EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS ON SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN A WEST AFRICA SAVANNA AGROECOSYSTEM

Abstract

Long-term agroecosystem productivity has stirred up the need to develop and implement nutrient management strategies that maintain and protect soil resources. In an attempt to address this, the current study involved the incorporation of residues of Centrosema pascuorum, Lablab purpureus and Parkia biglobosa. In addition, an inorganic fertilizer amended soil and, a maize/Lablab purpureus intercrop, along with the control (no amendment) was included. The treatments were replicated three times and the site had been under continuous cultivation for eight years in a savanna Alfisol. Soil quality (physical and chemical) indicators were examined for treatments effects. Dry macroaggregate turnover increased by 7% under C. pascuorum amended soils. This same treatment had more water-stable large microaggregates and a 40% increase in aggregated silt and clay content. Soil bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity reduced in nutrient management practices involving residue incorporation. However, soil organic carbon, total soil nitrogen, exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration were highest with soil receiving C. pascuorum. Crop residue management practices involving incorporation of C. pascuorum significantly improved soil physical and chemical properties of the study area.