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ABSTRACT
Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) is a widely cultivated leafy vegetable in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, parts of the Middle East, and Latin America. Bat guano, a nutrient-rich organic material from bat excreta, is considered an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizer. This study investigated the impact of bat guano supplemented soils on the growth of jute mallow. Employing a complete block design, three treatment groups with varying bat guano concentrations (T1: 100g, T2: 150g, T3: 200g) and a control group without bat guano application were tested in a controlled screen house for 8 weeks. The study was a potted experiment. Various plant growth parameters measured were germination, number of leaves, plant height, stem girth and biomass. Physiological parameters were carotenoid, lycopene and total chlorophyll. Analysis carried on the bat guano collected were microbial species count diversity and nutrient analysis (Macro and micro nutrients). The result obtained showed that using bat guano as an organic fertilizer did not enhance Jute mallow plant growth. The control had the highest values for all plant growth parameters measured e.g. plant height, values recorded for plants grown in control soils and 200 g supplemented bat guano soils were 15.48±2.35 and 2.70±1.74 respectively. The dominant microbial species recorded for bacteria were Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis with an average count of 8.4×105 , along with fungi like Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. with an average count of 4.63×105 . The nutrient analysis of bat guano showed that the nitrogen and phosphorus levels were relatively high, while potassium levels were extremely high with a value of 374mg/kg. These results suggest that bat guano may not be a suitable organic fertilizer for jute mallow cultivation. This study highlights the importance of empirical research in agricultural practices and the significance of thoroughly evaluating organic fertilizers before their widespread adoption. Further investigations are recommended to comprehend the reasons behind the negative impact of bat guano on Jute mallow growth and its potential interaction with soil properties. These findings contribute to the pursuit of optimal agricultural practices for Jute mallow cultivation and similar leafy vegetables, enabling a more informed approach to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.
