Effects of Compost Tea Application on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus L) in Wukari, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effects of compost tea application on the soil properties, growth and yield of amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus L) in Wukari, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria. The experimental variables include compost tea of 10 liters water/1 kg compost, compost tea of 20 liters water/1 kg compost, and compost tea of 30 liters waters/1 kg compost, 120 kgN/ha of urea fertilizer and no treatment. The treatment combinations were done in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated trice on a land area of about 150m2 (0.015 ha) consisting of 15 plots measuring 4 m by 2 m each. The prepared compost tea had the chemical constituent in adequate quantities except for total nitrogen and the micronutrients determined. Compost tea had significant effect on most of the parameters considered. Application of the extract resulted to increase in total nitrogen, organic carbon, exchangeable magnesium and exchangeable sodium. The growth parameters; plant height and stem girth increased significantly with the application of 2.5 t/ha of compost soaked in 10 liters of waters which gave the highest yield of Amaranthus caudatus when weighed. Although the compost tea extract was effective to some extent, fortification with organic additives that will add the missing micronutrient and inorganic additives is recommended.