COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF RABBIT DROPPINGS AND NPK FERTILIZER ON SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND AMARANTHUS (Amaranthus cruentus L.) PERFORMANCE

This study investigated the comparative effects of rabbit droppings (RD) and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer, individually and in combination, on the soil properties and performance of Amaranthus cruentus L. under rainfed conditions in Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted during the 2022 wet season using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments replicated three times across 18 plots. Treatments included varying combinations of RD (1–4 t/ha) and NPK fertilizer (50–200 kg/ha), with applications split between one and three weeks after transplanting. Standard agronomic practices were followed, and seedlings were spaced at 20 cm × 20 cm to achieve a density of 250,000 plants/ha. Growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, and number of branches were measured weekly, while yield components including biomass, marketable and edible yields, and seed output were recorded at harvest. Pre- and post-experiment soil samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties, and proximate analysis was performed on harvested leaf samples to determine nutritional content. The study aims to identify the most effective and sustainable nutrient management strategy for enhancing both the yield and nutritional quality of Amaranthus cruentus. The application of RD at 1 ton/ha combined with NPK at 150 kg/ha is recommended for maximizing growth in Amaranthus cruentus L. This integrated approach not only boosts vegetative growth but also supports sustainable agricultural practices through reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers