Productivity Reclamation of the Unmanaged Watershed Ecosystem
Publication Date: 15/10/2020
Author(s): Nweke I.A., Nnabude P.C., Ekwealor K.U., Anochie C..
Volume/Issue: Volume 3 , Issue 4 (2020)
Abstract:
Watersheds are naturally productive but most ecologically vulnerable section of the landscape. A field study and pot experiment were conducted under randomized complete block design (RCRD) and complete randomized design (CRD) respectively to evaluate productivity reclamation efficiency of compost, poultry and NPK using okra as test crop. The treatments comprised 0tha-1, 10tha-1, 20tha-1 and 30tha-1 rates of compost and poultry respectively and NPK fertilizer 15: 15:15 at 150kgha-1. These experiments were carried out on a sandy loam typic paleudult in Amawbia Anambra State south east, Nigeria. Data generated from the study were subjected to analysis of variance and significant mean differences were separated using least significant difference (LSD). Result of the study indicated that productivity reclamation of unmanaged watershed with three different rates (10tha-1, 20tha-1, and 30tha-1) of compost and poultry respectively and NPK at 150kgha-1 had great improvement in the fertility status of the unmanaged watershed. With best performance in three rates of poultry manure though with highest in 30tha-1. Compost at the rate of 10tha1 was observed to have no significant increase in plant growth in slope 1 and 2 respectively. However, in slope 3 and 4, compost at the rate of 20tha-1 and 30tha-1 significantly increased the yield values of the number of fruits and fruit length of okra compared with the control. In slope 1 amendment with NPK were found to be non- significant in growth parameter of okra, but in slope 2, 3, and 4 amendment with NPK produced higher productivity of okra in the unmanaged watershed. Watershed deemed suitable for food crop production should be managed by conservation – effective cropping system as management system affect water content and the efficiency of soil – water uptake by plant.
Keywords:
Compost, Degradation, Fertility, Okra, Poultry, Reclamation, NPK, Watershed.
