Storage, Application Rate and Frequency of Poultry Manure determine Variations in Soil Nutrients and Leafy Yield of Fluted Pumpkin

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to determine the impacts of soil parameters for fluted pumpkins on the storage, rate, and frequency of poultry manure (PM) application. Once, twice, thrice, and at every harvest were the application frequency for poultry manure, which was spread at 5, 10, and 15 t∙ha-1. One year of manure storage had an impact on the pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na levels of the soil, as did the rate and frequency of application. Storage of manure reduced organic C and total N but increased the P and K contents. Soil acidity was initially reduced generally from slightly acidic (5.5) to slightly alkaline (6.8) and further reduced (7.9) with second year application, with 15 t.ha-1 PM rate + application thrice or at every harvest. Organic carbon was initially reduced but improved with second year application. Initial soil nitrogen of 0.1% was improved to 0.3% with 15 t.ha-1 PM + application thrice or at every harvest but reduced in the second year to 0.07% with 15 t.ha-1 PM + application at every harvest. Available P was generally improved with manure application. Extractable K was initially improved with 15 t.ha-1 PM + application at every harvest but reduced with 10 t.ha-1 PM application + application twice in the second year. For the production of leafy shoots of Telfairia occidentalis and conservation of soil nitrogen and phosphorus, application of 15 t∙ha-1 PM with manure application at every harvest is recommended.