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Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences Vol. 2(3) pp.054-058, June 2011.
Available online http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/journal/?a=journal&id=jabs
Copyright ©2011 Global Research Journals.
Case Study.
Potentials of rice wastes as soil amendment:Part 1: Effect on soil physical properties and maize (zea mays l) yield.
Mbah C N1*, Njoku C1, Idike FI 1 and Ezike KNN2
1Department of Soil Science and Enviromental Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki – Nigeria.
2Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki- Nigeria.
* Corresponding Author Email- cnmbah10@yahoo.com ( 08054893478)
Accepted 4th May 2011.
| Abstract |
Soil physico-chemical properties are very important to ensure its biological productivity. The present study aimed to assess the potential of different rice mill wastes under different forms (burnt, unburnt and mixture of both) to improve the soil physical properties and maize grain yield. Specifically the rice mill wastes were applied at different rates (0,10 t ha-1 and 20 t ha-1) to an acid ultisol in South Eastern Nigeria during 2008, 2009 and the residual effect tested in 2010 cropping seasons. Results of the study showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower bulk density and higher values of total porosity, aggregate stability and hydraulic conductivity in waste amended plots relative to control. Waste application at the studied rates improved soil physical properties leading further to enhanced maize grain yield.
Keywords: Ultisol, physical properties, grain yield, wastes, productivity.