DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL DOSAGE APPLICATION OF COMPOST TEA FOR ENHANCED GROWTH AND YIELD OF SELECTED ARABLE CROPS

  • H.O Rosulu Crop Production Technology Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
  • T.I. Hassan Agricultural Extension and Management Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos
  • F.O Aminu Agricultural Extension and Management Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos
  • H.A Mohammed Agricultural Extension and Management Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos
  • E.O Balogun Agricultural Extension and Management Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos
  • A.O. Adebanjo Agricultural Extension and Management Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos
  • R.O Martins Vocational Education Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
  • S. Raheem Center for Entrepreneurship Education Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
  • R.O Adeoye Business Administration Department, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Keywords: Annual crops, Compost tea, Dosage, Growth, Yield

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the optimal compost tea dosage for improving growth and yield of selected arable crops. Five treatments were applied biweekly to Celosia, Cucumber, and Potato in a RCBD with three replications. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in growth and yield, with treatment 1 (12.5 L compost tea + 12.5 L water) outperforming other treatments and the control. Highest values were recorded for number of leaves, plant height/vine length, stem girth, leaf biomass, leaf area, yield, and fruit diameter across the crops. Compost tea analysis revealed Ca as the dominant mineral (16.14 mg/kg), moderate N (0.27 mg/kg), and high microbial population (3.7×10⁷ CFU/ml) dominated by Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp. The findings indicate that compost tea is effective, environmentally safe, reduces bulkiness associated with organic fertilizers, and caused no phytotoxic effects on the crops.

Published
2025-12-01
Issue
Vol 20 No 4 (2025): Volume 20, Issue 4, 2025
Section
Articles