Effect of poultry manure on soil Physio-Chemical properties, aggregate stability and biomass yield of panicum maximum

Fertilizer use is a key factor for increasing agricultural production in sub Sahara Africa and its utilization has increased rapidly in the last two decades. Adoption of chemical fertilizers has largely replaced traditional practices, such as recycling of crop residues and application of organic manures. Poultry manure was used as a soil conditioner to increase the biomass yield of Panicum maximum and to maintain soil fertility. The treatments were 0kg, 50kg, 100kg and 200kg per plot. Each plot has a dimension of 4m by 4m. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The results showed that poultry manure applied at the rates of 50kg/plot had the highest biomass yield amongst others. Based on the weekly plant height measurement, biomass yield was significantly higher at 12th week, available phosphorus, potassium, organic matter and stable aggregate improved with increasing rate of application of poultry manure. This study shows that poultry manure applied to the Panicum maximum improves the growth and biomass yield of the crop and also helps in sustaining aggregate stability with improved soil fertility.