Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Plant Sciences and Technologies Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 38-44)

ABSTRACT
Soil fertility is the basis for determining how productive a farming system can be. The
presence of poultry manure helps amend the soil and boost its fertility and hence
increasing the soil’s ability to supply nutrients to the crop. The purpose of this study is
to evaluate different application rates of poultry manure (35t/ha, 25t/ha, 15t/ha, 10t/ha
and the control) on the growth performance of Amaranthus cruentus in the Turkish
Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) ecological conditions. The experimental design
employed was a completely randomized block design with five treatments and three
replications. Data collections for the growth parameters such as plant height, number
of leaves, and number of branching were taken at weekly intervals. All other
agronomic practices were carried out. The data were analyzed using SPSS, and the
mean values were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 95%
confidence interval. The results of this study show that all the parameters measured
had an increase in weekly intervals and significant differences were observed among
the poultry manure levels. The plant that was treated with 35t/ha recorded the highest
mean values of 102.6cm, 262.0, 32.0, and 8.8kg per plant for the height of the plant,
leaves number, number of branching, and fresh and dry weight, respectively.
Conversely, the plant treated with 0t/ha (Control) exhibited the least values of the
measured parameters. It was observed that adding more poultry manure to the plant
had affected the growth of the plant positively on all the parameters measured.
Therefore, it was recommended that farmers growing Amaranthus in TRNC ecological
conditions use the 35t/ha treatment to enhance yield.
Keywords: Amaranthus cruentus, Poultry Manure, TRNC Ecological Conditions,
Yield.