Influence Of SOIL Amendement On SOIL Properties and YIELD Of Eggplant (Solanium melongena) In South Western Nigeria.

Field experiment was conducted during the late cropping season (September – November, 2012) at the Teaching and Research Farm Lagos State Polytechnic to evaluate the impact of goat and pig manures on the soil properties and yield of eggplant (Solanium melongena). The experimental design was Randomized Completely Block Design replicated thrice. The treatments consist of five levels of manure application namely: 5 tons/ha-¹ (1.5kg/plot) goat manure, 10 tons/ha-¹ (3kg/plot) goat manure, 5 tons/ha-¹ (1.5kg/plot) pig manure, 10 tons/ha-¹ (3kg/plot) pig manure and control (no manure application). Data on growth and yield was measured and post-harvest soil physical and chemical analysis was determined. All data collected were analysed using analysis of variance and means separated using Least Significant difference at 5% level. Result indicated that the variable rates of manure significantly influence growth parameters evaluated and  10 tons/ha-¹ pig manure gave significant highest fruit yield of 8.1kg. 10 tons/ha-¹ pig manure and goat manure significantly increased soil pH from 6.25 to 6.95 and 6.90 respectively, an indication of its neutralizing qualities. Goat manure applied at the rate of 5 tons/ha-¹ improved soil organic carbon content from 0.57% to 4.52%. Also percentage total N was increased across all manure levels application compared to pre soil analysis, while the manure application lower the soil available phosphorus. Exchangeable K increased at 5 tons/ha-¹ goat manure 5 and 10 tons/ha-¹ pig manure; Ca increased at 10 tons/ha-¹ of goat manure and Na increased at 10 tons/ha-¹ of both manure application. CEC increased at 10 tons/ha-¹ goat manure (14.33 mol kg^-1 compared to pre-soil analysis (12.29). The use of goat and pig manures is recommended for soil fertility improvement and amendment as it improved the yield of eggplant and soil physiochemical properties thus ensuring increased crop production and food security.

Keywords: amendment, neutralizing qualities, manure application, yield