Response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) varieties to organic and inorganic fertilization in Sudan savanna ecological zone of Kebbi State

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at Teaching and Research Farm of the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA) Aliero located in Jega, Kebbi State, Nigeria during 2019/20 and 2020/21 dry seasons. The aim of the experiment was to study the response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) varieties to organic and inorganic fertilization. Treatments consisted of three (3) cucumber varieties (Darina, Market-more and Poinsett-75) and three nutrient sources (NPK [15:15:15] mineral fertilizer, poultry manure, cow dung and the untreated control; each designed to supply the recommended nitrogen dose of 120kg N ha-1. Treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that vine length, crop growth rate, mean fruit length, mean fruit diameter, total number of fruits per plant and fresh fruit yield of Market-more and Point sett varieties were higher with the application of either poultry manure or NPK fertilizer. Darina, Market-more and Pointsett-75 varieties attained maximum growth with the application of poultry manure. Based on the results, it could be concluded that, both poultry manure and NPK mineral fertilizer have relatively the same potential as sources of nutrients on growth and yield of cucumber. However, considering the negative environmental effects and cost of the later, poultry manure could be recommended. Furthermore, varieties Market-more and Pointsett-75 are better than Darina in terms of yield.