EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE RATES ON CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF THREE AMARANTH VARIETIES IN KANO, NIGERIA

Abstract

A 4 x 3 factorial pot experiment arranged in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano to examine the effect of poultry manure at different rates (0, 10, 20 and 30 t/ha) and 3 varieties of Amaranth (Hemera, White and Black Amaranth), on the chlorophyll content and fresh weight of the plant. A chlorophyll content meter was used to measure the chlorophyll content of the Amaranth at different growth stages, which indicates photosynthetic activity relating to the nitrogen concentration of the leaf. The fresh weight of the leafy plant was also measured at harvest (7 WAS). Data collected were computed and analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.4. Means were compared using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). There was no significant difference in poultry manure rates at any of the growth stages measured, and no significant interaction was observed for chlorophyll content. While the yield (fresh weight) shows a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the amaranth varieties, the Hemera variety has significantly more weight than the Black and White varieties, with no significant difference observed due to poultry manure rates. The Hemera variety, with no poultry manure application, can benefit vegetable farmers in the study area.