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Dec 31, 2020Keywords:
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Main Article Content
STRATEGIZING TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL FERTILIZATION SYSTEM USING LOCAL MATERIALS IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Abstract
Organic fertilizers were produced using legumes, poultry manure, rice husk and swine dung; and its potentials in
crop production evaluated at Umudike, Nigeria. Three plots of six leguminous species were established to
generate vegetal matter for the fertilizer production. Soil samples were collected from the plots at 0-30cm auger
depth and analyzed. The plots were cleared manually, ploughed and harrowed with a tractor mounted disc
plough. Each plot was divided into 3 blocks and the legumes raised by direct seeding at 40cm x 40cm in a
randomized complete block design in three replications. The vegetal matters were harvested at 50% flowering
and the yield-per-specie determined. Samples of legumes matter, rice husk, poultry manure and swine dung were
analyzed for mineral composition. Each legume matter with rice husk, poultry droppings and swine dung in the
ratio 5:4:4:4 were mixed and heaped for composting in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three
replicates. Heaps were turned every 2 months for six (6) months. Manufactured fertilizer samples were analyzed
for mineral composition. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS 17 at p<0.05. Results
show that poultry manure, rice husk and swine dung varied in nutrient composition. Poultry manure had highest
N (25.20%) and K (24.50 %) content; rice husk contains highest organic matter (306%) and organic carbon.
Vegetal matter yield and the nutrient composition of legumes varied significantly. Consequently, the
compounded composts varied in nutrient composition. L. purpureus compost had highest N (33.60g/kg), while
C. mucunoides had highest K (8g/kg), organic C (347.70g/kg) and organic matter (590.90g/kg). The organic
fertilizers were generally rich in nutrients, with potentials for enhancing crop production system.
