Effects of Swine Wastes on Selected Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Amaranthus hybridus in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Disposal effect of swine waste into the environment poses a serious environmental threat but channelling it into the soil as an amendment for vegetable production proves to be a vital solution for the challenge. Hence, the “effects of swine wastes on selected soil properties, growth and Yield of Amaranthus hybridus in Anambra State” was studied. The study was conducted at the Soil Science and Land Resources Management Research and Teaching Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Auger soil samples were taken from 20 different points at 0-20 cm depth while core soil samples were taken from 10 different points from the experimental plots before and after treatment application which were later taken to the laboratory for analyses. The treatment used was swine wastes and at different rates of 0 kg/plot (zero application), 4.5 kg/plot, 9.0 kg/plot and 13.5 kg/plot. The test crop used was Amaranthus hybridus. The results obtained from the laboratory were subjected to statistical analysis and the treatment means were separated using Turkey test at 5% probability level. The results showed that the soil of the studied area was acidic and belonged to sandy loam textural class. Again, obtained results showed there were significant differences in bulk density, total porosity and moisture content however significant differences were not observed in the chemical properties of soil. From this research, it was observed that 13.5 kg/plot of swine wastes applied improved the yield of Amaranthus hybridus when compared to other treatment rates as evidenced in the optimum plant height, leaf area index, number of leaves and fresh and dry shoot weight recorded.