Effects of pig manure on the growth and yield indices of watermelon in Asaba area of Delta State, Nigeria

This study was conducted in the Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus in 2021 to assess the effects of pig manure on growth and yield of watermelon. Five rates of the manure in tonnes per hectares (0.5,10,15 and 20) were applied as per the treatments. It was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Eight parameters were assessed to achieve the research objectives, including initial pre-planting soil analysis, chemical composition of manure used for the study, vine length, number of leaves/plant, number of branches/plant fruit diameter, fruit length and fruit weight of watermelon after harvest. Results indicated that assessed parameters increased as manure level increased. Plants that received 20 tha-1 of manure were outstanding at 4,6 and 8 weeks after sowing with respect to vine length (cm) (48.0, 55.0, 62.2), number of leaves (28.0, 30.4, 42.0), branches/plant (5.4, 6.4, 7.5) respectively. After harvest, plants that received 20tha-1 were also superior with respect to fruit length (58cm), fruit diameter (36cm) and weight (26.4kgha-1). Based on the study, it was recommended that farmers apply 20 tha-1 of manure for increased production of watermelon in Asaba environment. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES