Effects of seedbed types and poultry manure application on the growth and yield of celosia (Celosia argentea L.) in the humid ultisols environment

Abstract

A study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria in 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the growth and herbage yield of Celosia argenteaL. in response to seedbed type and different levels of poultry manure application. The treatments were laid out in a 2 × 4 split plot design with three replications. The main plots were seedbed types (flat bed and raised bed) and the subplot comprised four levels 0, 30 (9.12 t ha^-1), 60 (18.24 t ha^-1), 90 (27.36 t ha^-1) Kg N ha^-1 of poultry manure. Growth variables (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index and stem girth) at 4 and 8 weeks after transplanting as well as herbage yield and total dry matter were assessed. Application of poultry manure at 60 (18.24 t ha^-1) Kg N ha^-1 on raised bed had taller plants, more profuse leaves and thicker stems and higher herbage yield and total dry matter compared to control and other levels of poultry manure on flat bed and raised bed. It could therefore, be concluded that application of poultry manure at 60 Kg N ha^-1 on raised bed is sufficient for optimum performance of Celosia.