EFFECTS OF POULTRY MANURE AND NPK ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L.) IN SUDAN SAVANNAH

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effects of poultry manure and NPK on soil properties performance of Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) improved Super Sosat in Sudan savannah, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted at Dryland Teaching and Research Farm, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto consisting of eight treatments (i.e P1=2.5t/ha, P2=5.0t/ha, P3=7.5t/ha, R1=NPK60:30:30,P1R2=2.5t/ha+NPK15:15:15,P2R2=5t/ha+NPK15:15:15,P3R2=7.5t/ha+NPK15:15:15.). Treatments were laid in Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Poultry manure and Soil sample were collected, prepared and considered parameters (Particle size, Organic carbon, pH, CEC and Exchangeable bases) were analyzed. The results were analyzed and data were generated using ANOVA and standard error of means was used to seperate the means. Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) was further used to establish relationship between the measured parameters. The research revealed that, application of different levels of poultry manure and NPK on soils under millet production had significant effect on some of the soil and millet growth and yield parameters measured. Applications of poultry manure at 7.5t/ha combined with NPK 15:15:15 (P3R2) gave significantly the highest value of pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases and CEC status of the soil. It also gave the best growth and yield performance of millet in the study area except in tillers count where 7.5 t/ha of poultry manure applied alone (P3) was superior. Therefore, it is recommended that application of 7.5 t/ha of poultry manure in combination with NPK fertilizer 15:15:15 will give optimum yield of millet in Sudan Savannah zone of Nigeria. Poultry manure should be applied to improve physico-chemical properties of soil and fertility of the soil. However, application of poultry manure should at the rate of 7.5 t/ha is recommended for a better yield of millet.