Effects of Application of Compost and Inorganic P on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize (zea Mays L.) Growth in an Ultisol.
1 Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: rasaq.ekundayo@yahoo.com
2 Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: rasaq.ekundayo@yahoo.com
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of separate and combined applications of composted poultry droppings and inorganic P on soil chemical properties and maize (Zea mays L.) growth in an Ultisol. The study was carried out in the screenhouse at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (latitude 70 321 N and 70 331 N and longitudes 40 321 E and 40 401 E). Bulk top soil (0-15 cm) sample was collected from a fallow land at the Teaching and Research Farm (T&RF) of the Institution located within the rain forest zone of Nigeria. The soil sample was air-dried, crushed gently and passed through a 2 mm sieve. There were two consecutive 8-week croppings of maize in the screenhouse. The treatments consisted of the compost mixed with half of the bulk soil or the whole bulk soil. The treatments were replicated thrice and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Maize agronomic parameters (height, dry matter yield, and nutrient uptake) and soil chemical properties (pH, Organic Carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and Na) were determined at the end of each 8-week growth period. The data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at 5 % level of probability. Correlation analysis was also carried out using SAS 2000 package. The results showed that increase in the application of compost increased soil pH, plant height, dry matter yield and soil organic matter content. It was concluded that the application of inorganic P and compost at the rates of 5 and 10 gkg-1 with and without half the recommended rate of P, mixed with half bulk soil enhanced plant height, dry matter yield, and organic matter content of the soil.
Keywords
application
properties
inorganic
chemical
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How to Cite
A., E. R. .., & A., O. (2016). Effects of Application of Compost and Inorganic P on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize (zea Mays L.) Growth in an Ultisol.. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, 26(1), 58-67. https://doi.org/10.67042/njss.2016.sbl9g4m0
E. R. .. A., and O. A., "Effects of Application of Compost and Inorganic P on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize (zea Mays L.) Growth in an Ultisol.," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 58-67, April 2016. doi: 10.67042/njss.2016.sbl9g4m0
