Loose soil, following application of manures, may probably have favoured root growth and expansion
leading to increased length and shoulder diameter of carrots. Increased root length has also been reported in
amaranthus with increasing rates of poultry manure and in carrots with successive increase
in different organic fertilizers. Bio-slurry manure at higher levels also enhanced total soluble
solids of carrot roots. Enhanced total soluble solids following application of higher levels of bio-slurry manure
observed in this study could be attributed to the better levels of macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients in manures
required for growth and quality. Potassium is the key element in influencing quality of fruits and vegetables. Better potassium levels recorded in bio-slurry treated plots and carrot roots, could probably
have contributed to enhanced total soluble solids. Results of the present study are in agreement with those by
, who reported positive effect of farmyard manure on total soluble solids content of carrots
and , who noted increased total soluble solids content of watermelon with increasing levels
of tithonia manure.