Two field experiments were carried out during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at the Landmark University Teaching and Research farms, Omu-Aran, Kwara State. The experiment comprised six levels each of poultry manure (PM) (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) and urea fertilizer (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and100%), applied at three different times (1, 2, and 3 weeks after sowing (WAS)). Results from this study showed that urea fertilizer and PM (sole or combined) increased the values for vegetative growth, yield, proximate and mineral contents (K, Ca, Mg and P) relative to the control. The two years results also showed that sole application of PM at 100% increased growth parameters, and mineral contents (Ca, K, Mg and P) relative to the sole application of 100% urea fertilizer at 1, 2 or 3 WAS. Inorganic fertilizer at all weeks of application increased the carbohydrate, ash and moisture content compared with PM. Applied 60% PM + 40% urea fertilizer at 1 WAS produced the best growth and yield parameters. In a similar vein, 40% poultry manure and 60% urea fertilizer applied at 2 WAS had the best values of proximate and mineral contents. Therefore, for those that desire to cultivate C. olitorius for its edible leaves, application of 60% PM + 40% urea fertilizer applied at 1 WAS is recommended. However, for those that want the quality of the C. olitorius leaves, 40% PM and 60% urea ferti-lizer applied at 2 WAS is recommended.

Corchorus olitorius L., performance, quality, organic and inorganic amendments

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia