Assessment on Potential of Cow Dung Manure in Zea mays Production at Kiwere Village in Iringa Rural District, Tanzania ()
ABSTRACT
An assessment on potentiality of Cow dung manure in
Zea mays production at Kiwere village in
Iringa Rural District (7°
37'17.3"S, 35°37'48.1"E) was conducted from December 2019 to
June 2020. The idea of this assessment was influenced by soil fertility depletion
and the fall of Maize production in Iringa region from 1990’s. A total of 10
farms, 5 farms for Cow dung manured and 5 for non-manured in which Maize growth
was monitored for 6 months. Various parameters as height, width and weight of
both Maize plants and Maize fruits were recorded. Soil qualities both chemical
and physical characteristics were analysed and recorded but also weather
(Temperature, humidity) together with soil pH were recorded throughout the
assessment period. The p-value of <0.0001 (1.03702E-07) and <0.0001 (2.45684E-05) for height and width and the highest mineral
chemical values in the Cow manured 10 plots indicated that Cow manure not only
increase Maize production significantly but also supports the production of
soil microbial and hence renewals the soil minerals and soil fertility as well.
This is why the soil physical values in the Cow dung manured plots Organic
matter, porosity, soil aeration and others were found to be higher and the soil
comprised of Sandy Clay Loam. Farmers are strongly advised to use this
multipurpose and potential manure in their unfertile soil. Cow manures are
easily available in their environment and cheaper.
Share and Cite:
Washa, W. (2020) Assessment on Potential of Cow Dung Manure in
Zea mays Production at Kiwere Village in Iringa Rural District, Tanzania.
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
11, 1751-1764. doi:
10.4236/ajps.2020.1111126.