EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF COWPEA IN THE UNIVERSITY OF UYO SKILL ACQUISITION FARM

Abstract

The study aimed at determining the effect of poultry manure on the growth and yield performance of cowpeasiron beans, navy white beans then Ife brown beans varieties) in Agricultural Education Skills Acquisition Farm, University of Uyo. The study was guided by two purposes, two research questions, and two null hypotheses. The study adopted the randomized complete block design (RCBD). The parameters observed in the study were the height of the plant and the number of pods. A sample size of 300 stands from the three varieties of cowpeas was selected using a random sampling technique. A calibrated meter ruler and measuring tape were used to collect data on the height of the plant and the number of pods was determined by counting and computing using a scientific calculator. Experimental procedures were duly followed. Data collected were analyzed using means to answer research questions and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results of the findings showed that poultry manure had a great effect on the height of plants and the number of pods of iron beans, navy white beans then Ife brown beans in the University of Uyo Agricultural Education Skills Acquisition Farm. Furthermore, there were significant effects on the height of the plant and the number of pods grown with poultry manure in the study area. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that Agricultural extension workers should organize sensitization seminars and workshops for crop farmers on the cultivation of iron beans in Uyo Local Government Area thereby meeting the demands of cowpea production within and outside Uyo Local Government Area. The Ministry of Agriculture should also create awareness among teachers by giving them training on the production of cowpeas and the effect of poultry manure on cowpeas production for better yield in the Uyo Local Government Area.