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EFFECTS OF OIL PALM BUNCH ASH ON THE GROWTH AND
YIELD OF FRENCH BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE,
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND
NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
AGRICULTURE
BY
FELIX KING MENSAH
JUNE, 2013
2
DECLARATION
I declare that this thesis submitted by me for BSc. degree in Agriculture at the Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, is my own independent
work. References to other peoples work have been duly acknowledged and the work has not
been presented elsewhere for any degree.
FELIX KING MENSAH------------------------------ ------------------------------
STUDENT Signature DATE
Dr. BEN K. BANFUL --------------------------------- ------------------------------
SUPERVISOR Signature DATE
Dr. BEN K. BANFUL --------------------------------- -----------------------------
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT Signature DATE
3
DEDICATION
This thesis is dedicated to my dad, Mr Bright Mensah and my mom, Mrs Mary Mensah.
Their effort throughout my life has been out of this world.
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to my supervisor and Senior Lecturer
Dr. Ben K. Banful, for his continuous guidance, supervision, support and patience and who
allowed me to work independently during my research. He was very much helpful in creating
the independence and research mentality in me through the research.
I express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Shalom Ado-Danso of Forest Research Institute in
Kumasi for his numerous assistance and help in solving the problems of literature concerning
the treatments used for the research.
I also wish thank the entire staff of the Department of Horticulture for their motivation and
support.
I am grateful to my family and friends for their continuous prayers and encouragement during
my studies. Finally, many thanks to all those who assisted me during the entire process, from
the research to thesis development.
5
ABSTRACT
A field experiment entitled “Effects of poultry manure and oil palm bunch ash on the growth
and yield of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)” was carried out during December to
February, 2012, at the Research fields of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology, Kumasi. The soil texture of the experimental site was clay and was low in
available nitrogen ( kg ha-1) and phosphorus ( kg ha-1) and high in available potassium ( kg
ha1). There were three treatments; oil palm bunch ash, poultry manure and an absolute
control (NPK 15:15:15) and the experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications.
Yield of French beans was insignificant with respect to the treatments imposed and recorded
597.32 kg ha-1
with poultry manure, palm bunch ash, 681.62 kg ha-1
and NPK, 477.82 kg ha-1
but were insignificant.
Total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium uptake increased with the crop’s
growth.
It can be concluded that French beans production as well as other crops can be cultivated
using these organic wastes as fertiliser substitutes and soil amendments to cut down cost of
production as well as increasing yield.
6
Table of Content CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................................... 12
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 12
CHAPTER TWO .................................................................................................................................. 16
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ........................................................................................................... 16
2.1 EFFECTS OF FERTILISERS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF FRENCH BEANS ........... 16
2.1.1 Studies on French beans ........................................................................................................... 17
2.1.1.1 Effects of NPK on growth parameters .................................................................................. 17
2.1.1.3 Effects of oil palm bunch ash on growth and yield parameters ............................................ 21
2.1.1.4 Effects of poultry manure on growth and yield parameters .................................................. 22
CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................... 23
MATERIALS AND METHODS ...................................................................................................... 23
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE ............................................................................................................ 23
3.2 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS ...................................................................................................... 23
3.3 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................ 24
3.4 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS .................................................................................................... 24
3.4.1 Treatment details ...................................................................................................................... 24
3.4.2 Treatment analysis ................................................................................................................... 24
3.4.3 Design and plan of layout ........................................................................................................ 25
3.4.4 Plot Size ................................................................................................................................... 25
3.4.5 Spacing ..................................................................................................................................... 25
3.4.6 Salient features of Contender variety ....................................................................................... 25
3.5 Cultural practices ........................................................................................................................ 25
3.5.1 Land preparation ...................................................................................................................... 25
3.5.2 Fertiliser application ................................................................................................................ 26
3.5.3 Seeds and seed sowing ............................................................................................................. 27
3.5.4 Gap filling ................................................................................................................................ 27
3.5.5 After care ................................................................................................................................. 27
3.5.6 Harvesting ................................................................................................................................ 27
3.6 COLLECTION OF THE EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND PLANT SAMPLING .................... 29
3.6.1 Growth parameters ................................................................................................................... 29
3.6.1.1 Plant height ........................................................................................................................... 29
3.6.1.2 Number of branches per plant ............................................................................................... 29
3.6.1.3 Days to fifty percent flowering ............................................................................................. 29
7
3.6.2 Yield components .................................................................................................................... 29
3.6.2.1 Number of pods per plant...................................................................................................... 29
3.6.2.2 Pod weight ............................................................................................................................ 30
3.6.2.3 Yield per sample area ............................................................................................................ 30
3.6.2.4 Total yield per hectare........................................................................................................... 30
3.6.3 Soil analysis (At Harvest) ........................................................................................................ 30
3.6.3.1 Soil analysis .......................................................................................................................... 30
3.7 Statistical analysis ....................................................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER FOUR ................................................................................................................................. 32
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS .......................................................................................................... 32
4.1 GROWTH PARAMETERS ........................................................................................................ 32
4.1.1 Plant height .............................................................................................................................. 32
4.1.2 Number of branches ................................................................................................................. 32
4.1.3 Days to 50% flowering ............................................................................................................ 33
4.2 YIELD COMPONENTS AND YIELD ...................................................................................... 34
4.2.1 Number of pods per plant......................................................................................................... 34
4.2.2 Pod weight ............................................................................................................................... 34
4.2.3 Yield per sample area ............................................................................................................... 35
4.2.4 Total yield per hectare ............................................................................................................. 35
CHAPTER FIVE .................................................................................................................................. 40
DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................................... 40
5.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS AND CROP PERFORMANCE .................................................... 40
5.2 DISEASES AND PESTS ............................................................................................................ 41
5.3 EFFECT OF PALM BUNCH ASH (PBA) ................................................................................. 42
5.4 EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE (PM) ................................................................................. 43
FUTURE LINE OF WORK .............................................................................................................. 44
CHAPTER SIX ..................................................................................................................................... 45
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................... 45
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 47
APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................... 54
8
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Effects of treatments on the plant height of French beans............................ 33
Table 2: Effects of treatments on the number of branches of French beans................ 33
Table 3: Effects of treatment on days to 50 % flowering in French beans.................. 34
Table 4: Effects of treatments on the number of pods per plant of French beans....... 35
Table 5: Effects of treatments on the pod weight of French beans............................. 36
Table 6: Effects of treatment on yield of sample area of French beans....................... 37
Table 7: Effects of treatment on the total yield per hectare of French beans.............. 38
9
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig.1: Plan of layout of the experiment……………………………………………..26
Fig.2: Effects of treatments on the number of pods per plant of French beans.........36
Fig.3: Effects of treatments on the pod weight of French beans...............................37
Fig.4: Effects of treatment on yield of sample area of French beans.........................38
Fig.5: Effects of treatment on the total yield per hectare of French beans................39
10
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1: General view of the experimental plot…………………………………… 28
Plate 2:
11
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix I: Soil samples analysed from the experimental site before the experiment….54
Appendix II: Treatment samples analysed.........................................................................54
Appendix III: Soil samples analysed from the experimental site treatment-wise after
harvest.................................................................................................................................55
Appendix IV: Monthly meteorological data for the experimental period (December, 2012
to February, 2013)...............................................................................................................55
12
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a short duration non–traditional grain legume and is
gaining adaptability in many homes in Ghana. French beans are known by various names
viz., haricot bean, field bean, kidney bean, snap bean, pole bean etc. It is an important
vegetable grown both for tender pods and dry seeds, which form a rich source of crude
protein (21.25%), fat (1.7%) and carbohydrates (70%). Besides, it contains 0.16 mg iron, 1.76
mg calcium and 3.43 mg zinc per 100 g of edible part (Jasvinder Kaur and Mehta, 1994).
French beans being native to South and Central America probably Mexico, is being widely
cultivated in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions. It is a traditional temperate region
crop. Its cultivation in Ghana, however, is scattered across the regions. It is a major export
vegetable crop in Kenya and a potential income earner to small scale farmers (out growers).
Small holder farmers grow most of the crop and virtually all is exported to Europe (Monda et
al. 2003). Moreover, in Kenya horticultural exports have demonstrated huge potential in
terms of both growth rates and overall demand, generating jobs that directly support a half
million workers, small farmers, and their families (Jaffee et al. 2004).
Unlike other pulses, French beans is inefficient in symbiotic nitrogen fixation (Ali and Lal,
1992) as it lacks nodulation due to the absence of NOD gene regulator (Kushwaha, 1994)
even with native Rhizobia and commercially produced cultures. Hence, the nitrogen
requirement of the crop is different from other pulse crops and application of nitrogen
through fertilizers is imperative for exploiting its yield potential.
13
As nodulation is poor in French beans, it requires more nitrogen and phosphorus for root
development, nodulation and better plant growth and hence responds even to application of
phosphorus fertilizer (Ssali and Keya, 1986). Potassium application stimulates nitrogenase
activity and causes accumulation of uricides in pod walls and greater partitioning of above
ground nitrogen to seeds. Supplementary doses of potassium stimulate the transport of
nitrogenous compounds to developing fruits and thereby increase seed yields (Thomas and
Hungaria, 1988).
As it is not a traditional crop there is no massive cultivation of French beans for the Ghanaian
market and exports as well although there are ready markets for the crop.
Empty fruit bunch (EFB) is one of the major waste products generated from processing fresh
fruit bunch (FFB) in palm fruit processing mills. About 22% of FFB processed into oil end up
as EFB (Lim and Zaharah, 2000). Currently, Ghana produces about 1,900,000 metric tons of
FFB annually [FAO, 2009] which, when processed into oil, generate 418,000 MT of EFB
annually.
In the large industrial estates, EFB is either incinerated in the mills as a means of getting rid
of these wastes’ as well as, providing energy for the boilers in FFB sterilization. However,
the small-scale mills which process about 60% of the total FFB produced in the country
(Opoku and Asante, 2008) burn the EFB as a means of disposing them, resulting in heaps of
ash dotted around small-scale mills in the major oil palm producing areas in Ghana. There is
currently no large-scale use for palm bunch ash in Ghana, although it could be used for the
manufacture of local soap due to its high potassium content. The palm bunch ash (PBA)
14
produced by burning EFB, which constitutes about 6.5% by weight of the EFB, contains 30–
40% K2O (Lim and Zaharah, 2000) and could thus be used as source of potassium fertilizer.
Animal manures have been used since earliest civilisations for improving soil properties. In
years gone by these fertilisers were the only sources of nutrients for crop production. Though
they contain relatively low concentrations of nutrients and handling them is labour intensive,
there has been largely an increment in their use over inorganic fertilisers as nutrient source on
many farms (Kannan et al, 2005). Their relevant effect on soil physical properties and their
ease of in-soil decomposition are a major merit over inorganic fertilisers.
The rising cost of inorganic fertilizers coupled with their inability to condition the soil has
directed attention to organic manures in recent times. Poultry manure is organic manure
which abounds in major areas in Ghana. In Kumasi and its environs, there are over 300
poultry farms with a wide range of flock size (Lopez-Real, 1995). These figures, which are
increased in recent years, imply that substantial source of poultry manure is available in the
country, especially in the urban centres.
The manure so produced is disposed of in several ways, including burning. However, some
farmers are aware of the beneficial effects of poultry manure and its release of nutrients for a
good response in plant growth. In both Accra and Kumasi, some vegetable growers and
horticulturists generally use poultry manure on their crops. The use of poultry manure is,
therefore, a popular practice in crop cultivation among some farmers within and around these
communities.
15
However, there seems to be little use of poultry manure nationwide, and there is little
knowledge available on the effects of the manure on crops for efficient utilization. More
information about this manure is needed to extend to farmers.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the tropical world in using crop residues
for improving soil productivity in order to reduce the use of external inputs of inorganic
fertilizers (Khalid and Anderson, 2000; Ayeni et al, 2008; Adekayode and Olojugba, 2010).
Vegetable production has become costly due to high cost of inorganic fertilisers while
ironically large amounts of organic waste that can be turned into fertilisers for crop
production at low cost.
Therefore, the present study was undertaken to identify fertiliser substitutes for French beans
production with the following objectives:
To determine the effect of poultry manure and oil palm bunch ash on growth and
yield of French beans.
To find out an optimum organic waste for French beans cultivation.
16
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The literature pertaining to the performance of French beans for poultry manure and oil palm
bunch ash for the crop’s production is presented in this chapter.
2.1 EFFECTS OF FERTILISERS ON THE GROWTH AND
YIELD OF FRENCH BEANS
The average yield potential of French bean under both rain-fed and irrigated condition is
high. One of the agronomic approaches followed is the efficient use of fertilizer, particularly
N, P and K, which plays an important role in enhancing the production and productivity of
the crop by increasing cell division and multiplication. Nitrogen nutrition is also required for
improvement of growth parameters through efficient metabolic activity and increased rate of
photosynthesis. Phosphorus is a constituent of nucleoprotein and it helps for increased cell
division and expansion of cells resulting into higher dry matter accumulation in reproductive
parts. It also stimulates early root growth and development, encourages fruiting, seed setting
and hastens maturity of plants. Potassium plays a significant role in increasing the crop yield
and extra balancing effect on both nitrogen and phosphorus. It is essential for cell
organization and structure of cell walls. It enhances plants ability to resist diseases, cold and
other adverse conditions.
17
2.1.1 Studies on French beans
2.1.1.1 Effects of NPK on growth parameters
Studies by Singh and Singh (2000) showed an increase in plant height of French bean due to
increase in Nitrogen fertilization from zero to 120 kg N/ha. Patil (2003) also acknowledged
increase in plant height (92.2 cm) at a fertilizer application of 25:112:60 kg NPK per hectare
over control (no NPK) (84.7 cm and 4.3, respectively) in cluster bean.
Kumar et al. (2004) noticed significant increase in plant height (21.68 cm) with fertilizer
level of 120:60:45 kg NPK per hectare which was followed by 80:40:30 kg NPK per hectare
and it was significantly less (17.00 cm and 5.9, respectively) in control (no fertilizer) in
French bean crop.
A field investigation conducted by Rana et al. (2003) revealed that application of K2O up to
30 kg ha-1
significantly increased plant height of French bean. Veeresh (2003) reported
significant increase in plant height (37.77 cm) of French bean during up to 75 kg P2O5 ha-1
.
Investigations by Veeresh (2003) recorded significant increase in number of primary
branches of French bean with the application of 75 kg P2O5 ha-1
.
According to Singh and Singh (2000) the number of days required to reach 50 percent
flowering were 66, 67, 68 and 69 DAS with nitrogen fertilization of zero, 40, 80 and 120 kg
N ha-1
, respectively. Delayed flowering (flowering after 29, 32 and 33 days, respectively) was
observed due to increased N application (40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1
) (Veeresh, 2003).
18
With number of days to fifty percent flowering, Tewari and Singh (2000) observed no
significant difference in number of days taken to 50 per cent flowering due to P fertilization.
Phosphorus supplement to crop at 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1
recorded 71.0, 70.66, 70.44
and 70.18 days, respectively to first flowering (Tewari and Singh, 2000) whilst increased P
fertilization (25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1
) significantly reduced number of days to 50 per cent
flowering (34, 31 and 29 days, respectively) of French bean (Veeresh, 2003).
2.1.1.2 Effects of NPK on yield parameters
From a study on French beans, Nitrogen fertilization up to 120 kg ha-1
in French bean
increased number of fruits per plant (Tewari and Singh, 2000 and Singh and Singh, 2000).
However, difference between 120 kg and 80 kg N ha-1
was not significant (Singh and Singh,
2000).
From another study conducted, Singh and Singh (2000) and Tewari and Singh (2000)
reported significant increase in number of pods per plant due to increased P fertilization up to
60 and 120 kg P2O5 ha-1
. Veeresh (2003) observed significantly more number of fruits per
plant (11) of French bean with 75 kg P2O5 ha-1
.
Higher number of pods per plant was recorded in the treatment receiving 120 kg N ha-1
(Prajapati et al. (2003). Similar results were obtained by Veeresh (2003) and Behura et al.
(2006) while pod number per plant in French bean increased significantly up to the highest
level of nitrogen ( thus 180 kg ha-1
) (Rajesh Singh et al., 2006).
A report by Rana et al. (2003) stated number of fruits per plant increased significantly up to
30 kg K2O ha-1
application.
19
With pod length, increase in the number of seeds per pod up to the highest level of nitrogen
was reported by Singh and Singh (2000). The significant increase in the number of seeds per
pod contributes to effects on pod length. Number of seeds per pod increased significantly up
to 120 kg N ha-1
was reported by Dhanjal et al. (2001). Similar results were obtained by
Prajapati et al. (2003), Veeresh (2003) and Behura et al. (2006) while Rajesh Singh et al.
(2006) reported that application of 180 kg N ha-1
resulted in higher number of seeds per pod
which significantly increases the pod length.
According to Veeresh (2003), higher number of grains per pod (5.12) of French bean was
observed due to increased rate of P application up to 75 kg P2O5 ha-1
thereby increasing the
length of the bean pod.
Considering pod weight, linear increase in grain weight per plant from 11.2 to 19.2g (during
1991-1992) and 12.1 to 20.0g (during 1992-93) was observed from zero to 120 kg N ha-1
(Rana and Singh, 1998 and Tewari and Singh, 2000).
For total yield per hectare, Nitrogen application increased the grain yield of French bean.
Grain yield was increased due to increasing levels of N up to 100 kg ha-1
.
According to Rana and Singh (1998) mean increases in seed yield with 120 kg N ha-1
over
zero to 40 and 80 kg N ha-1
which was 66.6, 21.7 and 7.0 per cent, respectively.
An observation by Singh and Singh (2000) observed improvement in yield and yield
components with increasing Nitrogen rate from zero to 120 kg ha-1
. Dhanjal et al. (2001) also
reported improvement in grain yield with increasing N rate; the yields with zero, 60 and 120
20
kg ha-1
were 6.52, 8.30 and 9.49 q ha-1
, respectively. Veeresh (2003) recorded significantly
higher grain yield (1917 kg ha-1
) of French bean with 80 kg N application.
Rajesh Singh et al. (2001) recorded linear significant increase in grain yield up to 240 kg N
ha-1
(2091 kg ha-1
) over 80 and 160 kg ha-1
while Rajesh Singh et al. (2006) reported that
nitrogen application increased grain yield (2651 kg ha-1
) up to 180 kg N ha-1
.
Tewari and Singh (2000) reported significant increase in grain weight per plant with 60 kg
P2O5 ha-1
. Veeresh (2003) observed significant increase in grain weight per plant (8.65 g) due
to increased P application up to 75 kg ha-1
.
Dwivedi et al. (2002), in their fertilizer application found that increased level of nutrition
40:60:40 kg NPK per ha significantly increased the yield parameters like pod weight per
plant, number of pods per plant and seed yield per ha as against control (0 kg NPK).
Singh and Singh (2000) and Tewari and Singh (2000) also revealed significantly increased
seed yield due to incremental P application from75 to 100 kg P2O5 ha-1
.
Tomar (2001) recorded that application of phosphorus influenced the seed yield significantly
up to 60 kg P2O5 ha-1
. Also, higher grain yield (2006 kg ha-1
) of French bean was observed
due to increased rate of P application up to 75 kg P2O5 ha-1
(Veeresh, 2003).
21
2.1.1.3 Effects of oil palm bunch ash on growth and yield parameters
Though the utilization of oil palm bunch ash in crop production has little exploitation, few
experiments have been performed using it as a soil amendment material or applying
alongside inorganic fertiliser.
The highest increase in maize grain yield in both seasons was obtained at the application of 2
tons ha−1
PBA. The increase in maize grain yield and root yield of cassava with PBA has
been reported by several workers (Mbah et al, 2010; Awodun et al, 2007; Adekayode and
Olojugba, 2010; Ojeniyi et al, 2010; Offor et al ,2010; Ezekiel et al ,2009).
It was also found to increase nutrient supply to cassava and its yield significantly (Ezekiel et
al, 2009a, 2009b,).
Ojeniyi et al (2006) found that oil palm bunch ash supplied organic matter, N, P, Ca and Mg
to soil and maize and increased its yield by 26% when used at 4 t/ha.
22
2.1.1.4 Effects of poultry manure on growth and yield parameters
Mullens et al. (2002) revealed that poultry litter contains a considerable amount of organic
matter due to the manure and the bedding material. Litter can also have an impact on soil pH
and liming due to varying amounts of calcium carbonate in poultry feed. Poultry manure
improved soil physical properties significantly by reducing soil bulk density and temperature
and increasing total porosity and moisture content in Nigeria (Agbede et al ., 2008).
An experiment conducted by Amanullah et al. (2007b) indicated that application of organic
manure yielded higher uptake of NPK than the control. The study also revealed that uptake of
nutrient was higher with Composted Poultry Manure. The added organic manure not only
acted as a source of nutrient might have influenced their availability.
In an experiment conducted by Zamil et al. (2004) the highest mustard seed yield (8.68 g pot-
1) was obtained in cage system poultry manure at 20 t ha
-1 which was statistically similar to
chemical fertilizer (8.49 g pot-1
). The lowest seed yield was obtained from the control. Cage
system poultry manure showed better performance in producing seed yield.
Ibeawuchi et al. (2006) reported that in a degraded soil of Nigeria, poultry manure
application increased the residual soil N, K, Ca, Mg and organic matter. The high organic
matter with increase in other soil chemical components is an indication that poultry manure
has high potential of gradual nutrient release to the soil that can help to improve the fertility
of a degraded soil thereby sustaining yield in a continuous cropping system.
23
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A field experiment entitled “Effects of poultry manure and oil palm bunch ash on the growth
and yield of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)” was carried out during December to
February, 2012, at the Research fields of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology, Kumasi. The current chapter deals with the materials used and methodology
adopted during the course of experimentation.
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE
The field experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture Research fields of the
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
3.2 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS
Soil of the experimental site was a black, well drained loamy soil. Random soil samples from
four different locations of the experimental site before the initiation of the experiment were
collected from a depth of 0-20cm and composite soil sample was analyzed for the chemical
characteristics of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium
(Mg) and soil pH and are presented in Appendix I. The soil analysis was carried out at the
Department of Soil Science laboratory, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology (KNUST). The soil was low in all nutrients tested for but higher in available P
contents and was moderately acidic (Appendix I).
24
3.3 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
3.3.1 Weather during experimentation
The data on weather parameters according to the months during the crop growth period is
presented in Appendix IV.
There was no rainfall received during the crop growth period. The maximum temperatures
from December 7th
2012 to February 5th
2013 are 33°C, 36°C and 36°C respectively and the
minimum recorded temperatures are 27°C, 32°C and 34°C for the experimentation period
respectively.
3.4 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS
3.4.1 Treatment details
The experiment comprised of three treatment combinations consisting of three replications of
poultry manure, palm bunch ash and NPK (15:15:15) as absolute control. The treatment
details were:
Treatment 1: Poultry manure at 9kg/plot
Treatment 2: Palm bunch ash at 2kg/plot
Treatment 3 (Absolute control): NPK (15:15:15) at 0.5kg/plot
3.4.2 Treatment analysis
The treatment samples were analysed for the chemical characteristics of Nitrogen (N),
Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and soil pH and are
25
presented in Appendix II. The treatment analysis was carried out at the Department of Soil
Science laboratory, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
3.4.3 Design and plan of layout
The experiment was laid out in the randomized complete block design, with three
replications. The plan of layout of the experiment is illustrated in Fig. 1.
3.4.4 Plot Size 3.0m X 3.0m
3.4.5 Spacing 60.0cm X 60.0cm
3.4.6 Salient features of Contender variety
Contender is an introduction from USA. It is a bush type variety having violet coloured
flowers and takes about 50 – 60 days for first picking. Pods are round, green and 13 – 14 cm
long, stringless, meaty and slightly curved. Seed is light brown. The average green pod yield
is 80 – 95 q/ha.
3.5 Cultural practices
3.5.1 Land preparation
One deep ploughing and one harrowing were carried out to bring the soil to fine tilth. Before
taking up sowing, the field was leveled and the plots were laid out according to the
experimental plan.
26
Fig.1 Plan of layout of the experiment
3.5.2 Fertiliser application
Poultry manure, palm bunch ash and NPK were applied as per the treatments. Fertilizers were
applied in a ring at 5 cm away from the plant.
27
3.5.3 Seeds and seed sowing
French bean (Contender) seeds was obtained from the AgriSeed Co. Ltd. were used for
sowing. Seeds were placed in a depth of 5 cm at a row spacing of 60 cm and plant to plant
spacing of 60 cm. The sowing was done on 7th December, 2012 at the rate of two seeds per
hill.
3.5.4 Gap filling
To maintain the desired plant population gap filling was done within first fortnight of sowing.
3.5.5 After care
Hoe weeding at fortnight intervals after sowing was done in order to keep the weeds under
check. To control the damage of piercing and sucking pests and as well as all insects a spray
of Aceta Star 45 EC was taken up at the rate of 2 ml per liter of water from 30 DAS and
fortnightly. Shavit F71.5WP, a broad spectrum fungicide, was also sprayed at 45 DAS to
prevent fungal diseases.
3.5.6 Harvesting
The crop was harvested from 21st January to 5
th February, 2013 thus from 45 days after
sowing to 60 days after sowing. Six plants from each plot area were harvested as sample
plants.
28
Plate 1: General view of the experimental plot
29
3.6 COLLECTION OF THE EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND
PLANT SAMPLING
A sample consisting of six plants selected randomly were tagged from the plot area of each
treatment for recording various observations. The mean of the six plants was considered for
further analysis. The observations on various growth parameters were recorded at 18, 30, 45,
52 and 60 DAS. Yield parameters were recorded at harvest.
3.6.1 Growth parameters
3.6.1.1 Plant height
The plant height was measured from the base of the plant to the base of the fully opened
youngest trifoliate leaf and expressed in centimeters (cm).
3.6.1.2 Number of branches per plant
The number of branches on the tagged plants was counted and mean was recorded as number
of branches per plant.
3.6.1.3 Days to fifty percent flowering
The number of days taken from sowing to days of 50 per cent anthesis of the plants sampled.
3.6.2 Yield components
3.6.2.1 Number of pods per plant
Pods from the tagged plants were counted and average was recorded as number of pods per
plant.
30
3.6.2.2 Pod weight
The pod weight of six plants was recorded and average was taken as pod weight per plant and
expressed in grams (g).
3.6.2.3 Yield per sample area
The pods harvested from the six tagged plants were carefully weighed on a balance and their
average was calculated and expressed as pod yield in grams (g) per sample area.
3.6.2.4 Total yield per hectare
The pods obtained from plots of all treatments replication-wise, thus, yield of the six tagged
plants harvested separately was used in calculating the total pod yield per hectare. The
average pod yield was computed and expressed in kilograms per hectare.
3.6.3 Soil analysis (At Harvest)
3.6.3.1 Soil analysis
Soil samples were drawn from the plots treatment-wise from a depth of 0-20cm. Samples
were analyzed for the total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable
potassium (K), exchangeable calcium (Ca), exchangeable magnesium (Mg) and soil pH and
are presented in Appendix III. The soil’s pH was increased insignificantly though still
moderately acidic. The application of the treatments which were slightly acidic to moderately
alkaline affected the pH of the soil. The soil declined in available P and exchangeable K and
Ca amounts but Mg contents increased.
31
3.7 Statistical analysis
Data collected were analysed using GenStat statistical package to generate analysis of
variance (ANOVA) and means separated by LSD at 5%.
32
CHAPTER FOUR
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
The field experiment was conducted to know the effect of poultry manure and oil palm bunch
ash on the growth and yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cv. Contender. The
results obtained from the above experiment are presented in this chapter.
4.1 GROWTH PARAMETERS
4.1.1 Plant height (cf. Table 1)
Plant height of French beans was not significantly influenced by the application of Palm
Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure at the various stages of the crop.
Though non-significant, marginal differences were recorded with the control (NPK)
recording the highest over the other treatments. At 60 DAS mean plant heights recorded since
18 DAS were 34.61 from 18.03 for Palm Bunch Ash, 38.0 from 17.90 for Poultry Manure
and 40.16 from 17.73 for NPK.
4.1.2 Number of branches (cf. Table 2)
French beans’ number of branches were not significantly influenced by the application of
Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure treatments. Number of branches recorded for the Palm
Bunch Ash, Poultry Manure and NPK are 15.13 from 5.6, 15.24 from 5.4 and 14.56 from
5.38 respectively at 60 DAS, thus from 18 DAS.
33
Table 1: Effects of treatments on the plant height of French beans
TREATMENT PLANT HEIGHT (cm)
Fertiliser 18 DAS 30 DAS 45 DAS 52 DAS 60DAS
NPK
17.74 28.80 38.70 39.80 40.20
Palm Bunch
Ash
18.30 28.60 36.40 36.50 34.60
Poultry Manure
17.90 32.50 37.70 37.70 38.00
Lsd. (%) 2.65 8.74 7.12 7.01 8.42
CV (%) 6.50 12.80 8.40 8.10 9.90
Table 2: Effects of treatments on the number of branches of French
beans
TREATMENT NUMBER OF BRANCHES
Fertiliser 18 DAS 30 DAS 45 DAS 52 DAS 60DAS
NPK
5.39 12.00 14.89 14.56 14.56
Palm Bunch
Ash
5.67 10.97 15.00 15.13 15.13
Poultry Manure
5.44 11.28 15.17 15.24 15.24
Lsd. (%) 1.49 3.90 2.65 2.56 2.56
CV (%) 12.00 15.10 7.80 7.60 7.60
4.1.3 Days to 50% flowering (cf. Table 3)
Application of Palm Bunch Ash significantly influenced the number of days to 50 %
flowering in French beans (28, 29 and 30 days) against the control. However no significant
difference was recorded between Poultry Manure and NPK (30 and 31 days).
34
Table 3: Effects of treatment on days to 50 % flowering in French
beans
TREATMENT
Fertiliser Days to 50 % flowering (Mean)
NPK
1.49
Palm Bunch Ash
1.46
Poultry Manure
1.48
Lsd. (%) 0.027
CV (%) 0.80
4.2 YIELD COMPONENTS AND YIELD
4.2.1 Number of pods per plant (cf. Table 4 and Figure 2)
Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure did not significantly influence the number of pods per
plant.
The PBA recorded the highest number of pods (9.27) as against Poultry Manure (8.83) and
NPK (6.66) (control) but the differences or increase was not significant except for the
significantly higher number of pods in poultry manure treated plants at 45 DAS against the
control and palm bunch ash.
4.2.2 Pod weight (cf. Table 5 and Figure 3)
Pod weight (means) did not differ significantly with respect to Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry
Manure. NPK recorded the lowest (34.40) of the pod weight with Palm Bunch Ash (49.07)
35
the highest but these differences were not significantly different. Poultry manure recorded
43.00 for pod weight.
4.2.3 Yield per sample area (cf. Table 6 and Figure 4)
Yield per sample area was not significantly different with respect to the treatments imposed,
thus Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure against the control, NPK. Palm Bunch Ash
recorded the highest mean yield (49.1) than the other treatments with Poultry Manure
recording 43.0 and NPK, 34.4 but these differences were not significantly different among
the treatments.
4.2.4 Total yield per hectare (cf. Table 7 and Figure 5)
Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure did not influence significantly the total yield of French
beans. Poultry Manure recorded 597.32 kg ha-1
, Palm Bunch Ash, 681.62 kg ha-1
and NPK,
477.82 kg ha-1
but these yield differences were not significantly different between treatments
although Palm Bunch Ash recorded the highest yield, the Poultry manure against the control.
Table 4: Effects of treatments on the number of pods per plant of
French beans
TREATMENT NUMBER OF PODS PER PLANT
Fertiliser 45 DAS 52 DAS 60 DAS
NPK
0.83 3.56 2.28
Palm Bunch Ash
1.67 4.67 2.94
Poultry Manure
1.95 4.28 2.61
Lsd. (%) 1.08 2.18 2.63
CV (%) 32.2 23.1 10.10
36
Table 5: Effects of treatments on the pod weight of French beans
TREATMENT POD WEIGHT (g)
Fertiliser 45 DAS 52 DAS 60 DAS
NPK
4.90 16.30 13.20
Palm Bunch Ash
7.00 25.80 16.20
Poultry Manure
8.90 20.50 13.50
Lsd. (%) 8.89 9.52 8.26
CV (%) 24.30 20.10 16.60
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
45 DAS 52 DAS 60 DAS
Nu
mb
er o
f P
od
s
Days After Sowing (DAS)
Fig.2: Effects of treatments on the number of pods per plant of French beans
NPK
Palm Bunch Ash
Poultry Manure
37
Table 6: Effects of treatment on yield of sample area of French beans
TREATMENT
Fertiliser Yield per sample area (g/6.48m2)
NPK
34.4
Palm Bunch Ash
49.1
Poultry Manure
43.0
Lsd. (%) 26.7
CV (%) 28.0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
45 DAS 52 DAS 60 DAS
Po
d w
eigh
t (g
)
Days After Sowing (DAS)
Fig.3: Effects of treatments on the pod weight of French beans
NPK
Palm Bunch Ash
Poultry Manure
38
Table 7: Effects of treatment on the total yield per hectare of French
beans
TREATMENT
Fertiliser Mean yield (kg/ha)
NPK
159.0
Palm Bunch Ash
227.0
Poultry Manure
199.0
Lsd. (%) 123.7
CV (%) 28.0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
NPK Palm Bunch Ash Poultry Manure
Tota
l Y
ield
(g/
6.4
8m
2)
Fig.4: Effects of treatment on yield of sample area of French beans
39
0
50
100
150
200
250
NPK Palm Bunch Ash Poultry Manure
Tota
l Y
ield
(kg
/ha)
Fig.5: Effects of treatment on the total yield per hectare of French beans
40
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION
The results obtained from the investigations on the “Effects of Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry
Manure on the growth and yield of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) carried out at
Research fields of the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science
and Technology, Kumasi during 2006 are discussed in this chapter under the following
headings:
5.1 Weather conditions and crop performance
5.2 Diseases and pests
5.3 Effect of Palm Bunch Ash (PBA)
5.4 Effect of Poultry Manure (PM)
5.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS AND CROP PERFORMANCE
Crop growth is the net result of the interplay of diverse metabolic activities taking place in
different parts of a plant during its growth and development. The synthesis, accumulation and
translocation of metabolites to the economic part are often influenced by environmental
conditions thereby influencing the yield potential of the crop.
The total rainfall received during the experimental period (2012, December to 2013
February) was 0.00 mm (Appendix IV). The mean monthly maximum air temperature ranged
from 36 ºC (February) to 33 ºC (December) while the minimum temperature ranged from 24
ºC (February) to 21 ºC (December) during the experimentation. The mean relative humidity
was highest during December (82%) and the lowest in February (75%). The crop might have
41
experienced some amount of moisture stress during the cropping season, temperature effects
and other climatic factors that growth and yields were affected.
5.2 DISEASES AND PESTS
French bean, a crop leguminous crop, is highly preferred of livestock and insects as well. It is
well attacked by piercing and sucking insects usually of the Pyrrhocoridae (cotton stainer)
family whiteflies and aphids. They pierce the fleshy and usually growing vegetative parts of
the crop and such out the fluid from them. This results in wilting of the crop and stunted
growth to some extent of survival.
This experiment was affected by the attack of these insects though they were controlled; their
damage was severe resulting in the insignificance of the growth parameters treatment-wise.
Viral diseases that affect French beans are many. These are known to have no cure but can be
controlled and are transmitted by insects and pests. Golden mosaic virus, spread by the
whitefly insect vector (Bemisia tabaci) was found on the experimental field though insect
control was undertaken. Curly top, a viral disease, transmitted by a leafhopper (Circulifer
tenellus) also was identified on the field.
These fatally affected the growth and yield of the crop by destroying photosynthetic organs
like the leaves, hence stunting growth and metabolic processes from the early stages of the
crop growth.
42
5.3 EFFECT OF PALM BUNCH ASH (PBA)
French beans possess high yield potential, but unlike other leguminous crops it does not
nodulate with the native Rhizobia (Dhanjal et al., 2001). The application of PBA becomes
imperative for exploiting its yield potential due to basically its high potassium content. Palm
Bunch Ash constitute about 30-40% K2O (Nsiah-Adjei, 2012). Potassium stimulates
nitrogenase activity and greater partitioning of above ground nitrogen to seeds and thereby
increases seed yield (Thomas and Hungaria, 1998).
In the present investigation no significant difference was observed with the application of
PBA with respect to growth parameters. The non-significant effect of PBA might be due to
its low Nitrogen as well as Phosphorus contents. Moreover the PBA contained a very low
amount of N, good amounts of K, Ca, Mg and available P as well (Appendix I). It was
moderately alkaline (pH= 7.90). PBA treated soils recorded an increase in pH insignificantly.
Days to 50% flowering was significantly affected by the application of PBA in that earlier
flowering was recorded. Potassium plays a major role in protein synthesis, improves water
regime and increases tolerance to drought. Phosphorus, which was of a good amount in PBA,
affects the number of days to flowering conforming to the findings of Veeresh, 2003.
No significant differences were recorded with respect to yield parameters though PBA
contained a good amount of N, P, K, Mg and Ca as observed by Mbah et al, 2010; Awodun et
al, 2007; Adekayode and Olojugba, 2010; Ojeniyi et al, 2010; Offor et al ,2010; Ezekiel et
al ,2009Ojeniyi et al, 2006. This may be due to moisture stress, environmental factors such as
high temperatures and the pest and viral diseases which affected the crop from 30 DAS. The
viral disease affected the leaves of the crop hindering photosynthesis.
43
5.4 EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE (PM)
Nitrogen plays an important role in the growth and yield of crops and is vital for the
vegetative phase and is important for the uptake of other nutrients. PM has good percentage
of it. Therefore the application of PM becomes ideal for exploiting the yield potential of
French beans (Sushant et al., 1999). Poultry manure was slightly acidic (6.02) and it altered
the pH of the soil which was moderately acidic.
Phosphorus, which was of a good amount in PM, affects the number of days to flowering
according to the findings of Veeresh, 2003 although differences were very insignificant in
this experiment, except on number of pods per plant at 45 DAS, which other factors may be
the reason for no effect of the treatment.
No significant differences were recorded with the application of poultry manure on the crop
probably because of its gradual release of nutrients in the soil as recorded by Ibeawuchi et al.,
2006.
Poultry manure recorded a good increase in yield as against the control, NPK, (Amanullah et
al., 2007b) though was insignificant at the various harvest dates. This may be due to
environmental conditions like high temperature, low soil moisture and the viral attack on the
crop curtailing most of the crop’s vital processes.
44
FUTURE LINE OF WORK
There is scope for study the effects of the combination of Palm bunch ash and Poultry
manure on the growth and yield of French beans.
Any study or work conducted on French beans should tackle insect control from early
crop stages and irrigation should be a very important practise especially during the
dry periods.
There is scope for studies on French beans with different organic wastes such as
cattle dung manure.
45
CHAPTER SIX
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The field experiment results obtained from the investigations on the “Effects of Palm Bunch
Ash and Poultry Manure on the growth and yield of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)”
with NPK 15:15:15 as control carried out at Research fields of the Department of
Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi during
December, 2012 to February 2013. The experiment was laid out in the randomised complete
block design with three replications and three treatments. The salient results of the
investigations are summarised below:
1. The plant height, number of branches per plant, days to 50 % flowering, number of
pods per plant, pod weight, yield per sample area and total yield per hectare were
studied.
2. The treatments studied were Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure with NPK as
control.
3. The treatments imposed on the crop were not significantly different on the various
parameters studied of the crop to the majority due to certain factors that affected the
crop during the experiment.
4. Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure are organics that releases their nutrients
gradually and hence final soil analysis treatment-wise reveals an improvement in the
46
soil characteristics with respect to pH and Ca contents but a reduction due to the
crop’s massive uptake of the other nutrients, major and minor, the other nutrients.
5. Objective one was not much achieved due to the effects of environmental and pests
and diseases factors that affected the crop. Objective two was achieved. Good
substitutes and fertiliser supplements were identified for crop production. They can
also be used as soil amendments.
47
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54
APPENDICES
Appendix I: Soil samples analyzed from the experimental site before the experiment
PARAMETER SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2 pH (1:2.5 Soil: Water
suspension)
5.53 5.39
Total N (%) 0.12 0.14
Available P (mg/kg) 212.28 273.92
Exchangeable cat ion
(cmol/kg)
Ca 7.20 7.00
Mg 0.80 0.80
K 0.71 0.99
Appendix II: Treatment samples analysed
PARAMETER PALM BUNCH ASH POULTRY MANURE
pH (1:2.5 Soil: Water
suspension)
7.90 6.02
Total N (%) 0.43 1.89
Available P (%) 0.70 1.09
Exchangeable cat ion
(cmol/kg)
Ca 3.12 2.35
Mg 3.46 1.77
K 3.77 4.71
55
Appendix III: Soil samples analysed from the experimental site treatment-wise after harvest
PARAMETER PALM BUNCH
ASH
POULTRY
MANURE
NPK
pH (1:2.5 Soil: Water
suspension)
5.73 5.72 5.15
Total N (%) 0.21 0.15 0.11
Available P (mg/kg) 122.36 152.22 169.47
Exchangeable cat ion
(cmol/kg)
Ca 4.40 5.40 6.00
Mg 3.60 2.40 2.60
K 0.37 0.42 0.32
Appendix IV: Monthly meteorological data for the experimental period (December, 2012 to
February, 2013)
MONTHS RAINFALL
(mm)
NUMBER OF
RAINY
DAYS
TEMPERATURE (°C) RELATIVE
HUMIDITY
(%)
December
2012
-- -- 82
January
2013
-- -- 78
February
2013
-- -- 75
Max. Min.
33 21
36
36
22
24
