R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Adogla, F., Yalley, P. P. and Arkoh, M. (2016). Improving Compressed Laterite Bricks using Powdered Eggshells. The International Journal Of Engineering And Science (IJES) || || Pages || PP -65-70|| 2016 ||, 5,
Abstract
Eggshells are notable agricultural wastes indiscriminately disposed on the environment. Coupled with their foul smell they tend to create an unpleasant environment wherever they could be found. As a way of improving this situation, an alternative use for these products have found identified by using it to improve the engineering properties of compressed laterite bricks for masonry purposes. This paper reports the results of a study evaluating the use of powdered eggshells on the compressive strength and durability characteristics of compressed laterite bricks. Laterite bricks were produced with varying quantities of eggshells which comprised of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% by weight of laterite. Compressed laterite bricks showed improvements in all the tests conducted after the inclusion of the powdered eggshells. Powdered eggshells were deemed appropriate for improving the general characteristics for compressed bricks although the optimum quantity was attained at 30%. Keywords – Compressed bricks, laterite, powdered eggshells, soil improvement.
Eggshells are notable agricultural wastes indiscriminately disposed on the environment. Coupled with their foul smell they tend to create an unpleasant environment wherever they could be found. As a way of improving this situation, an alternative use for these products have found identified by using it to improve the engineering properties of compressed laterite bricks for masonry purposes. This paper reports the results of a study evaluating the use of powdered eggshells on the compressive strength and durability characteristics of compressed laterite bricks. Laterite bricks were produced with varying quantities of eggshells which comprised of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% by weight of laterite. Compressed laterite bricks showed improvements in all the tests conducted after the inclusion of the powdered eggshells. Powdered eggshells were deemed appropriate for improving the general characteristics for compressed bricks although the optimum quantity was attained at 30%. Keywords – Compressed bricks, laterite, powdered eggshells, soil improvement.
Zievie, P. and Yalley, P. P. (2016). Evaluation of the Strength Properties of Soil Bricks Produced with Processed African Locust Bean Waste water as Stabiliser. American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER), 5,
Abstract
A newly proposed concept of soil bricks as masonry units for low-cost environmentally friendly construction is proposed using agro-based waste water obtained from the processing of the African locust bean into local food condiments. Laboratory test system was designed to perform strength and durability test on four types of soil brick mixed with African locust bean waste water (ALBWW) as replacement of portable water and also as soil stabiliser for bricks production. Tests were conducted on strength and durability properties of the specimens. There was an increase of 66% over unstabilised specimens when the soil was fully mixed with ALBWW. The density of the bricks increased from 2120kg/m3 for the soil bricks without ALBWW to 2167kg/m3 when the soil was mixed with ALBWW. The resistance to wear for bricks increased steadily from 6.45cm2/g for bricks without ALBWW as stabilisation to 9.45cm2/g for bricks with ALBWW. The presence of ALBWW reduced the amount of water absorbed by the bricks. The study concluded that ALBWW which is an environmental nuisance can be used to replace portable water and also as stabiliser for masonry units in construction. This then implies that effective utilization of ALBWW as soil stabiliser would reduce the cost of relative durable houses for the rural and peri-urban areas in Northern part of Ghana where locust beans are prevalent. Keywords: abrasion resistance, compressive strength locust bean, water absorption,
A newly proposed concept of soil bricks as masonry units for low-cost environmentally friendly construction is proposed using agro-based waste water obtained from the processing of the African locust bean into local food condiments. Laboratory test system was designed to perform strength and durability test on four types of soil brick mixed with African locust bean waste water (ALBWW) as replacement of portable water and also as soil stabiliser for bricks production. Tests were conducted on strength and durability properties of the specimens. There was an increase of 66% over unstabilised specimens when the soil was fully mixed with ALBWW. The density of the bricks increased from 2120kg/m3 for the soil bricks without ALBWW to 2167kg/m3 when the soil was mixed with ALBWW. The resistance to wear for bricks increased steadily from 6.45cm2/g for bricks without ALBWW as stabilisation to 9.45cm2/g for bricks with ALBWW. The presence of ALBWW reduced the amount of water absorbed by the bricks. The study concluded that ALBWW which is an environmental nuisance can be used to replace portable water and also as stabiliser for masonry units in construction. This then implies that effective utilization of ALBWW as soil stabiliser would reduce the cost of relative durable houses for the rural and peri-urban areas in Northern part of Ghana where locust beans are prevalent. Keywords: abrasion resistance, compressive strength locust bean, water absorption,
Akpanglo-Nartey, R., Kpodo, P. & Bisilki, A. (2016). CONSONANT ONSET AND TONE PATTERNS IN GA. Multidisciplinary International Journal, 2,
Abstract
A recent acoustic study of Ga tones indicates that Ga uses seven tone patterns to distinguish meaning in words and syllables. These tone patterns include High, Low, High High, High Low, Low Low, High High Low, High High High. This study investigates how different onsets affect the different tone patterns in Ga. In this research, we investigate how syllable onset of different voicing, place of articulation and manner of articulation affect the tone patterns of the Ga syllable. Data is collected from two native speakers who read sentences in a frame: “say… only”. F0 and duration of the syllables were analyzed using PRAAT. The results confirm earlier results from other studies that syllables with voiceless onset are likely to be longer and have a higher F0 than syllables with voiced onsets. In terms of places of articulation for the nasals, the tendency is that the palatal nasals have the lowest pitch contour for the L tone pattern followed by the alveolar and then the bilabial. For the H tone pattern, the alveolar has the highest pitch contour followed by the palatal and then the bilabial. Thus the paper suggests that any description of the tone patterns of language should include an investigation of the different onsets that a syllable can have. The study gives precise description of the tones of Ga and adds to the acoustic database of Ga language.
A recent acoustic study of Ga tones indicates that Ga uses seven tone patterns to distinguish meaning in words and syllables. These tone patterns include High, Low, High High, High Low, Low Low, High High Low, High High High. This study investigates how different onsets affect the different tone patterns in Ga. In this research, we investigate how syllable onset of different voicing, place of articulation and manner of articulation affect the tone patterns of the Ga syllable. Data is collected from two native speakers who read sentences in a frame: “say… only”. F0 and duration of the syllables were analyzed using PRAAT. The results confirm earlier results from other studies that syllables with voiceless onset are likely to be longer and have a higher F0 than syllables with voiced onsets. In terms of places of articulation for the nasals, the tendency is that the palatal nasals have the lowest pitch contour for the L tone pattern followed by the alveolar and then the bilabial. For the H tone pattern, the alveolar has the highest pitch contour followed by the palatal and then the bilabial. Thus the paper suggests that any description of the tone patterns of language should include an investigation of the different onsets that a syllable can have. The study gives precise description of the tones of Ga and adds to the acoustic database of Ga language.
Kofi Bentum Wilson & Mrs Bliss Acheampong (2015). Language Students' Attitude toward the Use of Computer Technology: Implications for Communication and Practice. International Journal of Innovations in Applied Sciences & Engineering, 1,
Abstract
The study investigated language students' attitude with a focus on how they use computer technology for communication in the education environment. The study used self-answering questionnaires with closed-ended items to collect empirical data from a group of language students. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed using a stratified sampling to select respondents. The data collected were analysed using simple means and frequencies. The main findings are: 1. Most students have some access to the technology. 2. Most students enter the university with their technology skills or acquire them through the first semester compulsory ICT course, and not their main programme of study. Implications and suggestions for student training were provided. The authors recommended the following: Increased access time to promote improved utilisation of resources; deliberate effort to include technology training skills and assessment of that in courses studied by pre-service English language teachers. From the findings, English language-teacher education programmes need to provide students with further training programs in their specific area aside the mandatory general ICT course to help enhance their skills in the use of computers as an instructional tool for language-teaching and learning. Keywords: Language students, attitude, computer technology, communication practice
The study investigated language students' attitude with a focus on how they use computer technology for communication in the education environment. The study used self-answering questionnaires with closed-ended items to collect empirical data from a group of language students. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed using a stratified sampling to select respondents. The data collected were analysed using simple means and frequencies. The main findings are: 1. Most students have some access to the technology. 2. Most students enter the university with their technology skills or acquire them through the first semester compulsory ICT course, and not their main programme of study. Implications and suggestions for student training were provided. The authors recommended the following: Increased access time to promote improved utilisation of resources; deliberate effort to include technology training skills and assessment of that in courses studied by pre-service English language teachers. From the findings, English language-teacher education programmes need to provide students with further training programs in their specific area aside the mandatory general ICT course to help enhance their skills in the use of computers as an instructional tool for language-teaching and learning. Keywords: Language students, attitude, computer technology, communication practice
Ayiah, E. M (2016). PROVISION OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES TO THE VISUALLY CHALLENGED STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal).Paper 1369., ,
Abstract
Visually Challenged students (VCS) in University of Ghana, Legon face various constraints in accessing library and information services. The study was based on Ranganathan’s five principles of librarianship. Literature was reviewed on provision and access to library and information services. The researcher adopted case study, since the sample size was small they were all included in the study. Descriptive data analysis technique was used to analyze data. Tables and graphs were used to display information. Findings of the study indicated that there is no program for VCS, they were aware of technological developments in information communication technologies (ICT), access to information and library services was not in existence. It was recommended that the library and the University should make a conscious effortto upgrade it services to meet theacademic needs of VCS.
Visually Challenged students (VCS) in University of Ghana, Legon face various constraints in accessing library and information services. The study was based on Ranganathan’s five principles of librarianship. Literature was reviewed on provision and access to library and information services. The researcher adopted case study, since the sample size was small they were all included in the study. Descriptive data analysis technique was used to analyze data. Tables and graphs were used to display information. Findings of the study indicated that there is no program for VCS, they were aware of technological developments in information communication technologies (ICT), access to information and library services was not in existence. It was recommended that the library and the University should make a conscious effortto upgrade it services to meet theacademic needs of VCS.
Essilfie, M. E., Dapaah, H. K., Tevor, J. W. & Darkwa, K. (2016). Number of Nodes and Part of Vine Cutting Effect on the Growth and Yield of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) in Transitional Zone of Ghana. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 9,
Abstract
Abstracts Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus from May to September, 2013 and June to October, 2014 respectively to investigate into the effect of number of nodes (4, 5 and 6) and vine part (apical and semiwoody) on the growth and yield of sweetpotato. The results from both seasons showed that many of the characters measured increased with increase node number up to 6 nodes and with apical vine part. The apical vine cuttings established earlier than semiwoody cuttings in both seasons. Node numbers did not have significant effect on any of the yield characters measured although the 5 and 6 node cuttings gave higher marketable tuber weight per plot, tuber length and marketable tuber number per plot than the 4 node cuttings during 2014 growing season. The 5 node apical cuttings produced significantly higher vegetative biomass than 5 node semiwoody and the 4 and 6 node apical and semiwoody cuttings. Keywords : Sweetpotato; apical vine cutting; number of nodes; semiwoody vine cutting.
Abstracts Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus from May to September, 2013 and June to October, 2014 respectively to investigate into the effect of number of nodes (4, 5 and 6) and vine part (apical and semiwoody) on the growth and yield of sweetpotato. The results from both seasons showed that many of the characters measured increased with increase node number up to 6 nodes and with apical vine part. The apical vine cuttings established earlier than semiwoody cuttings in both seasons. Node numbers did not have significant effect on any of the yield characters measured although the 5 and 6 node cuttings gave higher marketable tuber weight per plot, tuber length and marketable tuber number per plot than the 4 node cuttings during 2014 growing season. The 5 node apical cuttings produced significantly higher vegetative biomass than 5 node semiwoody and the 4 and 6 node apical and semiwoody cuttings. Keywords : Sweetpotato; apical vine cutting; number of nodes; semiwoody vine cutting.
Brew-Riverson, E. H. (2016). Teaching Acting at UEW - An Experiential Observation. The International Journal Of Humanities & Social Studies, 4,
Abstract
It is an undeniable fact that Acting is at the core if not the fulcrum on which everything theatre swings. Though it is an art that eludes statutory tied-down definitions, it predates even the age old held notion that the Greeks gave it birth. This paper dares to assert that though commendable that high academia admits this age-old art into its curriculum, there is still the evident struggle, even in our times, as to the most accurate value to place on this eternally fascinating art that possesses the dual proclivity to prop up society for the better or spearhead the expiration of that very society’s core values. In the author’s nine-year experience of teaching Acting at the University of Education, Winneba the observation is that the student-actor’s mental or psychological antenna picks up this obtrusive though covertly expressed suspicion of both his place and that of his art in high academia initiating intermittent dithering of his self-confidence. Albeit, for more than half a decade of the setting up of the Department of Theatre Arts here at UEW, it has been an exhilarating process of discovery for both facilitators and student-actors or student theatre-practitioners that no apology is owed for asserting their creative intellectual identity in a world where they still do exert a crucial influence as into which direction that defined world is headed. Drawing attention to the fact that the student-actor embodies language in action this paper is a reflective presentation of a typical Acting class orientation that positions student actors/performers as the creative intellectuals that they are.
It is an undeniable fact that Acting is at the core if not the fulcrum on which everything theatre swings. Though it is an art that eludes statutory tied-down definitions, it predates even the age old held notion that the Greeks gave it birth. This paper dares to assert that though commendable that high academia admits this age-old art into its curriculum, there is still the evident struggle, even in our times, as to the most accurate value to place on this eternally fascinating art that possesses the dual proclivity to prop up society for the better or spearhead the expiration of that very society’s core values. In the author’s nine-year experience of teaching Acting at the University of Education, Winneba the observation is that the student-actor’s mental or psychological antenna picks up this obtrusive though covertly expressed suspicion of both his place and that of his art in high academia initiating intermittent dithering of his self-confidence. Albeit, for more than half a decade of the setting up of the Department of Theatre Arts here at UEW, it has been an exhilarating process of discovery for both facilitators and student-actors or student theatre-practitioners that no apology is owed for asserting their creative intellectual identity in a world where they still do exert a crucial influence as into which direction that defined world is headed. Drawing attention to the fact that the student-actor embodies language in action this paper is a reflective presentation of a typical Acting class orientation that positions student actors/performers as the creative intellectuals that they are.
Dapaah, H. K. and Essilfie, M. E. (2016). Maize varietal intercropping and productivity under rain-fed conditions in a forest-savannah transition zone. TROPICAL AGRICULTURE, 93,
Abstract
Field experiments were conducted at the University farm of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti Campus, Ghana, during the major rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011 to evaluate the growth, yield and productivity of a maize varietal intercropping system as influenced by relative times of planting (RTP) and row spacing. Three relative times of planting [(i) simultaneous, (ii) early-maturing maize (Akposoe) planted 10 days before medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) and (iii) medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) planted 10 days before early-maturing maize (Akposoe) were combined with two row spacings [(i) 80 cm and (ii) 100 cm] in a 3 x 2 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were included as checks and to compare the productivity of the varietal intercrop options with the sole crops. The relative times of planting, row spacing and their interaction did not significantly influence the days to 50% tasselling (DFT) and days to 50% silking (DFS) of both maize varieties in both seasons. In both seasons, the plant height and total dry matter (TDM) accumulation of sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were greater than when both were intercropped. Among the intercrops, the plant height and TDM accumulation of both varieties when planted simultaneously were similar to when planted 10 days before the other, but greater than when delayed 10 days, for both seasons. Akposoe and Obatanpa intercrops spaced at 80 cm row spacing produced higher plant height and TDM accumulation than the 100 cm row spaced plants in both years. The sole Akposoe and Obatanpa out-yielded their intercropped counterparts by 12-53 % in both seasons. For the intercrops, the grain yield of Akposoe planted simultaneously with Obatanpa (1.71-2.12 t/ha) was similar to Akposoe planted 10 days before (DB) Obatanpa (1.80-2.20 t/ha), but out-yielded Akposoe planted 10 days after (DA) Obatanpa by 5-28 % in both seasons. The grain yield of Obatanpa planted simultaneously with Akposoe (3.38-4.78 t/ha) were also similar to the grain yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days before Akposoe (3.28-3.83 t/ha), but were 4-41 % greater than the yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days after Akposoe in 2010 and 2011. The 80 cm row spacing yielded 8-24 % and 11-26 % in 2010 and 2011, respectively, higher than the 100 cm row spacing. The varietal intercrops had higher productivity or land use ratios (1.12-1.76 for RTP and 1.14-1.80 for row spacing); and therefore, were 12-80% more productive and biologically more efficient than the sole crops in both seasons. Maize varietal intercropping produced higher total yield and was more productive under rain-fed conditions.
Field experiments were conducted at the University farm of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti Campus, Ghana, during the major rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011 to evaluate the growth, yield and productivity of a maize varietal intercropping system as influenced by relative times of planting (RTP) and row spacing. Three relative times of planting [(i) simultaneous, (ii) early-maturing maize (Akposoe) planted 10 days before medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) and (iii) medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) planted 10 days before early-maturing maize (Akposoe) were combined with two row spacings [(i) 80 cm and (ii) 100 cm] in a 3 x 2 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were included as checks and to compare the productivity of the varietal intercrop options with the sole crops. The relative times of planting, row spacing and their interaction did not significantly influence the days to 50% tasselling (DFT) and days to 50% silking (DFS) of both maize varieties in both seasons. In both seasons, the plant height and total dry matter (TDM) accumulation of sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were greater than when both were intercropped. Among the intercrops, the plant height and TDM accumulation of both varieties when planted simultaneously were similar to when planted 10 days before the other, but greater than when delayed 10 days, for both seasons. Akposoe and Obatanpa intercrops spaced at 80 cm row spacing produced higher plant height and TDM accumulation than the 100 cm row spaced plants in both years. The sole Akposoe and Obatanpa out-yielded their intercropped counterparts by 12-53 % in both seasons. For the intercrops, the grain yield of Akposoe planted simultaneously with Obatanpa (1.71-2.12 t/ha) was similar to Akposoe planted 10 days before (DB) Obatanpa (1.80-2.20 t/ha), but out-yielded Akposoe planted 10 days after (DA) Obatanpa by 5-28 % in both seasons. The grain yield of Obatanpa planted simultaneously with Akposoe (3.38-4.78 t/ha) were also similar to the grain yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days before Akposoe (3.28-3.83 t/ha), but were 4-41 % greater than the yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days after Akposoe in 2010 and 2011. The 80 cm row spacing yielded 8-24 % and 11-26 % in 2010 and 2011, respectively, higher than the 100 cm row spacing. The varietal intercrops had higher productivity or land use ratios (1.12-1.76 for RTP and 1.14-1.80 for row spacing); and therefore, were 12-80% more productive and biologically more efficient than the sole crops in both seasons. Maize varietal intercropping produced higher total yield and was more productive under rain-fed conditions.
Essilfie, M. E., Ofosu-Anim, J., Dapaah, H. K., Blay, E. T. and Norman, J. C. (2016). Yield and Root Quality of Two Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) Varieties as Influenced by Chicken Manure, Inorganic Fertilizer and Storage Methods. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 11,
Abstract
Two field experiments were conducted at two seasons at the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus to investigate the responses of the yield and root quality of two varieties of sweetpotato (Apomuden and Okumkom) to chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers and storage methods. The experimental design used for the experiment was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates in both seasons. The application of 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM and 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM to Apomuden produced thicker vine diameter and dry matter accumulation respectively during the major season while Okumkom grown on 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK gave longer vine length in the same season. However, the application of amended treatments to both varieties decreased root quality (root crack) during the major season and increased pest infested roots during the minor season. Okumkom grown on 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM plot produced higher forked roots at harvest in both seasons. Okumkom grown on 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK plots had increased root sugar and starch content at harvest during the major season. Both varieties, whether treated or untreated had decreased starch content at 12 weeks in storage than at harvest in both seasons. Pit storage showed the most effective storage method in terms of root starch and sugar content in both seasons followed by ash and grass storage methods.
Two field experiments were conducted at two seasons at the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus to investigate the responses of the yield and root quality of two varieties of sweetpotato (Apomuden and Okumkom) to chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers and storage methods. The experimental design used for the experiment was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates in both seasons. The application of 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM and 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM to Apomuden produced thicker vine diameter and dry matter accumulation respectively during the major season while Okumkom grown on 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK gave longer vine length in the same season. However, the application of amended treatments to both varieties decreased root quality (root crack) during the major season and increased pest infested roots during the minor season. Okumkom grown on 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM plot produced higher forked roots at harvest in both seasons. Okumkom grown on 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK plots had increased root sugar and starch content at harvest during the major season. Both varieties, whether treated or untreated had decreased starch content at 12 weeks in storage than at harvest in both seasons. Pit storage showed the most effective storage method in terms of root starch and sugar content in both seasons followed by ash and grass storage methods.
Essilfie, M. E. Ofosu-Anim,J., Dapaah, K. H., Norman, J. C. and Blay,E. T. (2016). Growth and Yield of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) as Influenced by Chicken Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 11,
Abstract
Aims: To assess the growth, yield and yield components of two varieties of sweetpotato as influenced by chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers. Study Design: The experimental design was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates for both seasons. Place and Duration of Study: Field experiments were conducted at the multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti from September, 2011 to January, 2012 (minor season) and from April to August, 2012 (major season). Methodology: Two sweetpotato varieties (Okumkom and Apomuden) and eight fertilizer treatments [(i) 10 t ha-1 chicken manure (CM), (ii) 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK, (iii) 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (iv) 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK, (v) 15-23-23 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (vi) 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK, (vii) 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM and (viii) No fertilizer (control)] were studied. Results: Okumkom differed significantly from Apomuden in number of leaves per plant, number of branches and vine fresh weight in both seasons. Apomuden grown on 30 45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30- 30-30 kg/ha NPK produced significantly higher number of marketable tubers and total tuber yield during the minor season. Tuber length and number of marketable tubers of Apomuden was significantly influenced by the application of 15 – 30 – 30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM during the major season. Correlation analyses in both seasons show that the vegetative characters were significantly and positively correlated. On the other hand, number of leaves per plant was negatively correlated to the total tuber weight, marketable tuber number and marketable tuber weight. Conclusion: Farmers are encouraged to grow Apomuden on 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM for high marketable tuber number in both seasons. For high vegetative biomass as fodder for animals farmers are to grow Okumkom in both seasons.
Aims: To assess the growth, yield and yield components of two varieties of sweetpotato as influenced by chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers. Study Design: The experimental design was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates for both seasons. Place and Duration of Study: Field experiments were conducted at the multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti from September, 2011 to January, 2012 (minor season) and from April to August, 2012 (major season). Methodology: Two sweetpotato varieties (Okumkom and Apomuden) and eight fertilizer treatments [(i) 10 t ha-1 chicken manure (CM), (ii) 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK, (iii) 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (iv) 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK, (v) 15-23-23 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (vi) 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK, (vii) 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM and (viii) No fertilizer (control)] were studied. Results: Okumkom differed significantly from Apomuden in number of leaves per plant, number of branches and vine fresh weight in both seasons. Apomuden grown on 30 45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30- 30-30 kg/ha NPK produced significantly higher number of marketable tubers and total tuber yield during the minor season. Tuber length and number of marketable tubers of Apomuden was significantly influenced by the application of 15 – 30 – 30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM during the major season. Correlation analyses in both seasons show that the vegetative characters were significantly and positively correlated. On the other hand, number of leaves per plant was negatively correlated to the total tuber weight, marketable tuber number and marketable tuber weight. Conclusion: Farmers are encouraged to grow Apomuden on 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM for high marketable tuber number in both seasons. For high vegetative biomass as fodder for animals farmers are to grow Okumkom in both seasons.
