The effect of different organic manure on cucumber plant

Thesis Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>Background to the study</strong></p><p>One of the aboitic challenges facing crop production in the Tropics is the inherent low concentration of essential nutrients in the soil for crop growth and development (Schlecht <em>et al</em>., 2007). Essential nutrients are those nutrients which are required by plants to complete their life cycle such as Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) often referred to as primary nutrients, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S) called secondary nutrients and Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), copper(Cu), manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mb) and Zinc (Zn) called micronutrients (Barker and Pilbeam, 2007). These nutrients can be provided to the soil through the use of fertilizers. Fertilizer can be in organic or inorganic form. The use of inorganic fertilizers has not been helpful as it is associated with increased soil acidity, leaching and nutrient imbalance (Schlecht <em>et al.,</em>&nbsp;2007). According to Ayoola and Makinde (2006) inorganic fertilizers are usually not available and are always rather expensive for the low-income, small scale farmers. Organic manure such as cow-dung, poultry manure, swine waste, sewage sludge, crop residue can be used as an alternative for inorganic fertilizer. The nutrient contained in organic manure is released more slowly and are stored for a long time. Manure application also increase soil porosity and aggregate stability, promotes soil water infiltration and holding capacity, elevates soil organic matter content, soil pH, cation exchange capacity and nutrient availability (Powell <em>et al</em>., 1996; 1999;Powell and Unger, 1998).</p><p>However, the main defect in the use of organic nutrient source in crop production is the limited supply (amount) and bulkiness of organic materials. Composting is a management practice to improve manure efficiency or quality. Well managed compost has good agronomic properties such as good water holding capacity, light weight, small particle size. It is cheap and can easily supply nutrients to the crop (Miller and Norman, 1992).</p><p>Cucumber (<em>Cucumis sativus </em>L<em>.</em>) is a vegetable crop eaten by most families in the Tropics. It is one of the most popular members of the <em>Cucurbitaceae</em>&nbsp;(vine crop) family. It is cultivated for fresh fruit which is locally consumed or exported to increase national income. The crop is cultivated in most parts of Northern Nigeria and some parts of Eastern Nigeria by peaseant farmers who lack information on some important cultural practices (Ekwu <em>et al</em>., 2007). Cucumber is a vital ingredient in vegetable salad in human nutrition. The fruit varies in shape, size and color. On analysis, mature fruit nutrient composition is 3.8 g dry matter, 0.6 g protein, 2.0 mg calcium, 0.4 mg riboflavin, 0.2 mg niacin and 11 mg vitamin. The fruit also serves as remedy in the treatment of constipation, jaundice and indigestion (Chadha, 2006).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Statement of problem</strong></p><p>The production of this crop(cucumber) requires soil with high levels of organic matter content that can provide the essential nutrients and conditions needed for crop growth and development. There is paucity of information on the use of pelleted and unpelleted composted organic materials for the production of cucumber crop</p><p><strong>Objective of the study</strong></p><p>The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of organic manure on the growth and yield of varieties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.</p><p>The specific objectives of this work is to:</p><ol><li>determine the physical and chemical properties of pelleted and unpelleted composted organic materials</li><li>determine the effects of pelleted and unpelleted composted organic materials on the growth and yield of three varieties of cucumber (<em>Cucumis sativus </em>)</li></ol><p>evaluate the effects of unpelleted composted rice husks + poultry manure (75%:25%,v/v) rates on the growth and yield of three varieties of cucumber (<em>Cucumis sativus </em>L.)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Research Questions</strong></p><ol><li>what are physical and chemical properties of pelleted and unpelleted composted organic materials?</li><li>What are the effects of pelleted and unpelleted composted organic materials on the growth and yield of cucumber (<em>Cucumis sativus </em>)?</li></ol><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Research Hypotheses</strong></p><ol><li>Ho: physical and chemical properties of pelleted and unpelleted composted organic materials affects the growth of cucumber</li><li>H1: physical and chemical properties of pelleted and unpelleted composted organic &nbsp; materials does not affect the growth of cucumber</li></ol><p><strong>Significance of the Study</strong></p><p>This study will aid the study and understanding of the subject matter as it will improve the effect of organic manure on the growth of cucumber<br><strong>Scope/ Limitation of the Study</strong></p><p>The study will cover the nssuka area of enugu state Nigeria. Just like every other research finance and time was a limiting factor.</p><p>Also acquiring of material/tools for the research was also another challenge encountered by the research</p><p><strong>Definition of Terms</strong></p><p><strong>Manure</strong>&nbsp;is organic matter, mostly derived from animal feces except in the case of green manure, which can be used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Manures contribute to the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are utilised by bacteria, fungi and other organisms in the soil. Higher organisms then feed on the fungi and bacteria in a chain of life that comprises the soil food web</p><p><strong>Organic manure</strong>&nbsp;are fertilizers derived from animal matter, animal excreta (manure), human excreta, and vegetable matter (e.g. compost and crop residues).[1] Naturally occurring organic fertilizers include animal wastes from meat processing, peat, manure, slurry, and guano</p><p><strong>Pellet: </strong>A small, rounded, compressed mass of a substance</p><p><strong>Cucumber:</strong>&nbsp;a long, thin, pale green vegetable with dark green skin, usually eaten uncooked in salads</p> <br><p></p>