EFFECT OF POULTRY SAW DUST MANURE AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON TOMATO FRESH MATTER
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Salinity is one of the most detrimental factors which are limiting the productivity of agricultural crops, with adverse effects on germination, plant vigour and crop yield (Munns and Tester, 2008). In Bangladesh, salinization is one of the major natural hazards hampering crop production. Coastal area in Bangladesh constitutes about 20% of the country of which about 53% are affected by different degrees of salinity (Haque, 2006). Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world. Tomatoes play a vital role in human diet and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Tomato crops require nutrients such as N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na and S for good production. These nutrients are specific in function and must be supplied to the plant at the right time and in the right quantity for proper growth and reproduction (Adekiya and Ojeniyi, 2002). However, there is renewed interest in proper and effective use of organic manure to maintain soil fertility (Olatunji and Oboh, 2012). Organic manure helps to increase the population of soil microorganisms which have some influence in protecting plant against pathogens like nematodes and soil born insects and also provides plant growth hormones like auxins (Sanchez and Miller, 1986; Agbede and Ojeniyi, 2009). In today’s era, heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are being used by the farmers to get better yield of various field crops. These chemical fertilizers and pesticides decreased soil fertility and caused health problems to the consumers. Due to adverse effects of chemical fertilizers, interest has been stimulated for the use of organic manure. Porosity, drainage, water holding capacity and microbial activity are high in vermicompost. Vermicompost is produced by biodegradation of organic material through interactions between earthworms and microorganisms. Tomato is herbaceous, usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family, grown widely for its edible fruits and one of the most important fruit vegetables eaten worldwide. Its total production in Nigeria varies between 889000 and 898000 tonnes between year 2004 and 2007 (FAO, 2008). The average tomato yield (Lycopersicum esculentus) in Nigeria is 10 that , which is lower than 13.5 t ha average yield in tropical -1 -1 Africa and world average of 22 t ha (FAO, 1993). Soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies limit yield of -1 tomatoes in Southwestern Nigeria (Obi and Akinsola, 1995). Most soils in Southern Nigeria and in parts of humid tropics are acidic, hence the need to apply liming and fertilizing material for their improvement. Because of high cost and scarcity of these materials, most farmers in Nigeria cannot afford to purchase them, thereby necessitating studies into low-cost, internally sourced, organic materials that can serve as liming and fertilizing material. Plant derived ash such as wood ash is such a material since it is known to increase soil pH,nutrient availability and crop yield (Nyobe 1998: Adu-Dapaah et al., 1994, Ojeniyi et al., 2002; Ojeniyi and Adejobi, 2002: Odedina et al., 2003; Owolabi et al., 2003; Noltidge et al., 2005a, 2005b, 2006, 2007). Agro wastes such as sawdust have the potential of being used as manure since they contain plant nutrients such as Ca, P, K, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe (Adebowale, 1985), are high in pH and improve water and nutrient holding capacity of soil (Nyobe, 1998). A large amount of sawdust estimated at over 1million tones accumulate everyday in over 2000 saw milling plants in Nigeria. The sawdust is left as waste or incinerated, and thus pollutes the environment. Sawdust ash (SDA) has the potential of being used to improve soil pH and fertility especially when used with acid producing N fertilizer in tomato production. It is also an energy source for bacteria, fungi and earthworm in soil. The integrated application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources rather than total dependence on any of the sources is expected to ensure reduction in expenditure on chemical fertilizer, a more balanced plant nutrition and control of soil acidity. Also since SDA is a waste, which poses environmental concern, its combined use with chemical fertilizer in crop production will assist in environmental sanitation. In Nigeria, as in most other tropical countries of Africa where the daily diet is dominated by starchy staple foods, vegetables are the cheapest and most readily available sources of important proteins, vitamins minerals, and essential amino acids Onwordi, A. M. Ogungbade,( 2009). Of all vegetables, Talinum triangulare, Telfaria occidentalis, Corchorus olitorius, Vernonia amygdalina, and Amaranthus species such as A. hybridus, A. cruentus, A. caudatus, and A. deflexus are mostly consumed. The production and nutritional values of these vegetables are limited due to the low fertility of native soils in most parts of Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The presence of nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates and exchangeable calcium and soluble potassium remained in vermicompost. Vermicompost contains plant growth influencing materials produced by microorganisms. Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) is one of the most important vegetables grown for their edible fruits. Tomato is cultivated in Nigeria with an annual production of six million tonnes (Idah et al., 2007). Tomato is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which help control cancer, health disease as well as improve the general health of man (Antonio et al., 2004). Most soils in Africa are poor compared with other parts of the world (Bationo et al, 2006). African soil nutrient balances are often negative due to a low level of fertilizer inputs, and soil nutrient depletion is a major reason for decreasing or stagnation of agricultural productivity, soil fertility is a major overriding constraint that affects all aspects of crop production. It is in view of this that this study is pertinent to address the effect of poultry sawdust manure and inorganic fertilizer on tomato fresh matter.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The study has one main objective which is divided into general and specific objective, the general objective is to examine the effect of sawdust manure and inorganic fertilizer on tomato fresh matter; the specific objectives are;
- i) To examine the effect of poultry sawdust manure on fresh tomato yield in the study area
- ii) To examine the impact of organic manure on crop yield
iii) To ascertain the relationship between poultry sawdust manure and tomato fresh matter
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following research questions were formulated by the researcher to aid the completion of the study;
- i) Is there any effect of poultry sawdust manure on fresh tomato yield in the study area?
- ii) Does organic manure has any impact on crop yield?
iii) Is there any relationship between poultry sawdust manure and tomato fresh matter?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will be of significance to agriculturist who are the major users of poultry sawdust and inorganic fertilizer as the study week to explore their importance to tomato yield, the study will also be of importance to Biology teachers who will make use of the literature to guide them in the formation of lecture notes, the study will also be of importance to researchers who intend to embark on a study in a similar topic as the study will serve as a reference point to further research
1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study covers the effect of poultry sawdust manure and inorganic fertilizer on tomato fresh matter, but in the course of the study, there are some factors that limit the scope of the study:
- a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.
- b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
- c) FINANCE: The finance available for the research work does not allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the researcher has other academic bills to cover.
1.7 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
Poultry
Poultry are domesticated birds kept by humans for their eggs, their meat or their feathers. These birds are most typically members of the superorder Galloanserae, especially the order Galliformes
Sawdust
Sawdust (or wood shavings) is a by-product or waste product of woodworking operations such as sawing, milling, planing, routing, drilling and sanding. It is composed of fine particles of wood.
Poultry manure
Poultry manure or chicken manure is the feces of chickens used as an organic fertilizer, especially for soil low in nitrogen.
Fertilizer
A fertilizer or fertiliser is any material of natural or synthetic origin that is applied to soil or to plant tissues to supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth of plants
Inorganic fertilizer
Organic fertilizers contain only plant- or animal-based materials that are either a byproduct or end product of naturally occurring processes, such as manures, leaves, and compost. Inorganic fertilizer, also referred to as synthetic fertilizer, is manufactured artificially and contains minerals or synthetic chemicals
1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), statement of problem, objectives of the study, research question, significance or the study, research methodology, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlight the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
Reference
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