Influence of <i>Jatropha curcas L.</i> seed cake, poultry droppings and npk fertilizer on the growth and nutrient composition of bush okra (<i>Corchorus olitorious L.</i>) in north-western Nigeria

Abstract

The influence of Jatropha curcas seed cake, poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer on the growth and nutrient composition of Corchorus olitorious was investigated. Sandy soil samples were homogenized with Jatropha seed cake, poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer at 1, 2, 4 and 8 g/bag each in a randomized complete block design consisting of three fertilizer types at four levels each and replicated three times. Growth parameters were evaluated progressively from two weeks after planting (WAP) to harvest. Proximate and mineral compositions of C. olitorious were evaluated using standard analytical methods. Application of Jatropha seed cake, poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer significantly (p< 0.05) increased plant height, number of leaves, length and breadth of leaves. The number of branches was comparatively higher at 4 g/bag in treatment with Jatropha seed cake and NPK fertilizer. Similarly, the number of flowers was significantly (p< 0.05) affected with the application of Jatropha seed cake and NPK fertilizer at 4 g/bag each with 31.7 and 23.0 flowers, respectively. Fertilizer types significantly (p< 0.05) affected ash, lipid, moisture and fibre content of the plants compared with the control. The crude protein content decreased with increase in the concentrations of fertilizers. The results of this study suggest the potential of Jatropha seed cake as source of organic fertilizer which is comparable to poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer in supporting the growth of C. olitorious.