Growth, Yield and Post-Harvest Response Pattern of Green Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) To Organic And Inorganic Fertilizers In Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria,

Abstract

Four field experiments were carried out during the late and early season at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. A laboratory experiment was also conducted at Simuch Scientifics Laboratory, Nsukka. The experiments evaluated the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield parameters as well as the biochemical composition of green beans and residual effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers using radish as a test crop. Experiment 1 was laid out as a 2x5 factorial (2 seasons- Early and late and 5 manure levels) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the early and late season. The poultry manure applied was at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10t/ha. Experiment 2 was laid out as a 2x5 factorial (2 seasons- Early and late and 5 manure levels) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the early and late season using pig manure. The pig manure was applied at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10tons/ ha, treatment rates respectively. Experiment 3 was laid out as experiment 1 and 2, also a 2x5 factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the early and late season. The combined manure applied was at 0, 2.5t/ha of poultry manure+ 50kg/ha NPK, 2.5t/ha of pig manure+ 50kg/ha NPK, 50kg/ha NPK and 100kg/ha NPK, respectively. Data collected included: Seedling emergence, plant height, number of leaves, plant biomass at flowering (Fresh and dry weight), plant biomass at full bloom podding (fresh and dry weight), number of pods, weight of pods and harvest index. The report of soil analysis indicated that the soil in the experimental area was low in N resulting in low green beans yield. However, the result showed that the combined manure in the late season gave the highest seedling emergence with 94.7% followed by the pig manure in the early season with 93.6% both at 8 days after planting, while green beans planted with 5t/ha of poultry manure significantly (p<0.05) produced higher growth and yields in the late and early season, respectively as compared with the pig and combined manure. The control plots (0t/ha) had the least effect on any of the parameters both at the early and late season. Experiment 4 was the biochemical analysis of the green beans pods. A total of 90 samples were selected and analyzed. The result showed no significant (p>0.05) differences among the treatment rates but nitrogen, phosphorus, protein and carbohydrate were higher in the poultry manure experiment while the ash content was higher in the pig manure experiment. Fat and flavonoids increased in percent as the manure level increased. Experiment 5 was to evaluate the residual effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers previously applied on green beans using radish as a test crop. The result showed that although there was no significant difference on the seedling emergence percent and yield from harvest parameters taken for the poultry and pig manure, the combined manure treatment was significant(p<0.05), producing a higher number of roots, whole plant biomass and leaf weight. The post harvest experiment conducted showed that radish planted with poultry manure showed a lesser percent weight loss in perforated polythene bags and stored for a longer period compared to the other fertilizers used. From the results of the experiments, it can be concluded that green beans requires adequate fertilization and for its production, 5t/ha of poultry manure is recommended due to its high growth and yield responses under good soil and fertility management practices for vegetable farmers in Nsukka agro-ecology as compared to the other treatment rates.