ABSTRACT
This research work assesses the effect of anaerobic compost on growth performance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). For this study raw materials such as; cow bone, corn cob, palm oil sludge, kitchen wastes (fruits & vegetable wastes) were obtained from various vendors in Uselu market, Egor LGA, Benin city, Edo state. These raw materials were used for the composting process. Initial characterization was carried out on all raw materials before composting process which lasted for 2 weeks, after which the compost was analyzed for parameters: pH, Electrical Conductivity, Moisture Content, Ash Content, Volatile Matter, Organic Matter, Total Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Pot experiment was carried out using 4 pot samples containing compost and soil mixed at different ratio: Pot 1; 75%compost:25%soil (3:1), Pot 2; 45%compost:55%soil (1:2), Pot3; 20%compost:80%soil (1:4) and 450g soil (control). This setup was monitored for 15 days and progress was noted at 5 days interval. Results from the pot experiment showed that the pot 3 sample with 20% compost had a height of 6.8 inches and 5 leaves at day 15, had more yield and better growth performance than the 75% compost (4.7 inches with 6 leaves), 45% compost (6.5 inches with 5 leaves) and 450g soil (5 inches with 3 leaves). The control with the regular amount of soil had the least growth overall, indicating that there is an optimal compost percentage for an optimal growth. Compost will be cost effective and useful for valuable and healthier growth performance of plant.
