Comparative Effects of Cow Dung and Poultry Manure on Growth and Yield of Green Amaranth (Amaranthus Hybridus L.)

Abstract

Amaranthus hybridus contains large amount of protein and essential amino acids. This study assessed the comparative effects of cow dung and poultry manure on the growth and yield of green amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus L.). The experiments were conducted at the teaching and research farms of the Federal College of Forestry,Ibadan, using five treatments: control (T1),120g of poultry manure (T2), 200g of poultry manure (T3), 125g of cow dung (T4), 210g of cow dung (T5). Each treatment was replicated three times in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Growth and yield parameters (plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, wet and dry weight) were recorded from 5th week to 7th week after planting, while wet and dry weights were determined after harvest. Descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage and ANOVA were used to analyzed the data. The results indicated clear difference in growth and biomass yield among the treatments. Plants in the control treatment recorded the lowest values across all parameters, with final wet and dry weights of 90.5g and 11.8g, respectively. T3 and T5 produced superior growth, with average wet weights of 168.7g and 172.5g and dry weights of 21.9g and 22.6g, respectively. T2 and T4 also improved plant growth compared to the control but to a lesser extent than the higher application rate (T3 and T5).  It is therefore concluded and recommended for farmers to use cow dung as the more suitable organic manure for long- term yield and quality, while poultry manure for short-cycle vegetables.