EVALUATION OF SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CARROT PERFORMANCE UNDER INTEGRATED NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT ON AN ALFISOL IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Field trials were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the effects of the integrated application of poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of carrots. Poultry manure at three levels (0, 5, 10 t ha^-1) was integrated with NPK fertilizer at three levels (0, 100, and 200 kg ha^-1) in a factorial experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was replicated three times. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System Institute Package. The results showed that the soil at the site of the experiment was low in nitrogen (0.8 g kg^-1), and available P (5mg kg^-1). Integrated application of PM and NPK significantly (P <0.05) improved soil pH, total N, and available P better than their sole application. Plots with the sole application of NPK had higher exchangeable acidity than plots with the integrated application of PM and NPK. Carrot growth parameters were better enhanced in plots with integrated application of PM and NPK fertilizer than the plots with the sole application of either of the amendments. There were reductions in growth and yield parameters in plots with the sole application of NPK fertilizer in the second cropping season whereas, improvements in growth and yield parameters were observed in plots with integrated application of the amendments. Integrated application of PM and NPK improved soil nutrient status, growth, and root yield of carrots better than their sole application. Hence, integrated nutrient management is ideal for maintaining soil quality and optimum carrot production.