Effect of Bio-Fertilizer from Organic Residues on the Nutrient-Deficient Soil of Southeast Nigeria and Tomato Production

Sustainable crop yield in nutrient deficient soil under continuous cropping system is a challenge and the use of chemical fertilizer is an unsustainable option as it escalates the soil problems. The present study therefore, was carried out to evaluate the fertilizing value of bio-fertilizer from organic residues its effect on nutrient deficient soil of southeast, Nigeria and tomato production. The study was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD), three (3) treatments and four (4) replication. The bio-fertilizer evaluated were; BA – bio-fertilizer made from Bracharia grass and animal manure, BUA – bio-fertilizer made from Bracharia grass + Eupatorium residues + animal manure and CO- control soil that received no application of bio-fertilizer. The result findings indicated significant (P < 0.05) difference in all the parameters assessed except for the result of pH, Na and TEA. All the assessed parameters showed increased value in amended soil relative to the control soil. Aggregate stability showed increased value relative to the control soil, while pH, OM, ECEC, number of fruits, weight of fruit and dry matter weight showed result variation of BA>BUA>CO. From the findings of the study it is evident that bio-fertilizer from organic residues can be an efficient alternative soil ameliorant to chemical fertilizer for soil fertility maintenance and sustainable crop production in nutrient deficient soil of southeast, Nigeria.