







































         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
 

 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
 

 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

The American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology (AJASET) is 

blind peer reviewed international journal publishing articles that emphasize research, 

development and application within the fields of agricultural science, engineering and 

technology. The AJASET covers all areas of Agricultural Science, Engineering and 

Technology, publishing original research articles. The AJASET reviews article within 

approximately two weeks of submission and publishes accepted articles online immediately 

upon receiving the final versions.  

Published Media: ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print).  

Frequency: 2 issues per year (January, July)  

Area of publication: Agricultural Science, Any Engineering and Technology related original 

and innovative works.  

EDITORIAL BOARD 

Chief Editor 

Dr Mamun-Or-Rashid 

Professor, Dhaka University, Bangladesh 

Board Members  

Dr. Sumit Garg, IL, USA 

Professor Dr. James J. Riley, The University of Arizona, USA 

Dr. Ekkehard KÜRSCHNER, Agriculture Development Consultant, Germany 

Professor Dr. Rodriguez Hilda, USA 

Professor Dr. Michael D. Whitt, USA 

Professor Dr. Wael Al-aghbari, Yemen 

Professor Dr. Muhammad Farhad Howladar, Bangladesh 

Dr. Clement Kiprotich Kiptum, University of Eldoret, Kenya 

Professor Dr M Shamim Kaiser, Professor, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh 

Professor Dr Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, Chittagong University, Bangladesh 

Professor Dr. Nirmal Chandra Roy, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh 

Managing Editor 

Md. Roshidul Hasan 

Professor, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology,  

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh  

 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
215 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

EFFECT OF SHEEP DROPPING MANURE APPLICATION RATE AND METHODS 

OF PROPAGATION ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD COMPONENT OF 

CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativum) IN ANYIGBA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA 

Musa U.T1*, Yusuf M.2 and Roseline J.E3 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajaset.v5i2.100 

ABSTRACT 

This study was conducted at Crop Production Nursery Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, 

Kogi State University Anyigba. The study area which is Kogi State, to determine the 

effect of sheep dropping rate and staking on the yield and yield component of 

cucumber. Staked and unstaked and four treatment levels (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg per 

hectare) were evaluated. The study was conducted as a 2x1 factorial laid out in 

randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatment means 

were separated using least significant difference (LSD0.05). The result generated from 

the study showed that number of fruits, number of marketable fruits and weight of 

fruits. Staking had no significant effect on number of fruits, but showed significant 

effect on number of branches, number of leaves and plant height. The staked treatment 

constantly performed better with higher values than the non-staked treatment. Result 

obtained from data analysis shows that Cucumber growth, yields and yield components 

were enhanced with the incorporation of Poultry droppings across various treatment 

rates. Hence for maximum production of cucumber staking and optimum sheep 

dropping should be adopted. 

Keywords: Cucumber, Growth, Staking, Sheep dropping, Yield. 

 

1,2 & 3 Department of Crop Production, Kogi State University, P.M.B, 1008, Anyigba, Kogi 

State Nigeria. 

*Corresponding author e-mail: tankomusa005@gmail.com, Phone: +2348035905724 

Author to handle all correspondence: e-mail: adavize70@gmail.com, Phone: 

+2348064197762 

 

 

 

 

 

http://journals.e-palli.org/
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajaset.v5i2.100
mailto:tankomusa005@gmail.com
mailto:adavize70@gmail.com


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
216 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

INTRODUCTION 

The Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a creeping vine that roots in the ground and grows up 

trellises or other supporting frames, wrapping around supports with thin, spiralling tendrils. It 

is of the monoecious annual crops in the Cucurbitaceae family and genus Cucumis. The 

Cucurbitaceae family is reasonably large and has around 130 genera and 900 species (Bidein, 

et al., 2017) of these, around 30 species out of 9 genera are cultivated. In a similar way to the 

melon, watermelon and squash, cucumber (its botanical name is Cucumis Sativus L.) belongs 

to the family Cucurbitaceae (Jiménez-Ballesta, et al., 2018). Crop physiologists have 

established that high yields in crop production by adapted cultivars can largely be explained 

by increased solar interception achieved by larger and longer-living canopies (Ayoola and 

Adeniran, 2006). The use of organic manures has been recommended for long term cropping 

in the tropics as slow mineralization of these manures is known to promote crop yield for a 

long period of time. Though organic manures are usually very bulky and the costs of 

transportation from one location to another very high, they are not only safer sources of plant 

nutrients but are also environmentally friendly (Eifediyi and Remison 2010). They release 

their nutrients in a slow and steady manner to crops in the field thereby activating soil 

microbial activities (Ayoola and Adediran 2006). Again, they sustain cropping systems 

through better nutrient recycling and improvement in soil physical, chemical and biological 

properties (Ojeniyi, et al., 2010). 

Organic manure has long been used by ancient farmers as a source of nutrition and its 

benefits have been fully realized because it is cheap and readily available (Makinde, et al., 

2007). With the increase in poultry production annually, there is a large quantity of poultry 

refuse which can be an alternative to chemical fertilizer. A lot of researches have been carried 

out to determine the effect of organic materials on the growth and yield of crops (Akin-

Taylor, 1986), it is important to observe that the nutrient value of different organic manure is 

not the same. A study by Enujeke (2013) indicated that a variety of cucumber that received 

the highest rate of poultry manure (20 tha–1) was superior with respect to vine length, number 

of leaves, fruit diameter, fruit length and fruit weight at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting for 

two years. Komolafe (1980) reported that the richest manure is poultry droppings, followed 

by cattle dung, goat dung, pig dung, and horse dung. Several research have been conducted 

on sheep-manure vermicompost to determine its nutrient effect on cucumber plants. Arancon 

et al. (2004) has attributed the effect of sheep manure vermicompost on cucumber plant 

growth to the presence of plant growth regulators and humic acid in vermicompost, which is 

produced by increased activity of microbes such as fungi, bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes and 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
217 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

algae. In a research by Azarmi et al. (2009) to determine the effects of vermicompost 

produced from sheep manure on growth, yield and quality of cucumber varieties, leaf 

number, plant height and chlorophyll content of cucumber varieties increased with increasing 

sheep manure vermicompost at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting. He further reported 

that 30t/ha gave the highest yield in terms of leaf area, stem and dry leaf weight, leaf 

numbers, plant height, chlorophyll content and total fruit yield. Such result has been 

confirmed in other reports which were attributed to different factors such as varying rates of 

release of growth-promoting substance, improvement in soil physical properties, soil fertility 

and uptake of mineral nutrient (Rajbir et al., 2008; Azarmi et al., 2008). 

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS 

Experimental Location 

The experiment was conducted at Crop Production Nursery Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, 

Kogi State University Anyigba. The study area which is Kogi State lies between latitude 50 

151 to 70 451N and longitude 50 451 and 80 451 East of the equator. mean annual rainfall 

ranges from 1,560 mm at Kabba in the West to 1,808 mm at Anyigba in the East. The dry 

season generally extends from November to March. During this period, rainfall drops 

drastically to less than 12.0 mm in any of the months. Temperatures show some variations 

throughout the years, with average monthly temperature varying between 170C and 36.20C. 

The state has two main vegetation: the forest savanna mosaic zone and the southern guinea 

zone. It also has two main geological formations, they are: The Basement complex rocks to 

the west while the other half is on Cretaceous sediments, to the north of the confluence and 

east of River Niger (Amhakhian, et al., 2010). The soils like most soils in north-central 

agricultural zone of Nigeria have high erodibility, structurally weak, coarse textured with low 

organic matter status (Amhakhian, et al., 2010).  

Experimental Material and Design 

“Market More” Variety of cucumber used for this experiment was obtained from Techni 

Seeds Limited, Kano State while sheep droppings were obtained from Lokoja, Kogi State. 

The experiment was carried out in polythene bags. Each was filled with garden soil. Holes in 

the containers were made to allow for airflow. In arriving at the sheep dropping manure rates, 

each pot was field with a well-mixed soil and weighed. Each pot, therefore, contains soil 

weighing 10kg, using a furrow slice weight of 2.24 x 106kg. 

i.e. 1 furrow slice soil weighs 2.24 x 106kg 

2.24 x 106kg soil requires 0tons 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
218 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

2.24 x 106kg soil requires 10tons 

2.24 x 106kg soil requires 20 tons 

2.24 x 106kg soil requires 30tons 

Factorial combination of sheep dropping rates of 0, 10, 20 and 30t/ha with propagation 

method (Staked “S” and Unstaked “U”) gave a total of eight (8) treatments (table 1) which 

was replicated 3times to give a total of twenty-four treatment units. This was laid out in a 

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).  

Sheep 

dropping rates 

(tha-1) 

Propagation Method 

Staked (S) Unstaked (U) 

0 S0 U0 

10 S10 U10 

20 S20 U20 

30 S30 U30 

Seeds were sown 2.5cm deep at the rate of 3/stand with a spacing of 60cm apart. Seedlings 

were thinned to 1/stand, after emergence, giving a plant population of 24plants. Alley 

pathways of 1m was made for easy access to each block. Sheep dropping was applied to the 

soil inside pots two weeks prior to planting to enable proper decomposition and release of 

nutrients that would serve as starter dose for the crop. Each pot was spaced with a 1m 

pathway. Staking was done for pots that require staking 10days after emergence. 

Cultural Practices and Data Collection 

Regular weeding was carried out around the plant base in each pot, along and ahead of the 

vines using hand, while insecticides were applied at 3 days interval. 

Growth and yield data on plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, leaf area, 

number of branches per plant, fruit diameter, and number of fruits per pot. 

Data Analysis. 

Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance according to (ANOVA) to detect the 

real differences among the treatment means as described by (Snedecor and Cochran 1967). 

 

RESULT AND DISCUSSION 

Table 1 and 2 shows the effect of sheep dropping rates and propagation methods on growth 

and yield characters of cucumber in Anyigba environment.  

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
219 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

Effect of Sheep Dropping Rates and Propagation Methods on Growth characters of 

cucumber plants in Anyigba, Kogi State. 

Staked cucumber plants (55.32) performed better than the unstaked plants (37.13) in terms of 

height (table 1). Application of sheep droppings at 6 and 9WAP increased significantly (P < 

0.05), heights of staked cucumber plant. Application of 30tha-1 of sheep droppings gave the 

tallest plant of 59.6 cm followed by 20 tha-1 sheep dropping application (58.15 cm) which 

was not significantly different from other rates at 9WAP. However, at 6WAP, application of 

20 tha-1 sheep dropping gave the tallest plant height (44.75 cm) which was significantly 

different from other rates, although control pots (0 tha-1) consistently produced shortest plants 

across all sampling periods. This result can be attributed to the fact that the leaves on the 

staked plants were all exposed to greater light interception leading to a higher accumulation 

of photosynthesis for vegetative growth. Hanna and Adams (2011) reported that staking 

cucumber increased the fruit yield because of better light interception. The non-staked 

treatment consistently produced lower values in all the vegetative parameters evaluated. 

Interactions between sheep droppings and propagation methods was significant (P < 0.05) at 

9WAP (table 3). Staked cucumber plants were able to maximize sheep dropping application 

to produce the tallest plants. At 10 tha-1 sheep dropping application, the tallest plant (64.8 cm) 

was produced. However, this was not significantly different from heights of plants produced 

when 20 tha-1 and 30 tha-1 sheep dropping was applied. The unstaked plants produced the 

shortest plant when zero sheep dropping was applied. This however implies that application 

rate at 10 tha-1 is sufficient for optimum plant heights of cucumber (table 3), possibly because 

higher rate of manure improves moisture availability which enhanced the release of more 

nutrient elements for increased vine growth. This is consistent with the findings and reports 

of Adekiya and Ojeniyi (2002) and Ewulo et al., (2008) who attributed increased growth of 

crop plants to the release of more nutrient elements through the moisture that has been made 

available by the manure. It is also in harmony with the report of John et al., (2004) who 

indicated that poultry manure released essential elements which promoted high 

photosynthetic activities that enhanced growth and yield of watermelon. 

Table 1: Effects of Sheep dropping rate and staking on plant height, Number of leaves 

and stem girth of cucumber in Anyigba, during 2020 dry season. 

Treatments Plant height (cm) Number of leaves Stem girth (cm) 

Week after Planting (WAP) 

3 6 9 3 6 9 3 6 9 

Propagation method  

Unstaked 24.74 36.25 37.13b 10.33b 16.42b 23.5b 1.07 1.47 1.58 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
220 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

Staked 12.75 27.90 55.32a 11.66a 66.09a 33.49a 1.28 1.76 1.76 

LSD0.05 ns ns 5.30 1.2 2.3 9.2 ns ns ns 

Sheep droppings  

0tha-1 12.00 26.25b 53.70b 8.83b 16.84b 27.00b 1.22 1.80 1.84 

10 tha-1 12.00 28.45ab 53.75b 11.33a 19.17a 41.67a 1.23 2.32 1.95 

20 tha-1 13.00 44.75a 58.15ab 11.66a 19.33a 43.67a 1.17 2.29 1.97 

30 tha-1 12.25 28.85ab 59.60a 12.17a 17.16ab 26.67b 1.07 2.16 2.62 

LSD0.05 ns 17.30 5.30 1.2 2.3 9.2 ns ns ns 

Interactions  

PM x SD ns ns * ns ns ns ns ns ns 
* Significant at 0.05 level of probability   ns not significant 

Means followed by the same letter(s) within a sampling period is statistically not significant at 5%level of probability using N-Duncan 

multiple range test. 

Staked cucumber plants produced more leaves (11.66, 66.09, 33.49) than unstaked plants 

across all sampling periods (table 1). Application of 30 tha-1 sheep dropping produced the 

highest number of leaves (12.17) at 3WAP, which was not significantly different from 10 tha-

1 and 20 tha-1 application rates respectively. Application of 20 tha-1 sheep dropping produced 

the highest number of leaves (19.33 and 43.67) at 6 and 9WAP respectively. These was 

however not significantly different from number of leaves produced at 10 tha-1 and 30 tha-1 at 

6WAP while 20 tha-1 and 10 tha-1 sheep dropping rate at 9WAP were statistically at par, 30 

tha-1 application of sheep dropping appears to reduce leaf production. However, plants with 

the least number of leaves were produced by control pots (zero sheep dropping). Interactions 

between sheep droppings and propagation methods on number of leaves were not statistically 

significant (P>0.05) across all sampling periods. Higher number of leaves produced by 

cucumber plants that received 20tha-1 of sheep droppings could possibly be because the sheep 

droppings had established and maintained effective soil physical condition for plant growth. 

This is consistent with the reports of Mangila et al., (2007), and Enujeke et al., (2013) which 

indicated that manure is essential for establishing and maintaining the optimum soil physical 

condition for plant growth. It is also synonymous to the findings of Agbede et al., (2017), and 

Ewulo et al., (2008) who reported that organic manure is not only cheap, but also an effective 

source of N for sustainable crop production, but improves soil physical properties by 

reducing temperature, bulk, density, and increasing total porosity, if higher rates are applied. 

Sheep dropping rates and propagation method showed no significant influence (P>0.05) on 

stem girth at all sampling periods (table 1). However, Interactions between sheep droppings 

and propagation methods on stem girths of cucumber plants was not statistically significant 

(P>0.05) also across all sampling periods. 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
221 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

Table 2: Effects of sheep dropping rate and staking on Leaf area per plant, Number of 

branches/plant, fruit diameter and number of fruits/pot of cucumber at Anyigba, 

during 2020 dry season 

Treatments Leaf Area (cm) No of Branches 
Fruit diameter 

(cm) 

No of fruits 

per pot 

WAP WAP 
At harvest At harvest 

3 6 9 6 9 

Propagation method        

Unstaked 13.64b 21.96b 61.05b 0.91 1.49b 5.1a 9.0b 

Staked 26.27a 40.04a 83.92a 1.33 2.75a 4.3b 20.0a 

LSD0.05 1.29 10.26 7.30 ns 0.53 0.7 0.6 

 

Sheep droppings  

0tha-1 22.47b 23.38b 67.63b 1.00 1.67bc 1.8c 3.0d 

10 tha-1 23.03ab 32.5ab 74.04ab 1.51 2.17b 2.60ab 5.0c 

20 tha-1 23.89a 32.9ab 78.94a 1.16 3.00a 3.00a 10.0b 

30 tha-1 22.4b 35.2a 69.35b 1.16 1.6c 2.00bc 11.0a 

LSD0.05 1.29 10.26 7.30 ns 0.53 0.7 0.6 

Interactions  

PM x SD ns ns ns ns ns * ** 
* Significant at 0.05 level of probability ** Significant at 0.01 level of probability ns not significant 

Means followed by the same letter(s) within a sampling period is statistically not significant at 5%level of probability using N-Duncan 

multiple range test. 

Sheep dropping rates and propagation method showed a significant influence (P<0.05) on 

leaf area of cucumber plants at all sampling periods (table 2). Staked plants produced a larger 

leaf area (26.27, 40.04 and 83.92cm2) at 3, 6 and 9WAP respectively. Application of 20t/ha 

sheep dropping gave the largest leaf area (23.89, 79.98 cm2) at 3 and 9WAP respectively 

which are not significantly different from application rate of 10 tha-1. 30 tha-1 sheep dropping 

gave the largest leaf area at 3WAP, this was not significantly different from those of 10 tha-1 

and 20 tha-1 applications. However, the control pots gave the least leaf area across all 

sampling periods. 

Sheep dropping rates and propagation method showed no significant influence (P>0.05) on 

number of branches at 6WAP (table 3). However, at 9WAP, staked cucumber plants 

performed better than the unstaked counterpart, 20 tha-1 application of sheep dropping 

produced the highest number of branches (3.0) while 30 tha-1 application produced the least 

number of branches (1.6). Significant effect of sheep dropping on cucumber plants have been 

reported by Azarmi et al. (2009). They attributed the effect of vermicomposting on cucumber 

plant growth to the presence of plant growth regulators and humic acid in vermicomposting, 

which are produced by increased activity of microbes such as fungi, bacteria yeasts, 

actinomycetes and algae. This assertion has been supported by Arancon et al., (2004), Brown 

(1995), Tomati et al. (1990). 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
222 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

Effect of Sheep dropping rates and Propagation Methods on Yield characters of 

cucumber plants in Anyigba, Kogi State. 

The diameter of cucumber fruits harvested was statistically influenced (P<0.05) by both 

propagation methods and sheep dropping rates (table 2). The unstaked cucumber plants 

produced fruits with largest fruit diameter (5.1cm) which was influenced by 20 tha-1 

application of sheep dropping. However, control pots gave the least yield in terms of fruit 

diameter. Interactions between sheep droppings and propagation methods was significant (P 

< 0.05) on fruit diameter at harvest (table 4). Unstaked plants responded well to sheep 

dropping rates as 20tha-1 application produced fruits with the highest diameter. However, this 

result was not significantly different from those obtained when 10tha-1 and 30tha-1 of sheep 

dropping was applied. Staked plants consistently produced fruits with the least diameters. 

Table 3: Interaction of Propagation Method x Sheep Dropping application rate on the 

Heights of cucumber plants at 9WAP in Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria. 

 Sheep Dropping 

Propagation 

method 

0 10 20 30 

Staked 51.6ab 64.8a 53.8ab 58.2ab 

Unstaked 40.4b 51.4ab 53.6ab 55.9ab 

SE (±) 6.7 
Means followed by the same letter(s) within a sampling period is statistically not significant at 5%level of probability using N-Duncan 

multiple range test. 

Table 4: Interaction of Propagation Method x Sheep Dropping application rate on Fruit 

Diameters of cucumber plants in Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria 

 Sheep Dropping 

Propagation 

method 

0 10 20 30 

Staked 1.0bc 1.3ac 1.1ac 0.9c 

Unstaked 1.0bc 1.3ac 1.6a 1.2ac 

SE (±) 0.2 
Means followed by the same letter(s) within a sampling period is statistically not significant at 5%level of probability using N-Duncan 

multiple range test. 

Table 5: Interaction of Propagation Method x Sheep Dropping application rate on 

Number of Fruits of cucumber plants in Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria 

 Sheep Dropping 

Propagation 

method 

0 10 20 30 

Staked 3.0ab 4.5ab 6.5a 6.0ab 

Unstaked 2.0b 2.1b 2.9ab 2.0b 

SE (±) 1.4 
Means followed by the same letter(s) within a sampling period is statistically not significant at 5%level of probability using N-Duncan 

multiple range test. 

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
223 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

Number of fruits harvested/pot was significantly influenced (P<0.05) by both propagation 

methods and sheep dropping rates (table 2). Staked plants produced the highest number of 

fruits (20.0) than the unstaked plants (9.0). The peak fruit production was obtained when 

30tha-1 of sheep dropping was applied. However, control pots produced the least fruit 

numbers. Interactions between sheep droppings and propagation methods was significant (P 

< 0.05) on number of fruits harvested (table 5). Staked plants produced the highest number of 

fruits at 20tha-1 sheep dropping rate which was not statistically different from other treatment 

means. However, unstaked plants produced the least fruit numbers consistently. The above 

yield parameters assessed were found to be higher on the staked plants than that vine on the 

ground. The result agreed with the findings of Hardy and Rowell (2002) who observed that 

the yield of super select cucumbers was higher for the trellised treatment than for the non-

trellised treatment. Hanna and Adams (2011) reported that staked cucumber gave an average 

marketable yield of 25 tons/acre as against 16.4 tons/acre of the non-staked cucumber. While 

Jansen (1985) concluded that staked cucumber produced fruits that double the quantity of the 

ones on the ground. The number of non-marketable fruit was higher in the non-staked than 

the staked treatment. This could be attributed to the poor quality in the colour of the fruit, 

reduced length of fruit and development of yellow bellies on the fruits, which predisposes 

them to spoilage. Hanna and Adams (2011) reported that staking brings about an increase in 

colour quality, fruit length and sugar content of the fruits. Also, Hardy and Rowell et al, 

(2002) affirmed that staking improves the colour and lower the incidence of yellow bellies in 

cucumber. The improvement of fruit quality has been attributed to better growth of plant at 

different rate of vermicomposting (Azarmi et al. 2009), this he indicated to have favored the 

production of better colored and quality fruit (Rajbir et al., 2008). Significant effect of sheep 

dropping on cucumber plants has been reported by Azarmi et al. (2009) where 

vermicomposting increased number of fruits and total fruit yield of cucumber. 

 

CONCLUSION 

The use of sheep dropping and staking lead to improvement in some growth and yield 

characters in cucumber plants. Application of 20 th-1 of sheep dropping appears to be 

optimum for growth and yield of cucumber. Staking of cucumber appears to lift the plant 

above the growth and therefore help to reduce excessive impart of wetting the soil which 

helps increase the growth of cucumber vines.  However, this is a pot trial and given the fact 

that most farmers grow this crop in the field, there is the need for more intensive field 

research. For any serious conclusion to be made.    

http://journals.e-palli.org/


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
224 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

Recommendations 

Even though there was significant growth and yield with staking and sheep dropping rate, 

more intensive work needs to be carried out before any cogent recommendation could be 

made. 

 

REFERENCES 

Adekiya, A.O., Ojeniyi S.O. (2002). Evaluation of tomato growth and soil properties under 

methods of seedling bed preparation in an alfisol in the rainforest zone of southwest 

Nigeria. Soil and Tillage Res, 64: 275-279. 

Agbede, T.M., Eifediyi, K., Adekiya, A.O. (2017). Impact of Poultry Manure and NPK 

Fertilizer on Soil Physical Properties and Growth and Yield of Carrot. Journal of 

Horticultural Research. 25(1): 81–88. doi: 10.1515/johr-2017-0009. 

Akin-Taylor, A.O. (1986) Soil fertility status, plant spacing and weed control interaction in 

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L Moenh) M.Sc thesis presented to the Department of 

Agronomy University of Ibadan Nigeria,  78pp. 

Amhakhian, S.O. (2002). Evaluation of phosphorus status in some soils of Kogi State of 

Nigeria. Ph. D thesis submitted to the Post Graduate School, Ambrose Alli University, 

Ekpoma, Nigeria, 163pp.  

Arancon, N.Q., Edwards, C.A., Bierman, P., Welch, C. and Metzer, J.D. (2004). Influence of 

Vermicomposts on field strawberries: Effect on growth and yields. Bioresour. 

Technol. 93: 145-153. 

Ayoola, O.T and Adediran, O.N. (2006) Influence of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on 

yield components of crops under difp: 1336-1392. 

Azarmi, R., Sharifi, Z.P., Satari, M.R. (2008). Effect of Vermicompost on growth, yield and 

nutrient status of tomato (Lycopersicom esculentum). Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 1(14): 1797-

1802. 

Azarmi, R, Mousa, T.G. and Behzad, H. (2009). The effect of sheep-manure Vermicompost 

on quantitative and qualitative properties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) grown in 

the greenhouse. African Journal of Biotechnology, 8 (19): 4953-4957. 

Bidein, T., Lale, N.E.S and Zakka, U. (2017). Efficacy of Combining Varietal Resistance 

with Organic Fertilizer Application in Reducing Infestation of Cucumber (Cucumis 

Sativus L.) by Insect Pests in the Niger Delta. International Journal of Health and 

Psychology Research, 5(3): 22-36. 

Brown, G.G. (1995). How do earthworms affect micro floral and faunal community 

diversity? Plant Soil. 170: 209-231. 

Eifediyi, E.K. and Remison, S.U. (2010). Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus 

L.) as Influenced by Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer. Journal of Plant 

Breeding and Crop Science. 2(7): 216-220. 

Enujeke, E.C. (2013). Growth and yield responses of cucumber to five different rates of 

poultry manure in Asaba area of Delta state, Nigeria. International Research Journal 

of Agricultural Science and Soil Science. 3(11): 369-375. 

Ewulo, B.S. (2008). Effect of Poultry and Cattle manure on sandy clay loam soil. J. Anim. 

Vet. Sci. 4: 839-841. 

Hanna, H.Y. and Adams, A. J. (1991). Staking fresh market cucumber gives higher yields. A 

long-term Research report pro-society; 104: 237-240.  

Hardy, C. and Rowell, B. (2002). Trellising slicing cucumber in Western Kenturcky Hort 

bulletin; 3: 15-18. 

http://journals.e-palli.org/
doi:%2010.1515/johr-2017-0009.


         American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering and Technology 
 

 
225 ISSN: 2158-8104 (Online), 2164-0920 (Print), 2021, Vol. 5, Issue.2 

http://journals.e-palli.org 

 

Jiménez-Ballesta, R., García-Navarro, F.J., García-Giménez, R., Trujillo-González, J.M., 

Iñigo, V. and Asensio, C. (2018). Agro-ecological Analysis of Cucumber (Cucumis 

sativus L.) Crops in Orchards in a Mediterranean Environment. Journal of Agriculture 

and Crops, 4(3): 16-28. 

John, L.W., Jamer, D.B., Samuel, L.T., Warner, L.W. (2004). Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: 

An Introduction to Nutrient Management, Pearson Education, India. pp 106-53. 

Komolafe. (1980). In: Egene E. A. ‘Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth, 

development and yield of okra (Abelmoschu s esculentus L. Moench) in Kogi State’, 

B. Agric project submitted to the Department of Crop Production, Kogi State 

University, Anyigba. 2011, 37pp. 

Makinde, E.A., Ayoola, O.T. and Akande, M.O. (2007). Effects of Organo-mineral 

application on the growth and yield of egusi melon. Australian J. Basic Appl. Sci, 1: 

15- 19. 

Mangila, E., Tabiliran, F.P., Naguit, M.R.A., Malate, R. (2007). Effect of organic fertilizer on 

the yield of watermelon. Threshold 2, pp 27 - 35. 

Ojeniyi, S.O., Awodun, M.A and Odedina, S.A. (2010). Effect of animal manure amended 

spent grain and cocoa husk on nutrient status, growth and yield of tomato. 

International Journal of Agricultural Research, 2(4): 406-410. 

Rajbir, S., Sharma, R.R., Satyendra, K., Gupta, R.K., Patil, R.T. (2008). Vermicompost 

substitution influences growth, physiological disorders, fruit yield and quality of 

strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Bioresour. Technol, 99: 8507-8511. 

Snedecor, G.W and Cochran, W.G. (1967). Statistical Methods, 6th edition.; lowa State 

University Press: U.S.A, pp: 465.  

Tomati, U, Galli E., Grappelli, A., Dihena, G. (1990). Effect of earthworm casts on protein 

synthesis in radish (Raphanus sativum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings. Biol. 

fert. Soil. 9: 288-289. 

http://journals.e-palli.org/

