Effects of plant and animal-based organic amendments on growth rate and yield in butternut squash (Cucurbita Moschata) production

Author

Musungo, Terence T.

Title

Effects of plant and animal-based organic amendments on growth rate and yield in butternut squash (Cucurbita Moschata) production

Abstract

Zimbabwe agriculture experiences growing challenges due to declining in soil fertility, high input costs, pests and diseases and unsustainable reliance on synthetic fertilizers. These constraints are particularly severe for smallholder farmers involved in horticultural production including butternut squash, a crop of rising nutritional value. Therefore, different organic amendments namely rabbit, horse manure, biochar and vermicompost were assessed examining their effects on cumulative tendril length, number of leaves, number of fruits and fruit weight. The research experiment was carried out at National Tested Seeds Company demonstration plots in Norton, Mashonaland West Province, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments which were rabbit manure, horse manure, biochar, vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer (control). The area was divided into 3 blocks with 5 plots in each block which gives a total of 15 plots. Slope was a blocking factor. Data was collected on cumulative tendril length, number of leaves, number of fruits and fruit weight. Just after planting, the agronomic practices took place which involved weed control, fertilizer application, scouting etc. Data for cumulative tendril length, number of leaves was measured at week 3, 4 and 5 then for number of fruits and yield was collected at harvesting period. Data was statistically analysed using GenStat software through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine treatment effects. Results revealed statistically significant differences (P<0.001) across all growth and yield parameters. The results showed that inorganic fertilizer (control) recorded the highest measurement whilst vermicompost had the least in terms of cumulative tendril length, number of leaves, fruit number and yield. In light of these findings, farmers are encouraged to do an integrated approach to enhance crop productivity while reducing environmental impacts. The study also highlights further research is needed on the long term effects of organic amendments on soil health and crop productivity to inform sustainable agriculture practices.

KEY WORDS: organic amendments, butternut squash, smallholder farmers, soil fertility and sustainable agriculture

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Organic manure

Soil fertility

Sustainable agriculture

Butternut production

Supervisor

Ms A. Kamota