Influence of rendered abattoir effluent on fruit yield of chilli pepper and soil properties

Abattoir waste management is of great concern in both urban and rural areas of Nigeria. Despite the potential benefits of abattoir effluent to improve the soil fertility and yield of crops, its integration into agricultural soil management strategies depend on soil type and environment which vary widely. This study was established at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of rendered abattoir effluent on performance of pepper and soil properties. The potted experiment was a randomized complete block design. The treatments were: four rates of application (control (0); 15,000; 20,000; and 25,000 L/ha) replicated thrice. Data were collected on the yield and yield parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth, days to flowering, days to fruiting, fruit weight, number of fruits and fruit length. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance and significant means were separated using New Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability. Results showed that rate of application significantly affected plant height, number of leaves, days to flowering, fruit weight, number of fruit and fruit length(p<0.05). In conclusion, application at the rate of 20000L/ha gave the best yield parameters in terms of fruit weight, number of fruit, fruit length and improved physical and chemical properties of the soil. This study therefore recommends application of the rendered abattoir effluent at the rate of 20000L/ha to enhance organic pepper production in the study area. Key words: Abattoir, Capsicum spp., environment, slaughter house, soil amendment