Effects of Nutrient Sources on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) and on Soil Properties in Ikorodu Agro-Ecological Zone.

Abstract Deficiency of the tropical soils in nutrients constitutes one of the main factors limiting crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa. An experiment laid out in randomized complete block design replicated four times was conducted to evaluate the comparative effects of different organic manure in the recapitalization of soil fertility to improve cucumber cultivation in Ikorodu agro-ecological zone of Lagos State. The treatments consisted of 20 tons/ha-1 cow manure, goat manure, pig manure poultry manure and control. The parameters evaluated were: number of leaves, plant height, vine height at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP), number of days to 50% flowering, number of harvested fruits, fruit circumference and weight of harvested fruits. Results obtained shows that application of poultry manure amended plots significantly influenced growth parameters and yield attributes of cucumber. Soil physico-chemical at the experimental site was greatly improved with the application of various organic manure. Organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn levels were progressively increased with application organic manures, while pH level was slightly increased. Keywords: agro-ecological, attributes, organic manures, parameter, progressively