Effect of Soil Types and Urea on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract

The study was carried out in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Elobeid, Sudan. It aimed to evaluate the effects of soil type and urea application on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under greenhouse conditions. Three soil types were investigated: sand (S), sandy clay (Gardud) (G), and clay (C). Urea was applied at a rate of 207 kg/ha (1N), while an unfertilised treatment (0N) served as the control. The factorial experiment consisted of six treatment combinations (S0N, S1N, G0N, G1N, C0N, and C1N), which were arranged in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The parameters assessed included soil moisture content (MC%), soil bulk density (g/cm³), soil porosity (%), infiltration rate, plant height (cm), leaf area (dm²), stem diameter (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield (kg/plant), and fruit yield (ton/ha). The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the treatments for most characteristics studied. Urea fertiliser produced the highest growth and yield and was associated with enhanced soil properties compared with the other treatments. Gardud soil with 207 kg/ha urea (G1N) produced the highest values for plant height (255 cm), number of leaves per plant (38), leaf area (35.25 dcm2), stem diameter (1.08 cm), and fruit yield (166.30 ton/ha), whereas the lowest corresponding values (175.39 cm, 27, 20.5 dcm2, 0.63 cm, and 83.30 ton/ha, respectively) were recorded in sandy soil without fertiliser (S0N). Based on these results, Gardud soil with urea at 207 kg/ha is recommended for achieving high cucumber growth and yield under the tested greenhouse conditions.