Abstract:
Baby carrot (Daucus carota L.) is an essential root vegetable commonly used because
it is the best source of carotene; a precursor of Vitamin A. Continuous cultivation of farms has
led to decline in soil fertility due to constant removal of nutrients leading to reduction of carrot
yields. A field study was carried out at University of Embu, Horticulture Research and
Teaching field with the aim of investigating the effects of decomposed cow manure on carrot
growth and performance. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design
with three replications. Treatments comprised four levels (0, 10, 16, and 21 t/ha) of
decomposed cow manure which were applied to experimental plots during planting. Growth,
yield and quality parameters of the carrot were then recorded and used to discern the treatment
effects. Obtained data were then subjected to ANOVA using Genstat software. Results showed
that decomposed cow manure can increase yields and quality of carrots. Cow manure applied
at 21 t/ha increased the length and plant height but increased forking. Cow manure applied 16
t/ha increased yields without causing significant amount of forking. Results from this study
shows that cow manure applied at 16 t/ha could be used to increase yields especially where
forking is not a quality consideration.
