Organic soil amendments for fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) production: Evaluating Tithonia diversifolia fresh shoot tea, blend, extract, biochar and ash
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61308/VIXQ4452Keywords:
vine length; pod count; mineral uptake; photosynthetic pigment; proximal content; caloric valueAbstract
Intensive agriculture in tropical rainforest regions often relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, which degrade soil health, create environmental issues, and hinder food security. This study aimed to identify sustainable organic amendments as viable alternatives for fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) cultivation in Nigeria. The research specifically compared the efficacy of inorganic NPK fertilizer, poultry manure (PM), and various preparations of the locally available plant Tithonia diversifolia. The study evaluated seven treatments: NPK, PM, and five T. diversifolia formulations—fresh shoot tea (TFST), blend (TFSB), extract (TFSE), shoot biochar (TSBC), and ash (TAsh). A control group received no amendments. Solid materials were applied in split doses, while liquid formulations were applied regularly between 2 and 8 weeks after sowing. The research assessed soil properties, plant growth metrics, yield components, and the nutritional/mineral content of the resulting vines and seeds. Most treatments, with the exception of the aqueous extract (TFSE), significantly improved all measured parameters compared to the control group. This included enhancements in soil health and all aspects of plant performance and nutritional quality. Crucially, the fresh shoot blend (TFSB) and tea (TFST) demonstrated efficacy comparable to conventional NPK fertilizer and poultry manure. The overall performance trend across treatments was determined to be: TFSB >> TFST >> TSBC >> TAsh >> TFSE. Tithonia diversifolia has significant potential as a sustainable, local organic fertilizer, offering a practical solution to reduce reliance on expensive and environmentally damaging synthetic inputs. This research supports the development of closed-loop farming systems using on-farm biomass, promoting improved food security and sustainable agricultural practices in tropical regions.
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