COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF PIG MANURE AND NPK FERTILIZER ON SOIL FERTILITYAND PERFORMANCE OF TOMATO (Lycopersicum LYco~sicon Mill.)

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.