ABSTRACT

The effect of application of animal manure's (Swine, poultry, Goat, rabbit and cow manure.) on the soil chemical properties of an Ultisol of Southeastern Nigerian soil. Percentage magnesium content of the animal manure's ranged from 0.49 ± 0.01 to 1.95 ± 0.08 %. Poultry manure had the highest magnesium and potassium content with values of 1.95±0.8 % and 0.52±0.09 % respectively. Percentage calcium content of the manure's ranged from 1 .35 ± 0.07 to 6.95 ± o.21 % with a mean value of 4.15 ± 0.14%. Swine manure had the highest phosphorus, 2.16 ± 0.21% and the nitrogen content which ranged from 1.12 to 1.37 % with Swine, goat, and poultry manure having the highest nitrogen. Parentage organic carbon ranged from 23.03 to 31.30%. The five manures were each applied at four rates equivalent to 10,20,30 and 40t/ha. Manure source and rate of application significantly (P<0.05) affected the soil chemical properties. Application of animal manures increased soil pl-1 from 5.2 (Initial soil pH) to 6.92. Swine and poultry had the greatest effect on soil pH followed by goat manure and cow manure. The ability of these manures to increase soil pH was attributed to their potential to increase exchangeable 2+ . . . . 2+ ca content of the soils. After application, soil exchangeable Ca correlated significantly and positively with soil pH (r=0.571, p<O.00I). Application of animal manure did not improve soil organic carbon except goat manure, which improved organic carbon from 0.89% (initial soil organic-carbon) to 1.19% at 40t/ha. rate of application. Soil available phosphorus.p exiiangeable potassium (K) exchangeable calcium(Ca) exchangeable magnesium(Mg) and inorganic nitrogen were all improved by the application of manures. The ability of these manures to increase the soil available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium was in the order. Available P: SWM> RBM POM> COM> GTM Exchangeable K: POM RBM > GTM = SWM COM.