THE EFFECT OF VARING POULTRY MANURE CONCENTRATIONS MIXED WITH SANDY SOIL ON PLUMULE EMERGENCE AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (TOMATO)

This study evaluated the effect of varying poultry manure (PM) concentrations mixed with sandy soil (SS) on plumule emergence and seedling growth of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). A completely randomized design (CRD) with seven poultry manure mixed with sandy soil 100% SS control, 100% PM control and mixtures of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% PM with SS were used; each treatment had three replicates. Ten seeds were sown per pot and thinned to one seedling; plumule emergence, plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area and reproductive parameters were recorded weekly for twelve weeks. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and means separated with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (p ≤ 0.05). Results showed that moderate application 20% PM + 80% SS produced the best overall seedling performance, giving the highest emergence (60%), tallest mean plant height (108.0 cm), thickest stem togirth (3.50 cm) and largest leaf area (54.72 cm²). Lower (10% PM) and unamended sandy soil gave intermediate performance by supporting moderate but not optimal seedling growth , while higher PM concentrations (≥30%) and pure poultry manure suppressed emergence and early growth. The study concludes that mixing poultry manure at ~20% (v/v) with sandy soil optimizes early tomato establishment and seedling vigor; excessive PM should be avoided. Adopting moderate PM rates for nursery media and further studies on long-term soil effects and fruit quality are recommended