Application of chicken manure compost and the amount of water on Sorghum yield and improvement of sub-optimal soil properties

Abstract

Purpose: Sorghum is relatively tolerant of being planted on suboptimal and relatively dry soil. Still, it requires sufficient water and effort to improve soil properties for optimal growth and yield. Therefore, we studied the effect of providing several doses of chicken manure (CM) combined with the amount and frequency of water application on the growth and yield of sorghum and on improving soil fertility. Method: Four levels of CM (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 t ha-1), three levels amount of water (160, 210, and 260 mm per phase), and watering frequency (3, 5, and 7 times) arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Observations were made on sorghum growth and yield, as well as soil properties. Results: The combination of 2.5 t ha-1 of chicken manure and 210 mm of water is sufficient to increase sorghum growth (plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, and chlorophyll count), increase straw dry weight by 30% and grain yield by 33% compared to control. However, the application of chicken manure up to 10 t ha-1 increases pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), P-available, and the total number of microbes P solvents in the soil. Conclusion: Providing 2.5 t ha-1 of chicken manure and a total of 210 mm of water with a frequency of 5-7 times increased sorghum growth and yield compared to the control. Providing chicken manure up to a dose of 10 t ha-1 had a positive effect on improving the observed soil properties.

Keywords

• Chicken manure
• Soil properties
• Sorghum
• Watering