ABSTRACT

This study ofthe effect of organic amendment on soil properties was carried out. It involves the determination ofthe soil physical and chemical properties before and after organic amendment of the soil. Soil samples were collected from three different plots at different depth for analysis. The results of physical properties of the soil before and after organic amendment show that the soil moisture content before organic amendment of the soil ranged from 17.6 to 22.4% with the average moisture content of 19.5% while the moisture content ofthe soil after organic amendment ofthe soil ranged from 26.0 to 32.8% with the average moisture content of28.4% There were no noticeable change in the bulk density ofthe soil afterthe organic amendment, but there were slight increase in the porosity ofthe soil after the organic amendment. The result ofthe textural class shows that there were tremendous change in the textural class from sandy loam soil to loam soil. There were direct impact oforganic amendment on the Nitrogen N, Phosphorus K, and Potassium K level of the soil. There were no significantly different at 5% confidence level, (p > 0.05) between the cumulative infiltration ofthe soil before amendment and after amendment. The study has revealed that there were direct impact of organic amendment on both the physical and chemical properties of the soil and thus organic amendment is recommended for farmers in Umudike. Constant monitoring of the soil and the irrigation water is also recommended for optimum crop yield and level and to keep the water in good quality.