Enhancing Dry Season Production of Indian Spinach (Basella alba) through Fertigation

Optimum and qualitative production of vegetables in the depleted soils during the dry season are best achieved through irrigation. Two experiments were concurrently conducted in 2010 to determine the effect of irrigated poultry manure on the vegetative growth and nutritional quality of Indian Spinach (Basella alba) in South Western Nigeria. Poultry manure (P) rates at 0 (P0+W), 5 (P1+W), 10 (P2+W), 15 (P3+W) and 20 t ha-1 (P4+W) were each irrigated with 6,000 litres of water per hectare (W) and the plots were arranged on a complete Randomized Block Design with four replications. The plot that had no manure but irrigated with 6,000 liters of water served as control. Compared with control, all the treatments significantly increased Basella height, leaf area (except P1+W), wet leaf weight and dry matter yield. The percentage increases in the leaf area of Basella alba were P1 + W (0.68%), P2 + W (6.48%), P3 + W (10%) and P4 + W (25.95%). Accumulation of crude protein, fat and ash were highest in P3 + W and were respectively 19.47, 4.34 and 13.49%. Crude fiber and dry matter yield were highest in P4 + W with increase of 15.3 and 0.1% respectively. Treatment P1+W had the highest carbohydrate with percentage increase of 18.51%. Compared with control, all the treatments significantly increased soil pH, OM, N, P, K and Ca. Fertigated poultry manure at 20 or 15 t ha-1 most increased basella growth, nutrient contents and soil chemical properties