Abstract
An experiment was carried out at the cocoa plantation of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm to study the comparative effects of siam weed and neem leaf extracts (as natural pesticides) and a synthetic pesticide- Endocel® (Endosulfan) on soil microorganism and litter decomposition in cocoa plantation to determine a safe application rate on soil microbial population and some soil chemical properties. Soil samples were collected on monthly basis for five months after the application of aqueous extracts of fresh leaves of siam weed and neem plants. Samples were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and exchangeable cations using standard methods. Results showed that application of neem extract at 40,000 mg/kg (w/v) gave the highest microbial load and aided microbial activity more than siam at 40,000 mg/kg (w/v) with the least microbial load. Hence, neem plant was found to be less toxic than siam weed. Key words: Agriculture, pesticides, cocoa, soil, microorganisms, exchangeable cations.
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