The effect of poultry manure application on tuber yield and shelf life of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) at Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Authors

  • A.A Owolabi. Department of Agronomy, Osun State University, Ejigbo Campus, Osun State.
  • O.C Nwoke. Department of Agronomy, Osun State University, Ejigbo Campus, Osun State.
  • A.E Ojeleye. Department of Agronomy, Osun State University, Ejigbo Campus, Osun State.

Keywords:

Tuber crop, Soil fertility management, organic matter, Post-harvest losses

Abstract

Declining crop yield, attributable to low soil fertility status of most soils in the West African sub-region, is a major challenge confronting smallholder farmers. Although inorganic fertilizers can be applied to augment soil nutrients and boost crop yield, the inclusion of organic sources of nutrients such as poultry manure in soil fertility management strategies is germane. Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is an important tuber crop in Nigeria but farmers grapple with low yield and post-harvest losses. The impact of poultry manure (PM) applied separately and in combination with inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield and shelf-life of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) was assessed at the Teaching and Research Farm of Osun State University, Ejigbo. The inorganic fertilisers were urea for nitrogen (N), muriate of potash for potassium (K) and triple super phosphate for phosphorus (P). The treatments comprised PM, PM+K, PM+N, PM+P, PM+NPK(i.e., N+P+K), and control with four replicates in a randomized complete block design. Yam setts were planted on 24 heaps; each was on a plot of 2 m × 2 m in size. Data were collected on the number of leaves, length and girth of vines periodically; The tubers were harvested and weighed at eight months after planting and thereafter placed on shelf (barn) for six months to monitor shell life. Results showed that application of PM increased the growth of water yam; the tuber yield was increased by 55% when applied separately and by 70% when combined with P fertilizer. The shelf life of the tubers was improved slightly as PM application reduced the rate of spoilage. Further studies are necessary to validate these results.

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Published

2025-07-01