ABSTRACT

A plot    experiment    was  carried  out  at  the  at  the  Teaching   and  Research   farms, Ladoke Akintola University , Ogbomosho Nigeria to evaluate the response of Amaranthus (Amaranthus   cruentus) to   single   and   combine   application   of   manure     and   fertilizer   at recommended   rate   of   60 kg/ha.   Six   treatments   introduce   were   T0=zero   application,T1=100%poultry manure, T2=100 NPK, T3=25% NPK+ 75% poultry manure, T4=75% poultry manure   +   25%   NPK,   T5=50% NPK   +   25%   poultry   manure.   The   trial   was   arrange   incompletely randomized design (CRD), replicated three times. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters. Data collected were subjected to analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significantly means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). It could be   observed   that   all   treatment   applied   significantly   influenced   plant   growth   and   yield parameter  except   the  control  that had  the  least  value  across  all  the parameter  measured.However, although application of NPK significantly improved amaranth growth and yield,application of organic base fertilizer materials (in any form at rate of 60 kg/ha), should be encouraged by farmers in the study area, for better crop improvement and maintenance of soil physic-chemical properties.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv 

Abstract v

Table of content vi

List of tables vii

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction 1

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 4

2.1 Origin and Distribution 5

2.2 Botany of Amaranthus (Amaranthus Cruentus) 5

2.3 Climatic and soil requirements of Amaranthuas cruentus 8

2.4 Cultivation of amaranth 8

2.5 Nutrition Composition and uses of Amaranthus cruentus 11

2.6 Soil Fertility and Performance of Amaranthus creuentus 14

2.7 Organic Fertilizers and on Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) 16

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS 17

3.1 Location of Experimental site 17

3.2 Experimental materials 17

3.3 Land Clearing and Preparation 17

3.4 Soil Sampling and Analysis 17

3.5 Sowing of weed 18

3.6 Treatments and Experimental Design 18

3.7 Data Collection 19 

3.8 Statistical Analysis 19

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 20

4.1 physio-Chemical properties of the sample used 20

4.2 Growth parameters of Amaranthus cruentus under different fertilizer types 22

4.3 Yield parameters of Amaranthus cruentus under different fertilizer types 27

4.4Nutrient uptakes of Amaranthus cruentus under different fertilizers application 29

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 31

REFERENCES