Augmentation of Alfisol With Bio-Based Amendments Enhanced Marketable Yield, Quality and Profitability of Celosia argentea L.

Abstract

The continuous use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers has enhanced crop yields but contributed to soil nutrient depletion and unsustainable production practices. Integrating bio-organic nutrient sources offers an environmentally friendly alternative for maintaining soil fertility and productivity. This study investigated the effects of Poultry Manure (PM), _Pseudomonas aeruginosa_ (Pa), and their combination on the growth, yield, proximate composition, and profitability of _Celosia argentea_ grown on an Alfisol in southwestern Nigeria. The pot experiment was conducted using PM, Pa, PM+Pa, urea, and an unamended control, arranged in a completely randomized design with six replicates. Growth and yield parameters, proximate composition, and economic indices were assessed and analyzed statistically. Results showed that PM and PM+Pa significantly (p<0.05) enhanced vegetative growth, shoot yield, and nutritional quality compared with urea and control. Gross margins of 61.4-65.9% and benefit–cost ratios of 2.70-2.98 from bio-based amendments were higher than those from urea and control. The study demonstrates that integrating _Pseudomonas aeruginosa_ with poultry manure offers a sustainable and profitable fertilization strategy for improving the yield and quality of _Celosia argentea_ on nutrient-deficient Alfisols.