Nutrient optimization for cucumber production using different fertilizer sources

Isiaka Kareem1, Gbadebo Olaoye, Hakeem Abiodun Kuranga, Saliu Adeyemi Kareem, Abdulmaliq S. Y., Adekola O. F., Abdulkareem K. A., Olayinka B. U., Ayinla A., Alasinrin Sikiru Yusuf, Usman Magaji, Lawal M. T.

Abstract: Determination of optimum amount of different fertilizer types for optimum growth and yield of cucumber is highly germane to avoid toxicity or malnutrition which will result in less expression of the real potential of the crop. This research was, therefore, conducted to determine the optimum rate of organic, inorganic and organo-mineral fertilizers for optimum growth and yield of cucumber. Five levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t/ha) of organic (poultry manure) fertilizer, five levels (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/hectare) of inorganic (NPK 15:15:15) fertilizer and five levels (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 t/ha) of organo-mineral fertilizers were tested. Each of the fertilizer types was tested in separate experiments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data were collected on vine length, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, leaf area, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, individual fruit mass and dry matter per plant. The results showed that there was linearity in the increment of all the parameters used as the amount of each fertilizer type increased. So, the highest values for all the parameters tested were from 400 kg NPK/ha in inorganic fertilizer, 20 t/ha in organic (poultry manure) fertilizer and 4 t/ha in organo-mineral fertilizer. Therefore, the use of 400 kg NPK/ha fertilizer, 20 t/ha poultry manure and 4 t/ha in organo-mineral fertilizer is recommended for optimum cucumber production in Ilorin, a location southern guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria and places with similar edaphic and climatic conditions.

Keywords: Cucumber; fertilizer sources; growth and yield; nutrient optimization

Date published: 2020-09-04