Nutrient Composition and Growth Effects of Liquid Organic Fertilizers Derived from Rabbit and Chicken Droppings on Bean (Phaseolus spp.) Seedlings

Abstract

Liquid organic fertilizers (LOFs) produced from animal manures are inexpensive locallyavailable nutrient sources for smallholder systems, but their composition and short-term plant effects vary with feedstock and processing. This study compared nutrient composition and early growth responses of bean (Phaseolus spp.) seedlings to LOFs prepared from rabbit and chicken droppings. LOFs were produced by 1:5 (w/v) aqueous extraction, settled and decanted. Chemical analysis quantified K, P, Mg and total N (mg·L⁻¹). Seedlings were grown in pots (soil: sand: compost, 2:1:1), and treatments (rabbit LOF, chicken LOF, and water control) were applied as 50 mL pot⁻¹ drench at sowing and weekly. Chicken LOF contained higher N (380 mg·L⁻¹), P (55 mg·L⁻¹) and K (220 mg·L⁻¹) than rabbit LOF (N = 320; P = 45; K = 180 mg·L⁻¹), while Mg was slightly higher in rabbit LOF (32 vs. 28 mg·L⁻¹). At 21 days, seedlings treated with chicken LOF had the greatest shoot height and aboveground dry biomass, rabbit LOF promoted greater root allocation, and controls were smallest. ANOVA indicated significant treatment effects on shoot height and shoot biomass (p < 0.05). Results suggest poultry-derived LOF offers stronger early vegetative stimulation due to higher N and P, while rabbit LOF may enhance root development through Mg and organic matter effects. Therefore, we conclude that both LOFs are suitable for integrated nutrient management among smallholder farmers.