cow dung greatly improved the
major constraint to small holder vegetable producers yield of A. hybridus in this study compared to NPK
in sub-Sahara Africa. Continuous cropping without an 15-15-15 fertilizer and this confirms the findings of
input of organic or inorganic fertilizer is common Xu et al [25] who revealed that the yield and quality of
practice in many tropical and subtropical countries. leafy vegetables grown with organic fertilizers grew
The low soil nutrient status of the experimental site better and resulted in a higher total yield than those
could be attributed to the previous continuous grown with synthetic fertilizers and Olowoake et al
cropping without manure application thereby [29] who tested the effect of cow dung on the growth
justifying the site for the research. Results from this of maize and reported that the effect of cow dung on
study indicated that the growth and yield of A. maize was very close to the manuring effect of NPK
hybridus respond positively to the amendment of the fertilizer. The performance of the crops could be as a
soil with the addition of NPK 15-15-15, compost and result of the high content of nitrogen, phosphorus and
cow dung compared to control. Tindall [19] reported potassium contained in cow dung [26]. Application of
that amaranthus require soils with high organic organic fertilizers probably increased nitrogen in the
content, and adequate mineral nutrients favoured the soil which positively affected leaf fresh weight and
production of higher plant height. The increases in quality of the leaves because nitrogen stimulates plant
growth rate can also be attributed to the role of vegetative growth and increases leaf area; as a result
phosphorous in physiological metabolic functions in increment in the leaf area increases the rate of plant
plant tissues [20]. photosynthesis and thus higher leaf quality and leaf
Plant height is an important component that weight. This is in line with the findings of different
helps to determine plant growth. The increase in studies elsewhere on spinach [27]. The consistency
height of A. hybridus plants amended with organic and poor performance of A. hybridus grown in control
inorganic fertilizers is probably due to release of plots and those planted with low N amendment source
nutrients which promoted vigorous plant growth revealed that when nutrients are available in adequate
through efficient photosynthesis [21]. An optimum amount, plants tends to grow at their optimum
plant height is claimed to be positively correlated with potential. These nutrients deficient were probably the
productivity of plants [22]. The treatment significantly limiting factor of plant growth and productivity in
affects the vegetative performance of A. hybridus control treatment.
positively. Changes in the number of leaves are bound The low soil nutrient status of the
to affect the overall performance of amaranth as the experimental site could be attributed to the previous
leaves serve as photosynthetic organ of the plant [23]. continuous cropping without manure application
Increased in leaf area in soil amended with organic thereby justifying the soil amendment to enhance the
fertilizer could probably be attributed to N availability performances of the crop. The result clearly indicated
which promoted leaf area during vegetative that organic fertilizers do not affect soil physical
properties spontaneously. The low nitrogen level
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Sanni K.O / Effect of compost, cow dung and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on growth and yield performance of Amaranth 81
recorded in all the treatment could be attributed to Tanzania, March 5-8, Hosted by AVRDC-
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