Abstract:
The effect of pig manure (5t1ha) and integrated application of pig manure and
NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer (In growth and yield of tomato were studied at Abeokuta
in the derived savanna zone of Southwest Nigeria. The sandy soil (ultisol) was
marginal in organic matter and total N, low in available P a'nd exchangeable Mg
and acidity. Six treatments applied to soil were the control (n~ manure/fertilizer),
NPK fertilizer at (100kg/ha), Pig manure (5t1ha), 1.25t/ha pig manure + 75kg/ha
NPK fertilizer, 2.5t/ha pig manure + 50kg/ha NPK fertilizer and 3.75t1ha pig
manure + 25kg/ha NPK fertilizer. Growth and yield parameters of tomato were
periodically evaluated and analysis of soil was done at the end of two trials
conducted. Compared with the control, pig manure, NPK fertilizer and their
combinations significantly increased plant height, number of leaves and
branches, root growth and fruit yield respectively. The 2.5t/l1a pig manure +
50kg/ha NPK fertilizer gave highest fruit yield. Addition of NPK fertilizer to pig
manure-increased fruit and dry matter yield and root length. Addition of pig
manure to NPK fertilizer increased fruit yield, dry matter yield and root length.
Application of pig manure only tended to increase soil organic matter and pH.
Compared with control, application of pig manure or integrated application of pig
manure or integrated application of pig manure and NPK fertilizer increased soil
P, K and Mg. Compared with control, pig manure and NPK fertilizer increased
fruit yield by 390 and 628% respectively. Compared with pig manure, NPK
fertilizer, 1.25t/ha PM + 75kg/ha fertilizer, 2.5t1ha PM + 50kg/ha fertilizer and
3.75t/ha PM + 25kg/ha fertilizer increased fruit yield by 49, 66, 88 and 72%
respectively.
