Impact of Non-Traditional Organic Nitrogen Sources on the Growth and Productivity of Cucumber

Khatab, Enas S.; Abou Kamer, Mohamed E.; Youssef, Mohamed A.

doi:10.21608/sjas.2025.415394.1523

Impact of Non-Traditional Organic Nitrogen Sources on the Growth and Productivity of Cucumber

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Cross Pollination Vegetable Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt

² Soil and Water Department, Soil and Water Department, Al-Azhar University, Assiut branch

10.21608/sjas.2025.415394.1523

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of unconventional organic nitrogen fertilizers, such as hoof powder, crushed hooves and ripe crushed horns on the growth, yield and related characteristics of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) compared to
traditional mineral nitrogen fertilization. Results of field experiments across two growing years demonstrated that hoofbased fertilizers significantly enhanced cucumber productivity. Applying hoof powder at a rate of 10 g per plant produced the highest total yield, the greatest fruit number, and the shortest time to the first harvest. Excessive application of hoof powder (15 g) caused a decrease in yield during the first year, likely due to temporary nitrogen immobilization and potential osmotic effects. The findings suggest that hoof-based fertilizers, when applied at optimal rates, offer a sustainable alternatives or partial solutions to synthetic fertilizers. They improve crop performance while promoting environmentally friendly waste recycling. These fertilizers can partially replace mineral nitrogen sources by releasing nutrients slowly for improving soil health.

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