SUSTAINABLE POTATO FARMING: THE IMPACT OF POULTRY MANURE ON GROWTH AND YIELD

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable agriculture has prompted the use of organic amendments like poultry manure to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. This study examines the effects of poultry manure on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and yield at the Eastern Regions Research Station, Marib, Yemen. Conducted from November 2022 to February 2023, the experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments. Key parameters measured included leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetic efficiency, tuber number, and yield. Plots treated with poultry manure showed faster LAI growth, peaking between 80 and 100 days post-planting, compared to urea-treated plots. Treatment E (poultry manure) recorded the highest tuber count at 10.13 per plant, significantly surpassing the control. Additionally, treatments D and F produced the highest percentages of large, market-preferred tubers (69.39% and 68.78%, respectively). These results support existing research that poultry manure enhances growth, tuber quality, and yield due to its nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The study highlights poultry manure’s potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, benefiting both productivity and environmental health.