Growth and Yield Performance of Amaranthus cruentus Influenced by Planting Density and Poultry Manure Application

Field trials were conducted in 2007 and 2008 to determine the influence of planting density and poultry manure application on the growth and yield of Amaranthus cruentus (Linnaeus). This study was conducted at the teaching and research farms of Benson Idahosa University, Benin City using two planting densities (111111 and 62500 plants per hectare) and three levels of poultry manure (0.0, 6.0 and 12.0 t ha-1) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results showed that planting density and poultry manure significantly (P = 0.05) affected the number of leaves, leaf area index, total dry matter and the crop growth rate positively in favour of increasing planting density and poultry manure application rate leading to higher herbage yield. The results showed that the combination of 62500 plants per hectare and application of poultry manure of 12 t ha-1 provided the highest yield (15.74 t ha-1).