J.O. EHIGIATOR

The study reviewed the effects of poultry manure (PM) on the growth and yield of selected fruit and leafy vegetables in Nigeria. With the increasing need for sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, poultry manure has become an important organic nutrient source due to its high content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and essential micronutrients. It enhances soil fertility, improves structure and water-holding capacity, and promotes beneficial microbial activity. Findings from several experimental trials across different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria revealed that poultry manure significantly improved vegetative growth and yield parameters such as plant height, leaf area, number of fruits, and total yield. The optimal application rate generally ranged between 10–30 t/ha, depending on crop type and soil condition. Studies also indicated that integrating poultry manure with inorganic fertilizers such as NPK 15:15:15 produced superior results in nutrient availability and crop performance. In conclusion poultry manure is a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly soil amendment capable of improving vegetable productivity anmaintaining long-term soil health in Nigeria.

The study was carried out at the Experimental Field of the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City (latitude 6.4013754° and 5.6258° North and longitude 5.625880° and 6.40127231 East). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, four treatment levels with different rates of NPK 20:10:10 (0, 150, 300 and 450kg/ha). Planting was done in October at 0.5m x 0.5m spacing. The study was carried out to determine the effect of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizers as soil amendment for the growth and development of fluted pumpkin in a degraded ultisol. Experimental trials were conducted and the following growth and yield parameters were
collected: Vine length and number of leaves. The experiment was terminated 8 weeks after planting and soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Soil physical and chemical properties such as Particle Size Distribution, Textural Classification, Soil Organic Carbon, Total Organic Nitrogen, Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), Cation Exchange Capacity and Exchangeable Acidity were determined.