Assessing the Effects of Some Organic Manure on Microbial Profile of the Soil and Plant Growth

摘要

Background and Objective: Organic manure has been considered as a significant resource in supporting soil fertility which impacts positively on soil microbial population and plant performance in the tropics. This research was aimed at determining the effect of organic manure on the microbial population of the soil and plant growth. Materials and Methods: Portions of soil samples weighing 1000 g were collected into polyethylene bags and organic manure which were poultry manure, cow manure, pig manure and goat manure were each added to each 1000 g portion of the soil in the ratio of 10:1, 10:2.5 and 10:5 for each organic manure. Results: The result of the effect of some organic manure on microbial profile of soil and plant growth analyzed using standard microbiological methods revealed significant microbial count and plant growth for days 1, 4, 7 and 10. The highest mean microbial count was recorded in soil amended with pig manure, followed by soil amended with goat manure, while the control soil sample recorded the least colony count for days 1, 4, 7 and 10. The study also revealed the presence of Staphylococcus sp. (35.5%), Clostridium sp. (11.57%), Listeria sp. (5.3%), Serratia sp. (3.0%), Enterococcus sp. (3.0%) and Pseudomonas sp. (10%). While fungal isolates with percentage frequency of occurrence were; Aspergillus sp. (12.7%), Penicillium sp. (12.7%), Rhizopus sp. (17.7%), Geotrichum sp. (10.1%), Trichosporon sp. (16.9%) and Fusarium sp. (15.2%). Seed germination revealed that soil amended with pig, goat and poultry manure as well as the control recorded 100% germination at day 4, while soil amended with cow manure recorded 75% germination. Plant height in soil amended with pig manure ranged between 485 and 495 mm at day 10, followed by plant in soil amended with goat manure which ranged between 445 and 465 mm at day 10. The control had the least plant height which ranged between 300 mm at day 10. Conclusion: Soil amended with organic manure had a positive influence on soil microbial and plant growth but pig manure observed to have the most positive effect on soil microbial profile and plant growth. Pig manure and goat manure has therefore been recommended for soil amendment compared to poultry and cow manure for improved soil fertility.