EFFECT OF POULTRY DROPPINGS AND NPK ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF MILLET (Pennisetumglaucum L.) IN SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Field experiment was conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) teaching and research dry land farm, to test the effect of NPK fertilizer and Poultry droppings on the performance of millet and soil nutrient composition. The experiment had eight treatments which were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of absolute control (C), mineral fertilizer (MR)at recommended rate, three levels of poultry droppings (PD1, PD2 and PD3 at 2, 4, and 6 t ha-1) and three levels of combined mineral fertilizer and poultry droppings (M1PD1, M1PD2 and M1PD3 half mineral fertilizer recommended rate + PD at 2 t ha-1, 4 t ha-1 and 6 t ha-1 respectively). The test soil was deficient in N, P and organic carbon. The PD, NPK and their combinations increased plant height, grain yield, and reduced days to 50% heading. The effect on plant height, grain yield, days to 50% heading was significant. The application of PD alone or in combination with NPK increased soil pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC and O.M. . Combined application of PD at 4t ha-1+ NPK at 30:15:15gave the better performance of Millet in the study area and therefore recommended.