Response of Carrots (Daucus carota) on the Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Composition to Varying Poultry Manure Rates

Abstract

Carrot cultivation in south-eastern Nigeria could reduce the need to transport carrots from northern regions. To explore this, a field experiment with three replications was carried out in Nsukka, south-eastern Nigeria, focusing on four carrot varieties (Carotte Touchon, Touchon Mega, Super Mega, and Touchon France) and three poultry manure rates (0, 10, and 20 t ha⁻¹). The study revealed that Carotte Touchon had the highest root production (11.6 t ha⁻¹) with 20 t ha⁻¹ of manure, followed by 7.5 t ha⁻¹ at 10 t ha⁻¹, while Touchon Mega had the lowest root yield (1.4 t ha⁻¹) in the control group. Proximate quality of carrots was mostly unaffected by the varieties, except for fat content. The study found significant variations in vitamins A, C, and E, phytochemicals (phytate, tannins, and oxalate), and minerals (Fe, Mg, Na, and K) among the varieties, although no impact on Zn and Ca was observed. This research suggests that carrots have substantial growth potential in south-eastern Nigeria, offering a solution to vitamin and mineral deficiencies prevalent in this area. Additionally, Carotte Touchon with either 20 t ha⁻¹ or 10 t ha⁻¹ of poultry manure is recommended for optimal carrot cultivation in this region.