PRODUCTIVITY OF CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus L) AND POST-HARVEST SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN RESPONSE TO ORGANIC FERTILIZER TYPES AND RATES IN AN ULTISOLS

Abstract

Cucumber productivity in Nigeria is low due to low native fertility status of the soil among other factors. This field experiment was conducted in February to June of 2015 and 2016 at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria to evaluate the effects of cattle and poultry manures on the productivity of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and their post-harvest effect on the chemical properties of the soil. The experiment was in a 2 x 4 split plot arrangement fitted into a randomized complete block design with three replications with the organic fertilizers (cattle and poultry manures) as main treatments the application rates (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha- 1) as sub plots. Data were collected on growth and yield variables of cucumber. The results revealed that organic fertilizer types had no significant (p>0.05) effect on growth, yield and post-harvest variables except vine girth. The rate of application had significant (p<0.05) effect on growth, yield and post-harvest soil chemical properties. The highest fruit yields were 3.99 and 3.66 t ha-1 observed on plants treated with 15 and 10 t ha-1 of organic fertilizer, respectively. Based on convenience and cost, 10 t ha-1 of poultry manure is thereby recommended for farmers.