Improving the hydraulic and mechanical properties of a degraded paleustult: Potential of combined application of poutry manure and Portland cement

Abstract

Physical deterioration of soil poses threat to sustainable agricultural land use and there is the need for proactive management measures  to address it. Despite research indicating the benefit of using cement to enhance soil properties, there is a dearth of scientific information  on its co-application with organic manure. Therefore, influence of sole and combined applications of poultry manure (PM)  and Portland cement (PC) on soil aggregation, hydraulic conductivity (K) and strength was investigated. The treatments consisted of  factorial -1 combinations of PM and PC applications at four levels (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g kg soil) in three replicates to a Typic Paleusult in a  screen house. The aggregate stability, K (6, 2 and 0.5 cm suctions) and strength were determined -1 using standard methods. Poultry  manure applied at the rate of 5 g kg increased soil macro-aggregate stability -1 (combined total of 40.17%) and the near saturated  hydraulic conductivity (0.83 cm day ) of the soil while PC -1 - significantly increased both soil properties (combined total of 38.71% and  0.61 cm day , respectively) at 2.5 g kg ¹ -1 rate. Soil strength peaked when PM (0.57 kPa) and PC (0.60 kPa) were applied at 10 and 5 g kg ,  respectively. The combination of PC and PM significantly increased macro-aggregate stability and soil strength although the PM limited  the potential of the PC to strengthen the soil. The treatments showed potential in improving the soil aggregate stability, near saturated  hydraulic conductivity and strength of the degraded soil with little to moderate agronomic limitations.