Comparative evaluation of the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the vegetative growth of spleen amaranth (Amaranthus dubius L)

Abstract

The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers to the soil is considered as good agricultural practice because they improve the fertility of the soil and plant quality. The overall objective of the study is to compare the effects of organic fertilizers (cow dung and chicken droppings) with inorganic fertilizer (urea) on the vegetative
growth of Amaranthus dubius. The data obtained showed that, levels of all parameters measured for both the organic and inorganic fertilizers ranges; Stem length (7.5- 64.2) cm, Stem width (2.4- 8.1) cm, Leaf length (8.0- 19.3) cm, Leaf width (3.3- 14.2) cm and Number of leaves per plant (09- 34). The mean values for the stem length, stem width, leaf length, leaf width and number of leaves per plant were evaluated and found to be higher in plants grown with urea treatment compared to values obtained from the treatments with organic manures. Data were analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the results were expressed as percentage difference, the differences between the mean values were determined at 95% confidence. Inorganic fertilizer resulted in significant effects at (p<0.05) compared to values obtained from the organic manures.

Keywords: Amaranthus dubius, Chicken droppings, Cow dung, Urea