Effects of four organic amendments on soil physiochemical properties and yield of maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intercrop in Awka, southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Effects of four organic amendments on some soil physical and chemical properties were investigated in Awka, Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. Over the years, use of synthetic materials in crop production has been a common practice globally. The attendant detrimental effects of the chemicals used in the formulation of these synthetics on animal and human health as well as the environment has made researchers to look out for a better agronomic practice that would not only improve productivity but at the same time sustain a healthy environment. Sole maize, sole cowpea and maize-cowpea intercrop (study area conventional practices) were planted using four soil organic amendments viz: cassava peel (CP), poultry manure (PM), pig waste (PW) and rice husk (RH) at the rate of 20 t ha–1 with the fifth as the control. The treatments were laid out in a 3 × 5 factorial in randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Data on the treatments’ effects on the selected soil physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, soil moisture) and chemical properties (soil pH, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, exchangeable bases and exchangeable acidity) were subjected to factorial analysis of variance using GenStat 2006 Edition. Results indicated that for sole maize, the amendments had significant effect onexchangeable Al3+and Na+; organic carbon, soil pH, available phosphorus and CEC but had no significant effect on Ca2+, H+, Mg2+ and K+ as compared to the control. For sole cowpea, compared to the plots with no amendment (control), all the chemical parameters analyzed differed significantly except organic carbon. Whereas, for maize-cowpea intercrop the treatments had no significant effect on Al3+, Na+, K+ and available phosphorus but differed significantly in exchangeable H+, Ca2+, Mg2+, organic carbon, soil pH, and CEC. There was a decrease in bulk density following the amendment. For sole maize, sole cowpea and maizecowpea intercrop; bulk density, total porosity and moisture content of the amended plots were significantly (p< 0.05) influenced. Organic amendments also significantly improved the growth and yield of maize and cowpea in both the sole and intercrop systems. Generally, poultry manure resulted in higher plant height,number of leaves and leaf area for maize; vine length, number of branches for cowpea as compared with other amendments. Hence, poultry manure was the most effective organic amendment in improving the soil physical and chemical properties as well as the growth and yield of cowpea and maize.
 Key words: Growth, maize-cowpea intercrop, soil physical and chemical properties, soil organic amendments

Effect of Intercropping with Cowpea and Maize with Organic Manure Application on the Physiological Parameters

“…The higher value of vegetative characteristics of legume and maize intercrop may possibly be attributing to less weed competition, since the majority of the land is covered by crops that inhibit weed growth. This result was also supported by Onunwa et al [29] where they stated that organic manure resulted in higher number of leaves for maize and cowpea. Similar findings were reported by Okpanachi et al [30].…”

Chicken manure application alters microbial community structure and the distribution of antibiotic-resistance genes in rhizosphere soil of Cinnamomum camphora forests

“…The application of chicken manure organic fertilizer significantly increased the content of SOM, SON, AP, S-NR, S-HR, S-UE, S-ACPT, and S-β-GC. Previous studies examining the effects of manure fertilizer application have shown that animal manure helps increase biological activity and soil fertility, improve soil physical and chemical properties (Adebola et al 2017 , Onunwa et al 2021 ), and promote the release of soil nutrients and the activity of soil enzymes (Adubasim et al 2018 , Ogumba et al 2020 ).…”

Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Growth Parameters and Yield of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus </i><i>esculentus</i><i>) </i>Production in Minna, Nigeria

“…However, the inorganic mulch proved more effective in conserving soil moisture than the organic mulch. In research conducted by Onunwa et al (2023), the impact of various mulch types on soil water utilisation and okra yield was examined. The findings revealed that both mulch varieties notably enhanced soil moisture levels and positively influenced yield compared to the control treatment.…”