RESPONSE OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX (L) Merril) TO VARYING RATES OF POULTRY MANURE AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A field experiments were conducted at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Teaching and Research Farm, Gubi Campus, Bauchi, during the 2023 and 2024 rainy seasons to determine the response of   soybean (Glycine max (L) Merril) to varying rates of poultry manure and phosphorus fertilizer. The experimental treatments comprised of three (3) levels of poultry manure (0, 2.5 and 5.0 t/ha) and four (4) levels of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 13.2, 26.4 and 39.6 kg P/ha). These factors were combined factorially and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, leaf area, number of branches, 100 seed weight and grain yield. All the data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means.  The results showed that, application of poultry manure at 5.0 t/ha significantly (P ≤ 0.05) gave taller plants, higher number of branches, wider leaves, 100 seed weight and grain yield compared to other levels. Similarly, application of 2.5 t/ha of poultry manure significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased leaf area, and 100-seed weight relative to the control. Phosphorus fertilizer application at 26.4 and 39.6 kg P/ha also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) produced higher plant height. However, the application of 39.6 kg P/ha resulted in the highest number of branches. The interaction between 5.0 t/ha of poultry manure and 39.6 kg P/ha of phosphorus yielded the highest grain output. therefore, combine application of poultry manure at 5.0 t/ha and 26.4 kg P/ha of phosphorus is recommended for sustainable soybean production in the study area.