1st International Conference of Soil and Agriculture:
TOWARDS SOIL SUSTAINABILITY
11–13 June 2024 • Lublin–Nałęczów, Poland

https://doi.org/10.24326/ICSA1.1.06
Published online: 4 October 2024

Effects of cured and charred poultry manure on soil hydraulic and chemical properties of a maize farm in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
A.O. Olakayode*, D.J. Oyedele, F.O. Tijani

Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (220101)
* Corresponding author:

Abstract
Biochar (containing significant amount of humic substances) influences soil functionality through its effect on the properties of soil. The study assessed the effects of cured and charred poultry manure on soil hydraulic and chemical properties. These were with a view to providing information on the effects of cured and charred poultry manure on soil hydraulic properties and their benefits to soil nutrients.  The field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The treatments were charred poultry manure (CAPM) and cured poultry manure (CUPM), which were applied at three rates (0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, and 7.5 t/ha). The treatments were broadcasted on the soil surface and subsequently incorporated into the soil to 15 cm depth. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replicates. After incorporation, the plots were left for two weeks to allow for manure decomposition before planting of maize seeds. Early-maturing maize seed (SAMMEZ-38) was used in this study. The experiment lasted for three maize-cropping seasons across the two farming years in 2021 and 2022. Soil properties such as soil bulk density, saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were determined monthly for each growing season while soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus was done after harvesting at each season. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS software package. Duncan’s multiple range test at 95% level of confidence was used to separate significant means. The results showed that the soil treated with CUPM had the highest saturated hydraulic conductivity (0.49 cm/s) at the rate of 7.5 t/ha compared to CAPM (0.37 cm/s). Charred poultry manure at a rate of 5 t/ha increased unsaturated hydraulic conductivity at the end of third planting season. However, bulk density reduced with time under CUPM. Cured poultry manure added at 5 and 7.5 t/ha significantly reduced soil acidity and improved nutrient contents at the end of the first planting season. The study concluded that application of cured poultry manure at a rate of 7.5 t/ha significantly improved soil hydraulic conductivity, reduced soil acidity and increased nutrient contents.

Keywords: charred poultry manure, cured poultry manure, Ultisol, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density

How to cite
Olakayode A.O., Oyedele D.J., Tijani F.O., 2024. Effects of cured and charred poultry manure on soil hydraulic and chemical properties of a maize farm in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. 1st International Conference of Soil and Agriculture: Towards Soil Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICSA1.1.06