Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (May 2020)
STUDY OF THE MINERALISATION OF PELLETIZED CHICKEN MANURE AT DIFFERENT SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT OF A SANDY SOIL
Abstract
This study evaluates the effect of soil moisture content on mineralization process of composted and pelletized chicken manure on pH, nitrate and ammonium contents at a sandy soil. To establish the mineralisation rate of the composted chicken manure in the soil a short soil incubation method was used. The objectives of the study were: (1) To assess the effects of three types of composted chicken manure on soil pH at different moisture contents conditions, (2) To assess the effects of the three types of composted poultry manure on soil easily soluble mineralised N forms (nitrate and ammonium) at different moisture contents. For study of mineralisation rate of composted and admixtured chicken manure pellet a short soil incubation experiment was set up. Beside the control three treatments, each containing 12 pots (three replicates for soil samples with four different moisture content; 40 %, 50 %, 60 % and 70 %) were used. The pH value and nitrate and ammonium contents and their changing were assessed after the first, second, third and fourth weeks respectively. In each of the four experiment blocks, the soil samples were subjected to four treatments: control, P+K, P+K “C”, and Humin Plus. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the three manure types had significant impact on the soil nitrate and ammonium levels at different soil moisture conditions. No significant effect on soil pH was identified during the experiment period. This implies that in order to achieve optimum benefits from application of chicken manure on the farm, it is necessary to do soil testing to assess the nitrate and ammonium status of the soil first. This can provide a basis to make a well-informed decision on which manure is the best in the supply of either nitrate and ammonium to the soil depending on the soil amendment needs.
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