Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of different organic manure sources (poultry manure, cow dung, pig slurry) on the growth and yield of two cucumber varieties (Murano F1 and Market-more) in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. The objective was to identify optimal organic amendments for cucumber production in the region's sandy loam soil. The field experiment, conducted at Kogi State University's research farm using a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications, measured vine length, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, days to flowering, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, and fruit yield (t/ha). Results showed that poultry manure application significantly produced the longest vines (118.06 cm at 6 WAS), largest leaf area (346.10 cm²), thickest stems (5.87 cm), earliest flowering (28 days to first flower), and highest fruit yield (31.98 t/ha). Pig slurry resulted in the highest number of leaves (37.45). Variety Murano F1 produced significantly longer fruits (24.54 cm) than Market-more (22.29 cm), but other varietal effects were minimal. The study concludes that poultry manure is the most effective organic amendment for enhancing cucumber growth and yield in Anyigba's soil conditions. Farmers are recommended to prioritize poultry manure application for optimal cucumber production.