EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER SUPPLEMENTATION ON SOIL QUALITY AND PLANT GROWTH IN PUMPKIN

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EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER SUPPLEMENTATION ON SOIL QUALITY AND PLANT GROWTH IN PUMPKIN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) is an indigenous vegetable consumed in Nigeria. It belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae. Fluted pumpkin has about 90 genera and more than 70 species distributed all over the warm parts of the world (Axtell, 1992). Telfairia occidentalis is a dioecious, creeping perennial vegetable shrub that spreads low across the ground and climbs by means of befit and often coiled tendrils (Okoli and Mgbeogwu, 1983; Horsfall and Spiff, 2005; Udoh et al; 2005). According to Ossom et al (1997), T. Occidentalis thrives well within the temperature range of 30 – 500C while Udoh et al. (2005) reported that the tropical vine crop thrives under a warm environment with plenty of sunshine and prolonged rainy season. Rainfall appears to be the major factor in its productivity with a requirement of 1000 – 2500mm per annum (Akoroda, et al; 1990).

In Nigeria, the edible vegetable is commonly known as “Ugu” (Igbo), “Ubong, Nkong” Ubong (Efik/Ibibio), and “Ireke” (Yoruba). Its succulent young shoots and tender leaves are used in preparing soups (Schippers, 2000) and sauce for garri and foofoo meals and it is usually cooked lightly with okro and fish or meat (Udoh et al; 2005). It is an important vegetable crop that has high nutritional and commercial value (Schippers, 2000). Fluted pumpkin leaves have high iron and protein contents about 86% moisture, 11% crude protein, 25% carbohydrate, 3% oil, 11% ash as much of 700ppm of iron (Oyolu, 1978). According to FAO, (1998) and Udoh et al, (2005), fluted pumpkin leaves have nutritional values of about 86ml water, .9g protein, 1.8g fat, 7.0g carbohydrate and 1.7g fibre. Its seed contains 13% oil which is used for cooking, manufacturing and cookies formulation (Okoli and Nyanayo, 1998; Horsfall and Spliff, 2005). The oil in the seeds is non-drying and useful in soap making (Fasuyi, 2006).

Several workers have reported the nutritional composition, chemical characterization and functional properties of fluted pumpkin seed (Badifu et al; 1995; Fagbemi et al; 2005; Ganiyu, 2005; Fasuyi, 2006). The seeds are used as propagating materials, eaten roasted, boiled or ground to paste as soup thickener. The Igbo and Ibibio tribes in Nigeria, boil the seed remove the seed coat and ferment the endosperm for about 4 – 6 days, then use in preparation of local seasoning known as ‘Ogiri’ (Igbo) and ‘Ofiop’(Ibibio) in the absence or in combination with castor or “egusi” melon seeds. The fruit case and pulp of Telfairia constitute 64% of whole fresh fruit weight and can be used as feed stuff for livestock (Essien et al; 1992; Egbekan et al; 1998). Apart from the nutritional and agricultural importance, the plant is also medicinal, it possesses anti-inflammatory (Oluwole et al; 2003), anti-bacterial (Odoemena and Essien, 1995), erthropioeti, anti-cholesterolemic and anti-diabetic properties (Eseyin et al; 2000; 2005).

1.2 Statement of the problem

Considering the importance of this vegetable in the life of people, it has become necessary to carry out research on ways of increasing its production in order to meet up with the increased demand for its products. One of the major problems limiting crop production is soil fertility (Ogbonna, 2008). This has so far been checked by the application of plant nutrients to the soil, either in the organic or inorganic form. Organic fertilizers apart from releasing nutrient to the soil also improve its physical properties, which enhance plant growth and development. However, release of nutrient is slow in organic fertilizers, but more lasting compared to the faster release of nutrients by inorganic fertilizers, which are often lost rapidly by leaching in porous soil and heavy rainfall areas. Frequent and high rate of inorganic fertilizers used have been associated with some environmental pollution. Also these important production input has become expensive and scarce in many parts of in Nigeria. It therefore becomes necessary to carry out studies on ways of reducing the dependence on mineral fertilizer. Research work in other crops revealed that best yields were obtained by appropriate combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers (Ogbonna, 2008, Ndaeyo et al, 2005, Makinde, et al; 2007, Dauda et al; 2008). The objective of this study is to determine the best combination of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer that will give optimum yield of Telfairia occidentalis

1.3 Objectives of the study

To understand the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer supplementation on soil quality and plant growth
To understand the relationship between organic and inorganic fertilizer supplementation and soil quality and plant growth

1.4 Research Questions

What is the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer supplementation on soil quality and plant growth
What is the relationship between organic and inorganic fertilizer supplementation and soil quality and plant growth

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H0: There is no relationship between organic and inorganic fertilizer supplementation and soil quality and plant growth

H1: There is a relationship between organic and inorganic fertilizer supplementation and soil quality and plant growth

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