Integration of organic amendments and inorganic fertiliser for improved performance of carrot in Ghana

Abstract

Low soil fertility due to nutrient depletion is largely blamed for the poor carrot (Daucus carota) yields in soils of most parts of West African. Poor soil organic matter and limited availability of major nutrients (N and P) seem to be the culprits, among the suspected priority of soil production constraints. The objective of this study was to investigate the integrated effect of biochar, chicken manure and inorganic fertiliser (NPK) on the performance of carrot (Daucus carota) varieties in Ghana. A field experiment was conducted at the Multipurpose Crop Nursery of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong campus in Ghana. Treatments included two carrot varieties (Technisen and Tokita) and five fertiliser rates [10 t ha-1 chicken manure (CM), 250 kg ha-1 NPK, 10 t ha-1 Leuceana Biochar (LB), 5 t ha-1 CM + 5 t ha-1 LB, 5 t ha-1 LB + 125 kg ha-1 NPK) and the control (No fertiliser)]. The result showed that Tokita carrot variety generally registered significantly (P<0.05) taller plants and wider canopy carrot; and outperformed the Technisen, particularly under the above treatments. Similarly, Tokita also outperformed Technisen in terms of root diameter and root yield, at 10 t ha-1 CM and their interactions. Therefore, to obtain the highest carrot yields at the study site in Ghana, it is recommended that Tokita carrot farmers should use either 10 t ha-1 chicken manure or a combination of 5 t ha-1 CM + 5 t ha-1 LB.