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EFFECT OF ORGANIC HOME-MADE LIQUID FERTILIZER ON PLANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF OKRA PLANT (Abelmoschus esculentus)

ABSTRACT

The introduction and extended use of chemical fertilizers has been a determinant factor in the development of modern intensive agriculture. However, in recent years, interest has grown in agriculture in the possibility of recycling organic residues and wastes derived from a variety of human activities. This study is an experimental research undertaken to determine the Effect of Organic Home-made Liquid Fertilizer on Plant Growth and Development: A case study of Okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus). In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows: to determine the general pre-planting physicochemical characteristics of the soil for growing of Okra plant, to determine the growth rate of Okra plant using organic home-made liquid fertilizer made from cow dung, compost manure and prepared dried leaves of leguminous plants (soyabeans leaf, tamarind leaf and moringa leaf) and to determine the biochemical concentration of nutrients present in organic liquid fertilizer. In the analysis of the physicochemical properties of the soil at the experimental site, it was revealed that the soil has sandy loam texture with the pH of (pH 7.43 and 7.50) making it lightly alkaline. The result of the biochemical concentration of nutrients shows the differences in concentration of the three sources of organic home-made liquid fertilizer as thus; Harnessed leaves of soyabeans, tamarind and moringa = (pH=7.50, Phosporus=0.18, Carbon = 6.50, Calcium=1.20, Magnesium=3.20, Nitrogen=0.201 and Pottasium=0.14), Cow dung= (pH=7.50, Phosporus=0.22, Carbon = 6.80, Calcium=1.00, Magnesium=2.00, Nitrogen=0.35 and Pottasium=0.25) and Compost=(pH=7.50, Phosporus=0.48, Carbon = 7.00, Calcium=1.45, Magnesium=2.70, Nitrogen=0.80 and Pottasium=0.65). The data collected in the field were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), using SPSS version 23. The result in respect to growth performance of Okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) shows that Plant height and leaf was significantly (P<0.05) affected by different sources of organic home-made liquid fertilizer. The plant height for the different sources of organic manure applied were statistically different (P<0.05). Values for harnessed leaves of moringa, tamarind and soybeans and cow dung manure were statistically at par in the experiment. Okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) grown on compost were significantly (P<0.05) taller than harnessed leaves of moringa, tamarind and soybeans and cow dung manure. As the compost manure was made up of different materials such as (water, leaves of different varieties of plants, particles of chicken droppings and goat droppings) making it highly compatible in growth performace of the plant compare to the other sources of liquid fertilizer. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that liquid organic fertilizers can be successfully used as a substitute of mineral fertilizers in Okra plants (Abelmoschus esculentus) nutrient management under drip irrigation, since they enhance soil chemical fertility, prevent excessive nitrate-N concentration, promote plant growth and C fixation in the plant. The study recommends among others that, Federal government through agricultural extension workers should present famers with contemporary trends on organic nutrients amendment to support and improve soil fertility and sustainability by improving biological activity, nutrient mineralization and immobilization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study     –           –           –           –           –           –           1

1.2       Statement of the Problem     –           –           –           –           –           –           5

1.3       Purpose of the Study –           –           –           –           –           –           –           6

1.4       Research Questions –           –           –           –           –           –           –           7

1.5       Research Hypotheses            –           –           –           –           –           –           7

1.6       Significance of the study      –           –           –           –           –           –           7

1.7       Scope and Delimitation of the Study           –           –           –           –           8

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms     –           –           –           –           –           8

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1       Materials and Equipment    –           –           –           –           –           –           24

3.2       Study Area     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           24

3.2.1    Planting Location      –           –           –           –           –           –           –           26

3.3       METHODS    –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           27

3.3.1    Sample Collection     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           27

3.2.2  Processes of home-made organic liquid fertilizer preparation    –           28

3.2.3    General Processes of Organic Fertilizer Preparation       –           –           29

3.2.4    Planting Location, Treatment and Maintenance              –           –           30

3.4       DATA ANALYSIS               –           –           –           –           –           –           31

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.0       Introduction   –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           32

4.1       Data presentation      –           –           –           –           –           –           –           32

4.2       Results            –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           46

4.3       Data analysis  –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           52

4.4       Discussion      –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           53

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION, LIMITATION AND SUGGESTION FOR FURTHER STUDY

5.1       Summary of Findings           –           –           –           –           –           –           57

5.2       Conclusion     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           58

5.3       Recommendation      –           –           –           –           –           –           –           59

5.4       Limitations of the study                   –           –           –           –           –           59

• Suggestion for Further Study          –           –           –           –           –           60

            REFERENCE           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           61

            APPENDIX I –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           66

            APPENDIX II           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           67

LIST OF TABLES

Table              Title                                                                                                    Page

1                      Sizes of the ridges      –           –           –           –           –           –           33

2                      Analysis of the soil properties and nutrient profile –       –           46

3                      Data collected after application of fertlizer for

each of the two ridges with four okra plant growing

from the pot   –           –           –           –           –           –           –           47

4                      Average readings from the data collected above   –           –           48

5                      Summary of One-way ANOVA results for

Okra plant height      –           –           –           –           –           –           52

6                      Summary of One-way ANOVA results for

Okra plant leaves      –           –           –           –           –           –           52

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure             Title                                                                                                    Page

1                      Map showing the study Area           –           –           –           –           26

2                      Planting site   –           –           –           –           –           –           –           27

3                      Bar chart showing okra plant growth rate of two weeks  –           50

4                      Bar chart showing okra plant growth rate of four weeks-           50

5                      Bar chart showing okra plant growth rate of six weeks   –           51

LIST OF PLATES

Plate               Title                                                                                                    Page

1                      Preparation of Ridges for planting –           –           –           –           34

2                      Measuring of planting spacing        –           –           –           –           35       

3                      Weeding after planting (1-7 days)   –           –           –           –           36

4                      Samples of Organic home-made liquid

fertilizers to be apply            –           –           –           –           –           37

4a                    Organic home-made liquid fertilizer made from leaves of leguminous plants (soyabeans leaf, tamarind leaf and moringa leaf)         –           37

4b                    Organic home-made liquid fertilizer

made from cow dung            –           –           –           –           –           38       

4c                    Organic home-made liquid fertilizer made of compost    –           39

5                      Growth process of okra plant after fertilizer

application 1-14 days (two weeks)   –           –           –           –           40

5a                    Growth process under blended plants leaves         –           –           40

5b                    Growth process under cow dung    –           –           –           –           40

5c                    Growth process under compost       –           –           –           –           40

6                      Growth process of Okra plant 14-28 days

(4 weeks) after planting        –           –           –           –           –           41

6a                    Growth process under blended plants leaves         –           –           41

6b                    Growth process under cow dung    –           –           –           –           41

6c                    Growth process under compost       –           –           –           –           41

7                      Growth process of Okra plant 28-42 days

(6 weeks) after planting        –           –           –           –           –           42

7a                    Growth process under blended plants leaves         –           –           42

7b                    Growth process under cow dung    –           –           –           –           43

7c                    Growth process under compost       –           –           –           –           44

8                      General growth process of okra plant after six weeks      –           45

8a                    General ridges view  –           –           –           –           –           –           45

8b                    Single ridge view       –           –           –           –           –           –           45

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Land on agricultural land, generally contains nutrients needed by plants. Nutrients are chemical compounds that support the survival of plants. These elements will be reduced because it is used by plants in the process of growth and productivity. As a result, the farmers made several efforts to restore the abundance of elements in the soil, one of which was fertilization. The use of high artificial / inorganic fertilizers creates a variety of negative impacts, both environmental and soil conditions (biological and chemical aspects). The selection of inorganic fertilizers is now considered to be less effective in restoring soil nutrients because it can damage soil conditions, especially if its use does not meet the standard of use (Irsal, 2006).

Utilization of organic waste from composes manure, cow dung, and leguminous plants (for examples; soyabeans leaf, beans leaf, tamarind leaf and moringa leaf) are considered an alternative in fulfilling nutrients for plants. According to Sinaga (2009) organic waste is easily decomposed by microoganism in nature so that the impact is far safer compared to inorganic fertilizers. In other words, the risk of pollution and environmental damage is relatively small when using organic waste as a base material. The basic ingredients can come from plants and animals. Part of the material that is commonly used is the remnants that are no longer used, for example vegetable scraps, hay and livestock manure. Chicken manure, cow dung and sheep manure are organic wastes that are widely used by farmers and farmers because they are easily processed and served on agricultural and fishery land (Yulipriyanto, 2000).

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is one of the most important vegetable grown in Nigeria. It is an annual crop grown mainly as fruits and leafy vegetables in both green and dried state in the tropics (Gibbon and Pain, 1985). The crop is used as soup thickener which may also be served with rice and other food types. The fresh fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals and plant protein (Eke et al., 2008). Rehn and Espig (1991) stated that okra contain about 20% edible oil and protein, while its mucilage is utilized for medicinal purposes. The mature stem contains crude fibre which is used in paper industries and for making ropes. Okra’s flower can be very attractive and sometimes used in decorating the room (Schippers, 2000).

Okra is cultivated under rainfed and in irrigated areas on a wide range of soils. The production is seriously affected by the use of local varieties (low yielding), sub-optimal and inappropriate manure doses. The use of inorganic fertilizer has not been helpful under intensive agriculture because it is often associated with reduced crop yield, soil acidity and nutrients imbalance (Kang and Juo, 1980, Obi and Ebo, 1995, Ojeniyi, 2000). Furthermore, the extent to which farmers can depend on this input is constrained by unavailability of the right type of inorganic fertilizers at the right time, high cost, lack of technical know-how and lack of access to credit (Chude, 1999). This has encouraged scientists towards making use of organic materials (both organic manures as well as organic wastes) for improving the physical properties of soils that allow profitable crop production (Somani and Totawat, 1996). Currently, the utilization of these organic materials in soil fertility management in Africa is not encouraging when compared with the countries in Asia (Agboola and Omueti, 2008). According to Ojeniyi (2000), published works on the liquid organic manure use in Nigeria is rather scanty. The need to use renewable forms of energy and reduce costs of fertilizing crops has revived the use of organic home-made liquid fertilizers worldwide.

Fertilization is one of the determining factors in an effort to improve crop yields. The use of fertilizer as recommended is expected to provide profitable harvest. Thus, the expected impact of fertilization does not only increase yield per unit area but also efficiency and effectiveness. This  is because the use of fertilizer at the farm level is quite high that it can cause problems, especially deficiencies in micro nutrients, soil compaction, and environmental pollution (Purwanti, 2017). The growth of plants is strongly influenced by the availability of nutrients in the soil and fertilizer application. Nutrient uptake is limited by low nutrients. Thus, low nutrient control the process of plant growth. To achieve optimal growth, all nutrients must be balanced; meaning nutrient should not be a limiting factor.

Cow dung manure been one of the materials used in composting nutrients into liquid fertilizer is very abundant and more dominant is not utilized. According to Yulippriyanto (2000), macromolecules contained in cow dung manure waste in the form of cellulose, lignin, fat, protein, and sugar in abundant amounts. This is why cow dung has the potential to be processed into fertilizer to restore nutrients to the soil. Dung is one example of cow dung manure. The fertilizer is considered capable of providing a direct effect on the growth of plants with a certain dose. Direct administration in the form of solids on the ground is a very practical way of applying. Such methods are widely used by farmers to utilize organic chicken manure (Wahida et al., 2011). A number of microorganisms can do this composting, such as Biosca and Trichoderma harzianum mushrooms. Biosca is a decomposer liquid containing many microorganisms that play a role in breaking down or decomposing organic waste to become fertilizer. Indriani (2004) reported that these microorganisms consist of lignolytic, cellulolytic, pretiolytic, lipolytic, aminolytic, and non-symbiotic nitrogen fixers. A study conducted by Rilawati (2009) using Biosca was able to convert leachate wastewater (liquid piles of organic matter) into liquid organic fertilizer with a fairly good nutrient content for plants.

Marlinda (2015) explained that liquid organic fertilizer is more easily absorbed by plants and in the form of concentrate so it is more economical because it can be diluted. These fertilizers can be made in a short time. Liquid organic fertilizers produced from agricultural residues and industrial wastes are becoming increasingly popular. These fertilizers are produced by simple fermentation processes using organic wastes as carbon substrates. Liquid organic fertilizers consist of essential plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, which recycle organic matter. Microorganisms have an important role on the degradation of substrates in the fermentation process. At the end of the fermentation process, phytohormones such as auxin and cytokinin, organic acids and plant growth promoters are present in the liquid organic fertilizers (Marlinda, 2015). Molasses and distillery slop are carbon rich wastes from agro-industry factories.

According to Estu, Rahayu., dan Berlian, and Nu,  (2007), there are several factors that cause low crop production specifically, okra production, including low soil fertility, limited availability of water, use of non-uniform and low-quality seeds, limited farmers’ knowledge of okra cultivation and improper fertilization techniques. Furthermore, Rizqiani, , Ambarwati, and Yuwono, (2007), state that nutrient availability for plants is provided by adding nutrients through fertilizer application, either through soil or through leaves. Availability of nutrients in sufficient and balanced soil is one of the keys to the successful cultivation of okra. Provision of liquid organic fertilizer into the soil not only plays a role in increasing crop production but also in the soil by supplying organic matter and nitrogen in the soil and improving soil physical properties (Setiyowati. 2002).

It is upon this background that the researcher deems it fit to determine the effect of organic home-made liquid fertilizer on plant growth and development.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Over the years, the introduction and extended use of chemical fertilizers has been a determinant factor in the development of modern intensive agriculture. However, in recent years, interest has grown in agriculture in the possibility of recycling organic residues and wastes derived from a variety of human activities to form a non-toxic liquid fertilizer which is absolutely necessary to improve soil fertility and crop production.

There exists many wastes materials from food sources, animal sources as well as plants sources which could be regarded as pure streams of waste and they constitute a major burden to the environment such as odour emanation, vermin attraction, toxic gas emission, groundwater contamination, high energy content and to achieve dual benefits of energy production and waste stabilization (Sun-Kee et al, 2004). These wastes are commonly generated in homes, institutions, farms and off-course must be removed to provide a clean and healthy environment.

Lack of awareness by the masses specifically, those inexperience agriculturists who are not aware and lack creative skills in harnessing those waste materials that cause nuisance to the environment into a significant nutrients which in return will serve the purpose of increasing soil fertility thereby playing a significant role in food security necessitated this study which is to find out the effect of organic home-made liquid fertilizer on plant growth and development. The study hereby called to answer the following questions; What is the significant difference between chemical fertilizers and home-made liquid fertilizer on plant growth? To what extent does plants root absorb liquid fertilizer faster than organic chemical fertilizers?

1.3       Purpose of the Study

The general objective of this study is to determine the Effect of Organic Home-made Liquid Fertilizer on Plant Growth and Development: A study of Okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus). Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. To determine the general pre-planting physicochemical characteristics of the soil for growing of Okra plant.
2. To determine the growth rate of Okra plant using organic home-made liquid fertilizer made from cow dung, compost manure and prepared dried leaves of leguminous plants (soyabeans leaf, tamarind leaf and moringa leaf).
3. To determine the biochemical concentration of nutrients present in organic liquid fertilizer.

1.4       Research Questions

The following research questions guided the conduct of this study;

1. What are the general pre-planting physicochemical characteristics of the soil for growing of Okra plant?
2. To what extent does the use of organic home-made liquid fertilizer made from cow dung, compost manure and prepared dried leaves of leguminous plants affects the growth rate of Okra plant?
3. What is the biochemical concentration of nutrients present in organic liquid fertilizer?

1.5       Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses guided this study:

Ho:      There is no significant effect between organic home-made liquid fertilizers made from cow dung, composed manure and prepared dried leaves of leguminous plants on the growth rate of Okra plant.

H₁:      There is a significant effect between organic home-made liquid fertilizers made from cow dung, compost manure and prepared dried leaves of leguminous plants on the growth rate of Okra plant.

1.6       Significance of the study

The present study could enrich agricultural practitioners’ sphere of knowledge concerning the phenomenon of recycling waste materials from food sources, animal sources as well as plants sources. It will also help the farmers to understand how to produce liquid home-made organic fertilizers from their homes that can be easily used to increase soil fertility and crop production. To the government and other policy makers the study findings will provide information on how to create awareness to the farmers on utilizing wastes materials from within the environment in the production of organic liquid fertilizer and also providing them with funds to purchased equipment needed in the production process which will significantly increase soil yield and crop production in tackling food insecurity. Researchers could also take advantage of this study by using it as a reference for further investigation on other educational contexts.

1.7       Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This project work is designed to find out the Effect of Organic Home-made Liquid Fertilizer on Plant Growth and Development: A study of Okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus).

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms

Terms that are related to the study are defined below in order to remove somatic ambiguity in their usage.

Effect: It refers to a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

Organic Home-made Liquid Fertilizer:  Organic home-made liquid fertilizer is derived from naturally existing products such as plants and animal manure. In this study, it refers to waste from animals such as cow dung, compose manure and leaves of leguminous plants used to make liquid organic fertilizer that provides much-needed nutrition to plants and soil as well.

Plant Growth: It refers to as the increasing of plant volume and/or mass with or without formation of new structures such as organs, tissues, cells or cell organelles. In this study, it refers to effective use of plants and animal manure which results to thickness of plant stems and roots lengthen.

Plant Development: It implies the formation of a complete embryo from a zygote; seed germination; the elaboration of a mature vegetative plant from the embryo; the formation of flowers, fruits, and seeds; and many of the plant’s responses to its environment. In this study, it refers to structural changes of the buds, shoots, roots, leaves, and flowers of plants.

Okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus): It refers to a tall annual herb of the mallow family that is cultivated for its mucilaginous green pods used especially in soups or stews. In this study, it refers to the plant under study which is edible fruit grown from effective use of organic home-made liquid fertilizer.