Abstract:
Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose Crop Nursery of the University of
Education, Winneba, Mampong – Ashanti during the 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons from
August to November, 2015 and June to September, 2016 respectively. The objective of the
study was to determine the organic and inorganic fertilizer effects on the growth and yield of
cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var capitata), and incidence of pest in the forest transition agro
– ecological zone of Ghana. The experimental design used for the field experiment was a
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were:
poultry manure (20 t/ha) + Cypermetrine (30 l/ha), cow dung (20 t/ha) + Cypermetrine (30
l/ha), N.P.K (300 kg) + Cypermetrine (30 l/ha), foliar + Cypermetrine (30 l/ha), poultry
manure (20 t/ha) + neem leaf extract, cow dung (20 t/ha) + neem leaf extract, N.P.K (300 kg)
+ neem leaf extract, foliar + neem leaf extract and the control (no fertilizer and no insecticide).
The results obtained revealed that the application of organic manure (poultry manure and cow
dung) and inorganic fertilization is a better option for soil fertility enhancement in cabbage
production. Application of poultry manure and N.P.K combined with Cypermetrine and neem
leaf extract remarkably improved the growth and yield of cabbage. Cabbage yield in tons per
hectare was significantly influenced by the application of poultry manure and N.P.K combined
with Cypermetrine and neem leaf extract treatment. In addition, the application of
Cypermetrine and neem leaf extract effectively reduced the severity of insect pest infestation.
The application of Cypermetrine with poultry manure significantly reduced the percentage
incidence of damage by insects on cabbage. The conclusions drawn from the research were,
soil amendments with organic fertilizers remarkably improved the soil physical and chemical
properties, the application of poultry manure and N.P.K fertilizers combined with
Cypermetrine and neem leaf extract effectively improved the growth and yield of cabbage.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Education, Faculty of Agriculture
Education submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfillment
Of the requirements for the award of the degree
Master of Philosophy
(M. Phil Agronomy)
in the University of Education, Winneba
OCTOBER, 2019