Changes in Soil Physiochemical Properties as a Result of Different land Application Methods of Compost and Fresh Pig Manure

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of composted and fresh pig manure application via surface and subsurface methods on soil physiochemical properties. Study Design:  A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to assess the impact of five different treatments on soil quality parameters. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in Buea, Cameroon. The duration of the study spanned a single cropping season (April-June, 2024). Methodology: Five treatments were evaluated: compose manual surface application (CMSA), compose manure subsurface application (CMSSA), fresh manure surface application (FMSA), fresh manure subsurface application (FMSSA), and the control (CNT) were tested for impact on soil pH, organic matter, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, bulk density and moisture content. Results: The CMSA treatment significantly improved soil fertility indicators, yielding the highest values for soil pH (6.50), organic carbon (2.25%), phosphorus (68.05 mg/kg) and potassium (1.86 meq/100g). Conversely, CMSSA recorded the lowest values for several nutrients. Surface applied compost outperformed other methods likely due to better nutrient retention in the upper soil layers, enhanced aeration and increased microbial activity. Subsurface application by contrast reduced oxygen exposure and promoted nutrient leaching. Conclusion: Surface application of composted pig manure is more effective in enhancing soil health and fertility in tropical agroecosystems than subsurface or fresh manure application methods. The study recommends adopting this method for sustainable soil management in similar environments.