Survey of animal manure production, management, use and effect on a degraded Kandiudult

Abstract

This study evaluated animal manure production, management techniques, utilization and effect on soil productivity in Amuzu Mbaise, Southeastern Nigeria. The study, which was conducted in 2006 used structured interview schedule at a phase of the study. In another phase, we studied the effects of animal manures from muturu (Local cattle), goats, sheep and pigs on a degraded Isohyperthermic Kandiudult using maize (Zea mays L.) as a test crop. The potted experiment was set up in a greenhouse using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with each treatment replicated 9 times. Five treatments used included manures from Muturu, goats, sheep, pigs and control. Relevant measures of central tendency and dispersion were used in the statistical analysis of socio-economic and agronomic data. Results showed that a greater number of households engaged in goats and sheep, thereby making their manures relatively more abundant than other livestock. Majority of the livestock fend for of themselves in rangelands with pigs being more confined. Animal manures were collected and used although they were inadequate and bulky while there was poor knowledge of urine as biofertilizer quality of manures differed with handing technique and manure improved maize (Zea mays L.) performance significantly (p = 0.05). Soil chemical fertility was significantly (p = 0.05) improved. Integrated studies especially is if affects indigenous knowledge will be helpful. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc.