Effect of foliar application of cow dung extract on growth and yield of waterleaf (Talinum triangulare Jacq.) in an ultisol

Abstract

The research was conducted at the Umuowa Ibu 1 community via National Horticultural Research Institute, Mbato, Okigwe Imo State, Nigeria, where waterleaf production and consumption is predominant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of cow dung extract on the performance of water leaf. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were four levels of cow dung extract (3.75, 7.50, 11.25, and 15.00 L/ha) and three controls (5t/ha cow dung, 200kg/ha NPK fertilizer, and no soil amendment). Growth and yield data were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant means were compared with the least significant difference at 5%. The result showed a significant increase in waterleaf growth and yield parameters, with an increase in extract application. The foliar yield obtained from the 11.25 L/ha treatment (13.92 and 14.50 t/ha) and 15L/ha (14.46 and 14.75 t/ha) were not significantly different. The lowest foliar yields, 4.31 and 4.26 t/ha, were recorded in no soil amendment. Treatment of 15 L/ha had a significant foliar yield of 3-70% and 1-71% in 2021 and 2022. The result showed liquid manure had lower nutrient content than solid cow dung. In order to reduce frequent application due to its low nutrient content, this study suggests an alternative method of extraction instead of water. Therefore, applying 11.25L/ha to waterleaf was recommended in the interim.