Effect of Cow Dung and Urea Fertilization on Soil Properties, Growth, and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L)
I. A. Nweke *
Department of Soil Science, Anambra State, University Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
L. N. Nsoanya
Department of Soil Science, Anambra State, University Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In this work, effect of cow dung and urea fertilization on soil properties, growth and yield of cucumber was evaluated. Four different rates of treatments [12 kgplot-1 cow dung (CW), 391 g ureaplot-1 equivalent to 150 kgha-1, 6 kg cow dung + 196 g urea equivalent to 75 kgha-1 thoroughly mixed (CWU) and CO kgplot-1 (control that received no treatment application)] were used. The treatments were applied following a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results obtained showed significant differences between the treatments in the soil and in agronomic parameters assessed. The CWU treated plots recorded the highest value in all growth parameters measured. The values of the fruit yield vary from 3.21 kgha-1 – 8.29 kgha-1 with the highest value 8.29kgha-1 recorded in CWU treated plots. The CWU had the highest values in bulk density (1.41 gcm-3), moisture content (28.38%) and aggregate stability (32.05%) but showed non-significant values in hydraulic conductivity (2.45 cmhr-1) and least value in mean weight diameter (0.85). The results revealed that the combination of cow dung manure and urea fertilizer could enhance cucumber growth, yield quality and soil fertility in the studied area.
Keywords: Cow dung, growth, soil, urea, fertilization