1.1 Introduction
Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) is an important leaf and seed vegetable indigenous to Southern Nigeria and grown in the forest zone of West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone being the major producers). It probably originated in south east Nigeria and distributed by Igbos who have been cultivating this crop since time immemorial (Shippers, 2000). In Africa indigenous vegetables remain popular in rural areas where they are often considered to be more nutritive than exotic vegetables (Horsfall and Spiff, 2005). Fluted pumpkin is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae and is a leafy green vegetable that has been widely accepted as a dietary constituent more popular in the south eastern states of Nigeria (Akwaowo et al., 2000). Despite the nutritive values obtainable from fluted pumpkin, it is a common observation that the demands far exceed the supply of fluted pumpkin as a vegetable crop resulting in scarcity which increases cost.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Zang and Fang (2007) observed that combined application of inorganic and organic manure can correct nutrient deficits associated with application of either of the sources alone. Makinde et al. (2001) found significant increase in melon yield with combined application of inorganic and organic fertilizers. Stephen (2010) discovered high yield of fluted pumpkin with the use of organic manure in combination with inorganic fertilizer.
Huang and Lin (2001) obtained enhanced soil fertility status when inorganic fertilizer was applied in combination with organic manure. Recommended fertilizer rates of 250 kg/ha of NPK was used to raise Telfairia occidentalis (Grubben et al., 2004) while the general poultry recommendation most leafy vegetables 110 kg N, 90 kg P2O5 and 90 kg K2O is 10 tonnes per hectare (Grubben et al., 2004).
Therefore, in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Manure on the Yield of Pumpkin.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the existing research work which entails that, low soil fertility has been recognized as one of the major production constraints affecting agriculture in the sub- Saharan Africa (Aderi et al., 2011). Production of Telfaria are predominantly done by poor resource based farmers (Spore, 2005) while the shortage and high cost of inorganic fertilizers have limited their use for crop production among the peasant farmers in Nigeria (Tanimu et al., 2007). There is therefore, the tendency for increased dependence on the use of organic waste such as farmyard manure, crop residues and poultry droppings for crop production. Poultry droppings have been adjudged to be the most valuable of all manures produced by livestock (Omisore et al., 2009).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Manure on the Yield of Pumpkin. In achieving this aim, the following objectives were set out as follows:
- To determine the effect of organic and inorganic manures on the growth and yield of fluted pumpkin in Abakaliki
- To determine the best combination of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer that will give optimum yield of Telfairia occidentalis.
1.5 Justification of Study
The use of animal wastes such as poultry litter, pig dungs, goat droppings etc are important not only for reducing pollution and environmental hazards such as leaching but also for its importance in improving fluted pumpkin yield and reducing inorganic fertilizer use. The main bulk of fluted pumpkin vegetative and fruit production in Nigeria are in the hands of small-scale farmers. Apart from their limited resource, they have little knowledge about the proper use of inorganic fertilizers. Again, fertilizer is scarce and costly and requires a judicious and skillful use. Apart from these, there is recent awareness being created for greater need and demand for organically produced food crops especially vegetables.
Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or related topics.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Manure on the Yield of Pumpkin in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The study uses Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) as a focus point.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Proximate: Proximate is used in the analysis of biological materials as a decomposition of a human-consumable good into its major constituents.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of breaking down a something into its parts to learn what they do and how they relate to one another.
Value: Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help us to determine what is important to us.
Nutrition: Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life.
