EFFECTS OF COW DUNG ON SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (Zea mays)

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out to study the effectiveness of cattle manure (CM) in improving the physical properties of an alfisol located at Federal University of Technology Teaching and Research Farm in rainforest zone of Nigeria. Two field trials were carried out, each in three months on a site that was ploughed and harrowed. Cattle manure rates of 0 t/ha, 2 t/ha, 4 t/ha, 6 t/ha, 8 t/ha and 10 t/ha were incorporated before planting the test crop of maize in each trial and 2 and 4 weeks after planting. Soil physical properties determined at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after manure application (WAA) included bulk density, total porosity, moisture content, temperature, dispersion ratio and infiltration rate. Maize performance parameters determined were plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, cob and grain weights. The test soil had bulk density that varied from 1.77 to 1.85g/cm3 with sandy clay loam texture. It has tendency to be neutrally compacted and therefore required organic amendment. The CM reduced bulk density increased porosity, moisture content, reduced dispersion ratio and increased infiltration significantly. High positive correlations between 0.84 to 0.98 were recorded for CM rate and bulk density, porosity, moisture content and infiltration. Cattle manure increased plant height, stem girth, leaf area, number of leaves, cob weight and grain weight with the highest rate of CM (10t/ha) given the highest grain yield. Effect of CM was significant on maize performance parameters. Correlation coefficients between maize performance parameters and soil physical properties varied between 0.73 to 0.99. While increase in bulk density and dispersion ratio reduced performance of maize, these parameters were improved by increase in porosity, moisture content and infiltration rate.