Effect of Different Manure Sources on Soil Chemical Properties, Performance and Yield of Maize on a Degraded Land

Abstract

Application of manure for soil amendment plays important roles in reclaiming and improving soil properties of degraded soils. This study assessed the effects of composted and non-composted manures on a degraded soil under continuous maize production. The treatments applied consisted of composted manures in form of cassava based compost (CBM) and verticompost (VC) at the rate of 0, 30, 60 and 120 tons/ha, non-composted manure (NC) applied as poultry manure (PM), and an un-amended control plot. These treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Soil physical and chemical properties were determined for two consecutive seasons, with maize (SUWAN 1-SYR) planted as test crop. The CBM, VC and PM treatments increased the soil organic carbon content by 18.2, 24.1, and 22.3 % respectively. Corresponding increases observed in cation exchange capacity (CEC) were 13.6, 15.7, and 15.2 %. The comparison of the soil chemical properties measured indicated positive effects from the amendments on the soil properties in the order: CBM < PM < VC.  The maize grain yield of cassava based fertilized plot consistently and significantly was higher than the other treatments in both cropping seasons. However, both the composted and non-composted manures favored improved maize growth and resulted in higher grain yields (4.62 – 6.03 t ha-1) than the un-amended control treatment (3.69 t ha-1). The study therefore showed that the incorporation of manures, whether composted or non-composted, is beneficial to soils, improving one or more essential soil attributes thus reducing soil degradation.