Studies On Rabbit Manure And NPK Fertilizer Synergy For Optimizing Soil Conditions In Amaranthus (Amaranthus hybridus L.) Cultivation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51459/jostir.2026.2.1.0302Keywords:
Rabbit manure, NPK fertilizer, soil quality, soil physicochemical properties, Amaranthus hybridusAbstract
This study investigated the synergistic effects of rabbit manure and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on soil properties and the growth performance of Amaranthus hybridus in the forest-savannah transition zone of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Field experiments were conducted at two locations - Ayede-Ekiti and the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti - using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatment combinations replicated three times. Treatments included varying combinations of rabbit manure (1- 4 t/ha) and NPK fertilizer (50 - 200 kg/ha), with applications split between one and three weeks after transplanting (WAT). Standard agronomic practices were followed, and seedlings were spaced at 20 cm × 20 cm to achieve a density of 250,000 plants/ha. Throughout the growing period between September and December of 2024, growth parameters and yield components were recorded. Soil samples were analyzed before planting and after harvest to assess changes in physicochemical properties, and proximate analyses were conducted on the edible plant parts. Data were statistically evaluated using ANOVA, with treatment means separated by Tukey’s HSD test at a 95% confidence level (P < 0.05). Results from the study showed that the combined application of rabbit manure (RM) and NPK fertilizer significantly improved soil fertility, plant growth, and marketable yield compared to sole applications. The best performance of Amaranthus hybridus cultivated in Isan-Ekiti was obtained from the plots with the combination of RM 3 t/ha and NPK 50kg/ha and the combination of RM 1 t/ha and NPK 150kg/ha in Ayede-Ekiti. Nutritional quality, particularly protein and fat content, was also positively increased. The findings underscore the potential of integrated nutrient management in promoting sustainable A. hybridus production, with site-specific responses. Isan-Ekiti was obtained to be the best site with lesser inorganic fertilizer application and maximum yield.
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