Effect of Organic Manure on Soil Properties and Groundnut Yield in Katsina State

Soil organic matter depletion in the sandy loam soils of the Sudan savanna has reduced groundnut productivity, and organic manure application offers a sustainable strategy for soil fertility restoration accessible to smallholder farmers in Katsina State. This study examined the effect of three poultry manure rates (0, 5, and 10 tonnes per hectare) on selected soil chemical properties and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield in Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State, North West Nigeria. A field experiment was conducted at the Katsina State Agricultural Development Programme demonstration farm during the 2023 rainy season using a randomised complete block design with three replications. SAMNUT 24 variety was used. Soil samples collected before planting and at harvest were analysed for soil pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and total nitrogen. Plant height, number of pods per plant, pod weight, and shelling percentage were measured. Results showed that the 10 tonnes per hectare poultry manure rate significantly improved organic carbon content (from 0.71 percent to 1.34 percent) and available phosphorus (from 8.4 to 14.7 mg kg-1). Groundnut pod yield was highest at 10 t ha-1 manure rate (2.08 tonnes per hectare) compared with the control (1.21 t ha-1). The 5 t ha-1 rate produced yields intermediate between the two (1.72 t ha-1). The study concludes that poultry manure application at 5 to 10 t ha-1 significantly improves both soil fertility and groundnut productivity in Katsina State sandy loam soils.

Keywords: poultry manure, groundnut, soil fertility, grain yield, Katsina State