Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Growth of Fluted Pumpkin (telfairia Occidentalis)

ABSTRACT Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.) is a vital leafy and seed vegetable in West Africa. This study evaluated the effects of organic (poultry manure) and inorganic (N.P.K. fertilizer) fertilizers on its growth, focusing on plant height, vigor, and leaf production. Conducted in a randomized block design, treatments included 0.5 kg and 1.0 kg of poultry manure, N.P.K. fertilizer, and a control (no fertilizer). Growth parameters were measured biweekly over ten weeks, and data were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level. The results revealed that both fertilizers significantly enhanced growth compared to the control. Plants treated with 1.0 kg poultry manure had the highest mean height (495.6 ± 191.4 cm), followed by N.P.K. (475.5 ± 149.9 cm), 0.5 kg poultry manure (319.3 ± 116.6 cm), and the control (302.3 ± 41.1 cm). For leaf production, the 1.0 kg poultry manure and N.P.K. treatments achieved similar results, producing 211.3 ± 84.1 and 213.5 ± 87.9 leaves per plant, respectively, compared to the control’s 126.3 ± 15.9 leaves. Vigor scores showed slight superiority for N.P.K. (4.33 ± 0.82) over 1.0 kg poultry manure (4.17 ± 0.75). While N.P.K. provided a quick nutrient boost, its effects were less sustained compared to poultry manure, which supported long-term growth and soil health. The study concluded that poultry manure at higher concentrations (1.0 kg per plant) is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, offering consistent growth benefits. An integrated approach combining organic manure and minimal synthetic fertilizers is recommended to optimize plant growth, reduce dependence on synthetic inputs, and promote sustainable agriculture in regions cultivating fluted pumpkin.