Effects of bio-slurry and farm yard manure on soil amelioration and chinese cabbage (Brassica Rapa Var. Chinensis) yields in Njombe region, Tanzania

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIA.The study was carried out to assess the effects of bio- slurry and farm yard manure on soil amelioration and yields of Chinese cabbage in Nyumbanitu and Itulike villages in Njombe Tanzania. Chinese cabbage is a very important crop for human nutrition as a source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. However, soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies limit Chinese cabbage production in many tropical soils. The overall objective was to quantify the effects of bio- slurry and farm yard manure on soil amelioration and yields of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). A randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiment with 10 treatments and three replications was laid in a field. Liquid bio-slurry, Composted bio-slurry, Farmyard manure and Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) were applied at planting in a hole. Chinese cabbage seeds were sown at a spacing of 30 cm x 30 cm in plots of 3 m × 1.5 m. Manures were characterized for their nutrient contents. Results showed that soil pH at Nyumbanitu and Itulike changed from medium acidic to slightly acidic after the addition of bio-slurry and manure. On the other hand, soils in all plots which received manures plus DAP had significant increase in NPK. Organic fertilizers are very effective in increasing soil nutrients availability. A combination of composted bio-slurry, farmyard manure and DAP gave a higher value of organic matter as compared to other treatments. DAP, manures and their combination increased Chinese cabbage fresh weight of leaves from 44.3 to 83.3 g/plant significantly at P≤0.05 according to Duncan Multiple Range Test. There was a significant increase in fresh weight of Chinese cabbage among treatments throughout the ten weeks at Nyumbanitu village which was also the case for Itulike village. Therefore, integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is necessary for soil fertility improvement and sustainable crop production