Evaluation of farm yard manure and some selected preemergence herbicides on the growth and yield of cotton in Samaru- Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of farm yard manure levels (0, 10, 20, and 30) tonnes per hectare and some selected pre-emergence herbicides (Alachlor, Metalachlor, Diuron and Oxadiazon) @ 1 kilogramme active ingredient per hectare on the growth and yield of cotton in Samaru, Zaria. Results obtained showed that an increase in farm yard manure level led to an increase in mean values of treatments for characters assessed. The control treatment of 0 tonnes of farm yard manure per hectare at P = 0.05 significantly produced lower mean values for characters measured, while 30 tonnes per hectare of farm yard manure at P = 0.05 significantly produced higher mean values for characters observed. Alachlor at P = 0.05 significantly produced lower mean values on characters assessed, while Oxadiazon at P = 0.05 significantly produced higher mean values on characters assessed as well.