Title: Comparative Effects of Organic Amendments on Soil Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Anyim P.B., Tukura B.W., Jayeoba O.J.
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 246-252
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
Soil degradation caused by intensive cultivation and overreliance on chemical fertilizers has led to declining fertility, poor structure, and reduced productivity. Organic amendments such as biochar, poultry manure, and cow dung are increasingly applied to restore soil health by improving its physicochemical properties. This study evaluated the effects of these amendments on soil collected from the Lafia axis of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The amendments were incorporated at 10% (w/w), and soil samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electrical conductivity (EC) using standard methods. Results revealed that while soil texture remained sandy across all treatments, poultry manure and cow dung slightly increased the clay fraction, enhancing aggregation. Biochar significantly raised CEC (14.3%) and EC (262%), whereas cow dung contributed the highest increases in OC (28%) and pH (12.68%). Poultry manure provided moderate but consistent improvements across parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant treatment effects on CEC, EC, and OC, but not on pH. These improvements suggest that organic amendments enhance soil fertility, nutrient retention, and buffering capacity, while also reducing the mobility of agrochemicals. The findings highlight that biochar, poultry manure, and cow dung provide distinct but complementary benefits, making them valuable for sustainable soil management. Their application has the potential to restore degraded soils, improve crop productivity, and promote environmentally sound agricultural practices.