Effects of Organic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Different Cassava Varieties in Obio Akpa, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cassava is a staple crop and the primary source of dietary energy for many people in Africa. Beyond its nutritional role, cassava is strategically important for food security, poverty reduction, and economic development, serving as raw material for agro-industries and holding significant export potential. The field experiment was conducted at Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, to assess the effects of organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of different cassava varieties in obio akpa. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The experiment was laid out 4x5 factorial. Factor A comprised four cassava varieties: Sunshine, Ayaya, Fine Face, and the local variety Obubit okpo while factor B were five different organic soil amendments: Empty Palm Fruit Bunch Ash (EPFBA), Composted Market Refuse (CMR), Goat Manure, and a control (no soil amendment). Data were collected on growth and yield parameters. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine statistical significance. The means of significant differences among the treatments were further analyzed using the least significant difference (LSD) test at a 5 % probability level. Result showed that Fine Face and Ayaya had significant leaf area; 255.81 and 241.41 cm2 at 8 MAP, respectively while the least;202.45 cm2 was recorded in Obubit okpo. Fine face variety produced significant storage root yield;33.91t/ha followed by Ayaya; 28.66 t/h while the least was recorded in obubit okpo. 20.53. Among the organic fertilizers, the application of goat manure produced significant storage root yield; 35.18 t/ha, followed by 32.36 t/ha and 28.50 t/ha recorded in Composted Market Refuse (CMR) and Empty Fruit Bunch Ash (EFBA), respectively. The least storage root yield;11.93 t/ha was recorded in the control treatment. The recommended that farmers in Obio Akpa should plant Fine face and apply goat manure for high storage root yield.