NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org


EVALUATION OF SOILS OF ASABA AREA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AMARANTHUS CRUENTUS L.

DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.16.048.1   |   Article Number: 3B53D711   |   Vol.11 (1) - September 2012

Authors:  Emuh F.N , Nnaji G.U and Oyovwiadia N

Keywords: Anwai, Fadama, Mile 5, Soil characteristics, leaf weight, total biomass

There is paucity of information on soils of Asaba area of rain forest of the Northern Agroecological zone of Delta State of Nigeria. The study was conducted in 2009 and in 2010 at the Teaching and Research farm of Delta State University, Asaba campus, Asaba to assess the various soils types of Asaba for Amaranthus cruentus production, with three treatments and ten replicates in a completely randomized experimental design. The soils of Anwai, Fadama and Mile 5 which formed the treatments were each weighed into polythene bags and manured with 62.5g of poultry droppings, and sown with Amaranthus cruentus seeds. Prior to and after harvest of Amaranthus cruentus the soils and poultry droppings were analyzed for physico-chemical properties. The fresh leaf and total plant were weighed at harvest. The post soil analysis and leaf and total fresh weight were analyzed. The soil structure and texture were more suitable for Amaranthus cruentus production in Anwai soil than in Fadama and Mile 5 soils. Liberal application of poultry droppings (P < 0.05) improved the Ca, Mg and CEC of the soils in the order of Anwai > Fadama > Mile 5 at harvest of Amaranthus cruentus. This (P < 0.05) enhanced the fresh leaf and total fresh weights in Anwai soil than in Fadama and Mile 5 soils. For Amaranthus cruentus production in Asaba area of North Agro-ecological zone of Delta State, Anwai soil is hereby recommended.

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