Evaluation of Some Manure Types for the Growth and Yield of Watermelon in Southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Extensive use of inorganic fertilizes has been discovered to have depressing yield effects on watermelon. This study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (7 0 16'E, 5 0 12'E) located in the rain forest vegetation zone of Nigeria to evaluate the performance of watermelon grown under sub-optimal rates of application of three different types of manure. The treatment imposed were poultry manure at the rates of 4 t/ha, 6 t/ha, 8 t/ha and 10 t/ha; organic manure at the rates of 4 t/ha, 6 t/ha, 8 t/ha and 10 t/ha; organomineral fertilizer at the rates of 2.5 t/ha, 3.0 t/ha, 3.5 t/ha and 4.0 t/ha