Abstract
Compost is an important source of organic fertilizer that can be used to amend degraded soil to improve soil nutrient and crops yield. This experiment was to evaluate the effect of sawdust – piggery compost on soil properties, growth and yield of maize and it was carried out at the Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Emaudo, Ekpoma, Edo State. The experiment was fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replicates. The treatments were; control (0), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 tonnes of sawdust – piggery compost per hectares (ha-1). Data collected were analysed using ANOVA and LSD was used to separate means. Soil nutrients were below critical levels and the application of compost improved fertility status of the soil. Growth parameters, dry matter yield, cob weight, grain yield and nutrient uptake were determined. It was observed that application of Sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the growth of maize compared to control. The application of 8 to 12 tonnes of sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the plant height, leaf area and stem girth of maize compared to other treatments. The application of 8 to 12 tonnes per hectares (ha-1) of sawdust – piggery compost significantly (p 0.05) increased the cob weight, grain and dry matter yield of maize compared to other treatments, however, the application of 10 t ha-1 of compost to maize increased grain yield of maize than others rate of applications with the yield value of 4.60 t ha-1. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were higher with application of 12 tonnes of compost. In conclusion, the application rates of 10 t ha-1 of sawdust – piggery compost per hectare on nutrient depleted soils will improve the growth and yield of maize.
Highlights
The rising issues of improper disposal of sawdust and piggery wastes resulting to environmental pollution need urgent attention
The organic carbon in soil amended with sawdust – piggery compost were higher compared to control, it ranges from 16.42g/kg in 2 tonnes to 21.70 g/kg in 10 tonnes of sawdust – piggery compost application
The nitrogen content of soil amended with sawdust – piggery compost were higher compared to the initial and the control soil samples
Summary
The rising issues of improper disposal of sawdust and piggery wastes resulting to environmental pollution need urgent attention. Waste from piggery farms and timber factory often constitute environmental nuisance and it is necessary to minimize such unpleasant environmental pollutants. Improper disposal of farm waste can be minimize and utilize by harnessing these wastes into compost to ameliorate nutrient depleted soil. Soil nutrient depletion resulting from degradation reduced the quality of the soil and crop yield, it is important to enhance the fertility of the soil through fertilizer application for higher crop yield. The negative impacts of soil degradation and agricultural sustainability have kindled interest in the assessment of soil quality which is the capacity of the soil to function as living and dynamic nature
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