Effects of Bambara Groundnut (Voandzecia Subtonanea) (L) Verda) Biomass on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria by Ali A, Achor O.I, S.A. Ayuba, Scientific Research Journal (Scirj), Volume II, Issue X, October 2014 Edition

Scirj Volume II, Issue X, October 2014 Edition
ISSN: 2201-2796

Effects of Bambara Groundnut (Voandzecia Subtonanea) (L) Verda) Biomass on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Ali A, Achor O.I, S.A. Ayuba

Abstract: This study was conducted at the University of Agriculture Makurdi Research Farm in the sub-humid Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria, during the 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons to determine the effects of Bambara groundnuts (Voandzecia Subtonanea) (L) Verde biomass on soil physical and chemical properties. Five treatments (comprising 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1 of bambara groundnut biomass) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The biomass was incorporated as green manure after 120 days of planting bambara groundnut on the same piece of land. A composite soil sample was taken at planting while samples were taken on treatment basis at 30, 60 and 90 days after treatment application. The samples were analyzed at the NICANSOL laboratory following standard procedures. The results obtained showed that incorporation of bambara groundnut biomass had no significant effects on the particle size distribution of the soil. The green manure produced significant effects on the soil pH, O.M., available P, CEC and the exchangeable K, Mg, Ca and Na both in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. Twenty (20) t ha-1 bambara groundnuts biomass produced the best residual soil physical and chemical properties both in both seasons. Whereas at 60 and 80 DAP, 15 t ha-1 bambaranuts biomass led to the best effect on soil chemical and physical properties. Therefore 15-20 t ha-1 incorporation of bambara groundnut biomass is recommended for use in soil fertility maintenance in the study area.

Reference this Paper: Effects of Bambara Groundnut (Voandzecia Subtonanea) (L) Verda) Biomass on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria by Ali A, Achor O.I, S.A. Ayuba published at: "Scientific Research Journal (Scirj), Volume II, Issue X, October 2014 Edition, Page 26-33 ".

Search Terms: Bambara groundnuts, Biomass, Green manure, Southern Guinea Savanna, Soil Properties

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