Growth Carrot (1) 1

International Journal of Agriculture & Agribusiness
ISSN: 2391-3991, Volume 6 Issue 1, page 21 – 27

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The Effect of Different Rates of

Cow Dung Application on
Growth and Yield of Carrot
(Daucus carrota L.)
(Studied at Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia)
Fikadu-Lebeta W.1 & Refisa-Jebessa G.2
1
Fikadu-Lebeta W. & 2Refisa-Jebessa G.
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Ambo University
P.O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
Abstract: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of different rates of cow
dung application on growth and yield of carrots (Daucus carrota L.) of Nantes variety
during 2015 at Ambo University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences. Cow
dung were applied at four levels; T1 (control), T2 (5 t ha-1), T3 (10 t ha-1) and T4 (15 t
ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three
replications. The result showed that no significant differences were obtained for
parameters; plant height, leaf number, root length & root diameter due to treatments.
Root fresh weight and root dry weight were significantly affected by different rates of
cow dung application. The highest yield was recorded by 15 t ha-1 cow dung
application which was better for promoting carrot root development. In this finding, it
is recommended that the experiment should be repeated at more location and years to
confirm the obtained result.
Keywords: Carrot, Cow dung, vegetables, organic fertilizers, growth and yield.
1. INTRODUCTION
Carrot (Daucus carrota L.) is one of the most important root vegetable classified under the family
of Apiaceae. It is a cool season vegetables and growth is optimal when temperature is maintained
between the ranges of 150c to 240c. The crop needs well drained soil with organic fertilizers
incorporated to the soil (Manosa, 2011; Zeleke & Derso, 2015). Carrot is an important source of
carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins (A, B & C), sugars and minerals, which are used for both food and
health benefits. It is very helpful to maintain eyes health and also serve as antioxidant (Baranski et al.,
2010; Dias, 2014). Chemoprotective compounds are the products of carrots that protect the body
against many diseases of civilization (Bystricka et al., 2015).
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Fikadu-Lebeta, W. & Refisa-Jebessa, G. 2019. The Effect of Different Rates of Cow Dung Application
on Growth and Yield of ............
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Although carrot is very important vegetable crops, its production continues to be constrained by a
number of biotic and abiotic factors that can reduce productivity. Among the various factors
contributing for potential yield, fertilizer management is of great importance (Emana et al., 2015).
Literatures have reported that organically produced fruits and vegetables fetch premium price on the
international market (Oberholtzer et al., 2005). Organic fertilizer application for carrot crop production
is very best with specific recommendation over inorganic fertilizers which are not ecofriendly. It is
recommended to improve the growth and yield of carrots when compared to plants not received any
fertilizer (Mbatha, et al., 2014).
Cow dung is very important source of organic fertilizer which is ecofriendly. It maintains soil
health and can improve crop productivity by increasing soil fertility. Using cow dung effectively can
contribute to reduce environmental degradation and reduce greenhouse gas concentration (Raj et al.,
2014). Accordingly Ali (1998) reported that cow dung manure improves physical and chemical
properties of the soil.
Amos et al. (2015) found that cattle manure application for maize vegetable at 15 ton ha-1 has
increased plant height (140.4cm) by 24% over the control. In addition, it produces the overall increase
in all parameters. Similarly, Dawuda et al. (2011) reported that application of chicken manure at 15 t
ha-1 improves vegetative growth, root yield and give more income for carrot crop production. Mehedi et
al. (2012) also stated that 15 t cow dung ha-1 application to carrot showed the better gross and
marketable yield (38.13 t ha-1 and 30.42 t ha-1, respectively).
The lower productivity of carrot in Ethiopia cannot be ascribed to the lack of high yielding
cultivars; rather, the main cause of low yielding is suboptimal uses of fertilizers like cow dung. To omit
these problems, several attempts have been done to increase the yield potential of carrots crops. But,
they have concerned with inorganic fertilizers. The literature pertains that the use of organic fertilizers
in vegetable crops production particularly in carrot is very much limited (Ahmed et al. 2014; Emana et
al., 2015). Therefore, the experiment was undertaken to study the effect of cow dung application on
growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carrota L.).
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1. Description of the Study Area
The experiment was conducted under irrigation from March 2015 to June 2015 at Ambo
University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Main Campus, which is found in West
Shewa zone, Ethiopia. The research site was under field condition, horticulture garden of the
University. Ambo University is geographically located at about 8057’N latitude and 38007’E longitude.
The area was located in altitude of 2195 m.a.s.l and 126km away from Addis Ababa. The average rain
fall is 1150 mm and average temperature is 18.50c. The soil of the experimental area was characterized
by well drained vertisols (Ambo Woreda Agricultural Office Annual Report, 2014, unpublished).
2.2. Experimental Materials

The experiment was conducted using carrot seed of Nantes variety and cow dung manure. Nantes
variety of carrot is one of the potential carrot varieties in West Shewa. It is being cultivated widely and
has been accepted by farmers due to its high yielding ability, consumers’ preference, wider adaptation
and relatively resistance to disease compared to other improved carrot varieties growing in the area.
Dried and decomposed cow dung manure was obtained from Ambo University dairy farm.

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2.3. Experimental Procedures
Suitable site was selected and the land was cleaned (unwanted materials and vegetables were
removed). The area was measured by using trigonometric theorem (3, 4, 5). Land digging and plot
preparation according to the length and width recommended to carrot production was undertaken in
accordance with a standard practice locally used. Different levels of Cow dung were incorporated to the
soil at the time of land preparation. Carrot seed of Nantes variety was brought from Holeta Agricultural
Research Center. The seed was sown according to recommended space at the rate of 5 kg ha-1 and
drilled in rows in each plot uniformly and thinned back to the recommended space after emergence
(Zeleke and Derso, 2015). All agronomic practices were applied uniformly to all plots. Data were
collected accordingly at harvest.
2.4. Treatments and Experimental Design

For this experiment, Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with three
replications and it consists of a single factor (cow dung application). The cow dung were applied at
four rates; treatment one (T1) control, treatment two (T2) 5 ton ha-1, treatment three (T3) 10 ton ha-1
and treatment four (T4) 15 ton ha-1. Treatments were assigned randomly to experimental plots within
the block. Plots were consisted of four rows at 25 cm distance apart and 5cm distance between plants.
Each plot was comprised of 1.5m×2m, total of 3m2. Space between plots and blocks were 0.5m and 1m
respectively.
2.5. Data Collected

Ten plants were selected randomly from each plots on different parameters such as, plant height,
leaf number, root length, root diameter, fresh mass and dry mass of carrot root crop. The data were
collected at harvest.
Plant Height (cm): Plant height was recorded from base of the root to the tip of the plant at harvest
and average plant height were taken.
Leaf Number: The leaf number was recorded in ten randomly selected plants from plots at harvest and
average leaf number was expressed in number.
Root Length (cm): The length of root was measured in ten randomly selected plants from each plot at
harvest from the base of the root to the top of the root and average length was expressed in cm.
Root Diameter: The diameter of ten roots selected randomly was measured by using caliper at basal
portion and the average root diameter was expressed in cm.
Fresh Weight of the Root (g): The weight of ten roots selected randomly at harvest was recorded with
the help of beam balance and the average root weight was expressed in gram.
Dry Mass of the Root (g): The fresh mass of the root was chopped and dried by oven dry at 75oC
temperature for 48 hours at harvest and recorded with the help of beam balance and the average root
weight was expressed in gram.
Gross Yield per Hectare: Ten plants during harvesting were weighted and converted to yield per
hectare.
2.6. Data Analysis

All parameters under investigation were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for
statistical analysis and LSD at 5% was used to compare the mean difference between treatments
(Gomez & Gomez, 1984).
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Growth Parameters: Measured growth parameters were not significantly affected by application
of different rates of cow dung. A general increase in plant height and leaf number was observed,
although the difference was not significant. The highest plant height (39.95 cm) and leaf number
(16.18) was recorded from 15 ton ha-1 cow manure application, while the lowest 34.99 cm and 14.37
was from control respectively (Table 1). Probably, this may be due to low Nitrogen levels to facilitate
the growth and development of foliage parts of the plant. This finding is in correspondence with the
findings of Mehedi et al. (2001) who stated that the application of high rate of cow dung at 20 ton ha-1

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was increased the percentage of branched root and rotten roots which reduced the yield and favors the
growth parameters (leaf number and plant height), lower rates of cow dung application increased the
yield rather than growth parameters. This result was also coincide with the investigation of Gudugi
(2013) who stated that application of cow dung led to significant increase in growth and yield of okra
plant over the control. Application of cow dung at the rate of 15 to 20 t ha-1 significantly improved the
performance of Okra plant. However, the effect of cow dung on number of leaves per plant was not
significant.
Table 1. The effect of cow dung rates on growth parameters of carrot

Growth Parameters
Treatments
Leaf Number per plant Plant height (cm)
Control 14.37 34.99
5 ton ha-1 16 37.93
10 ton ha-1 15.93 33.97
15 ton ha-1 16.18 39.95
CV 6.53 8.05
LSD (0.05) NS NS
CV= Coefficient of variance, LSD = Least significant difference, NS = not significantly different at
LSD (0.05) level of probability.
3.2 Yield Parameters: The measured yield parameters of carrots were significantly affected due to
different levels of cow dung application except root diameter and root height. Although root diameter
and root height were not responded a significant difference, the mean value measured was showed that
the general increase in both parameters as the rate of cow dung application increased (Figure 1). This is
in correspondence with the report of Ahmed et al. (2014) who stated that application of organic manure
had no significant effect on carrot root diameter. However, according to this investigation, the rates of
cow dung application were significantly affected root fresh weight and root dry weight. With an
increase in the rate of cow dung, the root fresh weight was increased. The highest root fresh weight
(145.06 g plant-1) was recorded from the plot treated with 15 ton ha-1 of cow dung application and the
lowest (76.86 g plant-1) was recorded from the plot treated with 5 ton ha-1 of cow dung rate (Figure 2).
This finding is agreed with the finding of Abduallha-Al-Noman (2015) who conducted the experiment
to see the effect of cow dung, zinc and boron on carrot. He found that the maximum root fresh weight
(160.70 g), dry matter of root (12.35 %) and yield ha-1 (59.67 t) was recorded from 15 t ha -1 cow dung
application. Similarly, Mazed et al. (2015) stated that maximum root fresh weight of (146.50 g) was
recorded from 25 t ha-1 cowdung application and the lowest (123.96 g) from no treatment. Jeptoo et al.
(2012) also stated that application of bio-slurry manure at 7.8 t ha-1 increased yield of carrots by 23.5%
over control. Increased response of root fresh weight might be due to the increasing level of fertility
status of the soil. This is in line with the finding of Awodun (2008) who reported cow dung is very best
in improving soil fertility particularly for growing vegetable crops. Similarly, Audu and Aliyu (2013)
found that cow dung is a good fertilizing material that can be used to maintain soil fertility status and
improve crop production.
The effect of different rates of cow dung application on root dry weight and gross yield per hectare
were significantly affected both parameters. The mean comparison at LSD 5% probability level showed
that maximum root dry weight was recorded from the plot treated with 15ton/ha of cow dung while
minimum root dry weight was recorded from the plot treated with 5 ton ha-1. The highest root dry
weight (81.47g plant-1) was recorded from the plot treated with 15 ton ha-1 of cow dung application and
the lowest (43.17g plant-1) was from the plot treated with 5 ton ha-1 of cow dung rate (Figure 2). In the
case of gross yield ha-1, maximum amount of yield (40.63 ton ha-1) was obtained from plots treated
with 15 ton ha-1 while minimum amount (21.53 ton ha-1) was obtained from application of 5 ton ha-1 of
cow dung rate (Figure 3). This finding is in correspondence with the finding of Mehedi et al. (2012)
who stated that 15 t cow dung ha-1 application to carrots showed the better gross and marketable yield
(38.13 t ha-1 and 30.42 t ha-1, respectively).
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Figure 1. The effect of cow dung rates on root diameter (a) and root height (b).
Mean values followed by the same letters are not significantly different at LSD (0.05) level of
probability
Figure 2. The effect of cow dung rates on root fresh weight (a) and root dry weight (b).
Mean values followed by the same letters are not significantly different at LSD (0.05) level of
probability
Figure 3. The effect of cow dung rates on Gross yield ha-1.

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In this study we investigate that the effects of different rates of cow dung application on growth and
yield of carrot crop. The result revealed that the maximum root fresh weight (145.06g), root dry weight
(81.47g) and gross yield ha-1 (40.7 ton) were recorded from the plot treated with 15 ton ha-1 of cow
dung rate, while the minimum 76.86g, 43.17g and 21.53 ton ha-1 respectively were recorded from the
plots treated with 5 ton ha-1 of cow dung. Application of cow dung to carrot crop with the rate of 15 ton
ha-1 was obtained significant difference for parameters; root fresh weight, root dry weight and gross
yield per hectare. As the rate of cow dung application increased the yield per hectare also increased.
The low rate of cow dung application led to small root fresh weight, root dry weight and gross yield ha-
1
. Different rates of cow dung application for root diameter, plant height and leaf number was not
showed significant difference. Therefore, low rate of cow dung application cause yield reduction, so it
is recommended that the experiment should be repeated at more location and years to confirm the
obtained result.
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and for most, we would like to thank Almighty God for giving us health and strength to
conduct this experiment. Also we would like to thank Ambo University College of Agriculture and
Veterinary Sciences for developing this course in the BSc curriculum of Horticulture. Finally we
express our gratitude to Ambo University department of horticulture laboratory workers for their
technical assistance.
5. REFERENCES
Abduallha-Al-Noman. (2015). Effect of cowdung, zinc and boron on growth and yield of carrot. Sher-
e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka.
Ahmed, A., Sambo, B. E., Odion, E. C. & Arunah, U. L. (2014). Response of farmyard manure and
inorganic fertilizers for sustainable yield of carrot (Daucus carota L.) in Northern Nigeria. IOSR
Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 7(2) Ver. II: 26-33.
Ali, H.O. (1998). Effects of cow dung manure on some physical and chemical properties on saline -
sodic soils, In Kiboko Makueni district (Kenya). University of Nairobi library: Nairobi.
Amos, H., Voncir, N., Fagam, A.S., & Garba, A. (2015). Effect of cattle manure on the growth and
yield performance of vegetable maize (Zea mays Saccharata) varieties under irrigation. Scholar’s
journal of agriculture and veterinary sciences, 2(4A):319-323.
Audu, M. & Aliyu, Z. (2013). Analysis of nutrient content of some organic materials for soil
amendment in Sokoto Metroplis, Nigeria. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 3(18):
1-5.
Awodun, M.A, (2008). Effect of nitrogen released from rumen digesta and cow dung on soil and leaf
nutrient content of Gboma (Solanum macrocarpon L.). Journal of Applied Biosciences, 7:202 –
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Baranski, R., Maksylewicz-Kaul, A., Kaminska, I., Leja, M., Schulz-Witte, J., Schulz, H., Nothnagel,
T. & Carle. R. (2010). Characterisation of carrots of various root colour. Ecological Chemistry
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carrot (Daucus carota L.) to different rates of soil amendments and spacing. Journal of science
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Nutrition Sciences, 5, 2147-2156. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/fns.2014.522227.
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Inter Science Publication, John Wiley and Sons, New York. p. 680.

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Gudugi I.A. (2013). Effect of cow dung and variety on the growth and yield of Okra (Abemoschus
escuentus L.). European Journal of Experimental Biology, 3(2):495-498.
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International Journal of Agriculture & Agribusiness

ISSN: 2391-3991, Volume 6 Issue 1, page 21 – 27

The Effect of Different Rates of

Zambrut.com. Publication date: September, 2019. 21

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.2. Experimental Materials

Zambrut.com. Publication date: September, 2019. 22

2.4. Treatments and Experimental Design

2.5. Data Collected

2.6. Data Analysis

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Zambrut.com. Publication date: September, 2019. 23

Table 1. The effect of cow dung rates on growth parameters of carrot

Zambrut.com. Publication date: September, 2019. 25

Zambrut.com. Publication date: September, 2019. 26

Zambrut Journal, Link Access;

© Copyright International Journal of Zambrut | Zambrut, Inc.

Zambrut.com. Publication date: September, 2019. 27

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