Effects of Organic and Inorganic Manures on the Growth and Yield of Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat) in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Wheat is widely cultivated globally, but its production in Nigeria faces challenges like poor soil nutrients, insufficient fertilization, and environmental incompatibility. This study aims to identify the best manure type and wheat variety for improved cultivation by comparing organic manures (cow dung, poultry dropping, rabbit dung) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10) on three wheat varieties. The experiment was conducted at the Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State, from February to May 2024. It involved 15 treatment combinations in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed among varieties and manure types for germination count, plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf length, and spikes per plant. Leaf width and seeds per plant varied significantly with manure type, while seeds per spike and seed weight differed with wheat variety. Borlaug100 showed superior performance in germination, plant height, leaf width, spikes, and seeds per plant. The local variety excelled in leaf number and length, while Rayna 15 had the highest stem girth, seeds per spike, and seed weight. Rabbit manure enhanced wheat growth and yield significantly. Rayna 15 had the highest yield of grains of wheat t/ha which was significantly higher than the other two varieties.  Local variety recorded the lowest yield of grains t/ha while manures used did not record any significant difference, though wheat treated with no manure and cow dung had the highest mean number. This research highlights the effectiveness of rabbit manure for wheat cultivation in Jos Plateau State and identifies Borlaug-100 as a high-performing wheat variety.