Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

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