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Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences Vol.2(4) pp.078-083,JuLY 2011. Available online http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/journal/?a=journal&id=jabs Copyright ©2011 Global Research Journals. |
Full Length Research.
Influence of different forms of Cassava peel on physicochemical properties of an Ultisol and yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Abakaliki South Eastern-Nigeria.
Okonkwo, C.I., Onyibe and C.N.Mbah *
Department of Soil Science and Enviromental Management, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B, 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State-Nigeria..
*Corresponding Authors Email : cnmbah10@yahoo.com. Phone-+234805489347
Accepted 5th July 2011.
| Abstract |
A study to determine the effect of cassava peels on soil properties and yield of maize in an Ultisol was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The experiment was established in a randomized complete block design with six treatments and four replications. The treatments were: fresh cassava peels (FCP), dry cassava peels (DCP), dried ground cassava peels (DGCP), dried ground cassava peels + fresh cassava peels (DGCP+ FCP), dried ground cassava peels + dried cassava peels (DGCP+ DCP) and control with no application of cassava peels. The results showed that application of the treatments significantly (p > 0.05) reduced the bulk density and increased total porosity (Tp), saturated hydraulic conductivity and water stable aggregates relative the control . Highest saturated hydraulic conductivity range of 0.0081 - 0.0099 cmS-1 were recorded in the DGCP+ DCP relative to the control (0.0013-0.0011 cm S-1 in 2006 and 2007 respective).Significantly higher values of organic carbon (%OC),Available P, Cation exchange capacity( CEC)and Total N were observed in amended plots relative to the control in both seasons. Maize yield showed highest values of 2.77 and 3.01 t ha-1 in the DGCP+ FCP amended plots in 2006 and 2007 seasons, respectively .Cassava peels are efficient in improving soil properties and maize yield.
Key words: Cassava peels, Soil properties, Maize yields,Ultisol.