Growth and establishment parameters of dual-purpose legumes as influenced by three organic fertilizers in the coastal rainforest of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study, conducted in Obio Akpa, AbakThis study, conducted in Obio Akpa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, explores the impact of various organic fertilizers on the growth and establishment parameters of dual-purpose legume types in the coastal rainforest. Specifically, it investigates the growth of cowpea, groundnut and soya bean crops over a five-week period. Leveraging the unique ecological and climatic conditions of the region, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to ensure the reliability and robustness of the results. The study encompasses four distinct treatments, including a control group and the application of goat droppings, poultry droppings and pig dung as organic fertilizers. Findings reveal significant variations in crop growth parameters, with a particular focus on mean leaf number and leaf length, among the different treatments. Remarkably, goat droppings, pig dung and poultry droppings consistently exhibited substantial positive effects on crop growth, surpassing the performance of the control conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimization of organic fertilizer selection based on the specific requirements of crops in coastal rainforest environments, thereby enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity. The results of this study have far-reaching implications for addressing agricultural sustainability challenges, especially in regions like Nigeria, where agriculture serves as a fundamental pillar of the economy and food security. By tailoring organic fertilizer choices to suit the needs of different crops, farmers can significantly enhance their yields and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities and the nation. Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, explores the impact of various organic fertilizers on the growth and establishment parameters of dual- purpose legume types in the coastal rainforest. Specifically, it investigates the growth of cowpea, groundnut and soya bean crops over a five-week period. Leveraging the unique ecological and climatic conditions of the region, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to ensure the reliability and robustness of the results. The study encompasses four distinct treatments, including a control group and the application of goat droppings, poultry droppings and pig dung as organic fertilizers. Findings reveal significant variations in crop growth parameters, with a particular focus on mean leaf number and leaf length, among the different treatments. Remarkably, goat droppings, pig dung and poultry droppings consistently exhibited substantial positive effects on crop growth, surpassing the performance of the control conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimization of organic fertilizer selection based on the  specific requirements of crops in coastal rainforest environments, thereby enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity. The results of this study have far-reaching implications for addressing agricultural sustainability challenges, especially in regions like Nigeria, where agriculture serves as a fundamental pillar of the economy and food security. By tailoring organic fertilizer choices to suit the needs of different crops, farmers can significantly enhance their yields and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities and the nation. Nigeria, explores the impact of various organic fertilizers on the growth and establishment parameters of dual-purpose legume types in the coastal rainforest. Specifically, it investigates the growth of cowpea, groundnut and soya bean crops over a five-week period. Leveraging the unique ecological and climatic conditions of the region, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to ensure the reliability and robustness of the results. The study encompasses four distinct treatments, including a control group and the application of goat droppings, poultry droppings and pig dung as organic fertilizers. Findings reveal significant variations in crop growth parameters, with a particular focus on mean leaf number and leaf length, among the different treatments. Remarkably, goat droppings, pig dung and poultry droppings consistently exhibited substantial positive effects on crop growth, surpassing the performance of the control conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimization of organic fertilizer selection based on the specific requirements of crops in coastal rainforest environments, thereby enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity. The results of this study have far-reaching implications for addressing agricultural sustainability challenges, especially in regions like Nigeria, where agriculture serves as a fundamental pillar of the economy and food security. By tailoring organic fertilizer choices to suit the needs of different crops, farmers can significantly enhance their yields and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities and the nation.