Effect of Indigenous Microorganism Fertilizer on the Growth, Productivity of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and Its Effects on Some Soil Macro Nutrients in Bambili Cameroon

Abstract

The need for vitamins and minerals is significantly influenced by vegetables, particularly cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), owing to its nutritional and economic significance. Cucumber production has the capacity to enhance agricultural production, economic empowerment and food security. This study was aimed at investigating how different concentrations of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) fertilizer affected cucumber growth and yield as well as some soil macro nutrients in Bambili, Cameroon). The experiment was set up with built-in ridges in blocks. Each block consisted of three ridges. Treatments consisted of 3 concentrations of indigenous microorganism fertilizers (10g, 20g, and 30g) and one control (0g) on a plot size of 11.5 m × 10.5 m with 0.5 m paths between blocks. Fifteen plants from each treatment (5 per ridge) were randomly selected from the first week after germination to fruiting, and the effect of IMO on growth and yields observed. Soil was also collected from each block before and after application of fertilizer and NPK. Results showed that, 30g concentration of IMO gave the highest average number of leaves 44.67 ± 8.54, highest average plant height 65.78 ± 11.21 cm, highest average number of flowers 8.00 ± 1.00, highest average fruit length 11.73 ± 1.37 cm, and highest average fruit weight 213.00 ± 6.08g. For the soil analysis, nitrogen was highest in control, phosphorus in 20g and Potassium in 30g of IMO. Indigenous microorganism fertilizer had a significant effect on the growth and yield of cucumber with 30g being the best concentration.