Emma-Okafor, L.C., Obiefuna, J.C., Nwokeji E M., Ibeawuchi, I.I.., Okoli, N.A.,

Peter-Onoh, C.A. and Alagba, R.A.

ABSTRACT

Low yield and irregular fruiting patterns which characterize most tropical fruits may be due to soil infertility. The application of organic and inorganic manures could improve yield of both arable and cash crops. The indigenous tropical fruits, despite their widely acknowledged socio-economic importance, are neglected in terms of research and nutritional improvement. This study on organo-fertilization aimed to address the fertility management system of the bush mango in southeastern Nigeria. The experiment studied the long term (15 years) effect of combination of three poultry manure rates (0, 2000 and 4000 g/tree) at establishment and then topped annually with four NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer rates (0, 200, 400 and 600 g/tree). The organo-fertilizer rates were applied to the trees in two split doses annually using the ring method (May and September) for 15 years in a row. The conventional fertilizer system for bush mango production was the control. Poultry manure significantly (p<0.05) enhanced bush mango establishment and juvenile growth of the transplant. Poultry manure (4000 g), and 400-600 g NPK produced large canopies with prolonged maturity period and stable yields. The control and 0 manure/fertilizer applied to bush mango resulted in late maturity and poor fruit yield. Bush mango fertilized with 2000g of poultry manure and 200g NPK fertilizer matured early and maintained a regular fruit yield pattern.