Effects of Poultry Manure on the Growth and Yield of Basil Plant (Ocimun gratissimum) in a Tropical Utilsol Soil

Ocimum gratissimum commonly called Basil plant or scent leaf is one of the less known, neglected vegetable with high economic value as food, medicinal and industrial uses. Studies were therefore conducted to determine the effects of poultry manure on the growth and yield of Ocimum gratissimum in the Teaching and research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra , Cross River State, Nigeria. The experiment has nine (9) rates of poultry manure: 0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 6.5 t/ha laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The application of poultry manure at 3- 4t/ha was more beneficial than higher rates. Results showed that poultry manure significantly (p>0.05) increased number of leaves, branches per plant and plant height. The highest Leaf index value plant height, leaves and branches per plant was obtained at 16weeks after planting with 6.5 t/ha. Poultry manure. While 4t/ha poultry manure gave the highest growth rate, Leaf fresh yield, dry matter of leaf, stem and seed yield per plant and per hectare. Farmers are advise to apply 3-4t/ha of poultry manure to cultivate Ocimum gratissimum for optimum growth and seed yield under the utilsol conditions .