Influence of poultry manure and biochar on the performance and antioxidant properties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Several works have shown that inorganic fertilizers increase crop yield but are also associated with soil acidity and nutrient imbalance. Organic nutrient sources have been suggested as an alternative to attaining food security and quality, however, the effect of these organic sources on the antioxidant properties of cucumber is scanty. Hence the study sets out to evaluate the effect of organic sources of poultry manure and biochar on the performance and antioxidant properties of cucumber plants. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments replicated three times. The treatments consist of various rates of poultry manure and biochar application as sole and in combinations. Six plants were tagged per treatment for growth parameters and laboratory analysis while the entire plot was used for yield estimation. Data collected included number of leaves. Vine length (cm), vine girth (mm), and number of branches. Yield Parameters included number of days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plot, length of the fruits (cm), fruits diameter (mm), and weight of fruits per plot (kg). Free Radical Scavenging Power of the fruit was also assayed. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA and means were separated using Tukey HSD at probability of 5%. According to the results, 5t/ha poultry litter biochar x 2.5t/ha poultry manure performed best among the treatments for all parameters.