The Use of Parkia Husk and Melon Wastes as Soil Amendments

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted to assess the effects of amending soil with agricultural wastes (Parkia biglobosa (Locust bean) husk (PAH), melon (Citrulus vulgaris) waste (MEW) and their mixture (PAH + MEW)) on some soil physical and chemical properties. The agricultural wastes were applied at two levels (7.5% and 10% w/w agricultural waste/soil) in a randomized complete block design. Changes in soil properties (bulk density, water holding capacity, organic carbon and available phosphorus contents) were observed over a period of 12 weeks. The available phosphorus (P) content of the soil was significantly increased (P<0.05) by all treatments. The P contents of the soils at 12 weeks after amendment at 10% level were: 8.6 mg Kg-1 soil for MEW, 7.7 mg Kg-1 soil for PAH, 7.0 mg Kg-1 soil for PAH + MEW while that of the control (no amendment) was 2.5 mg Kg-1 soil. All the treatments significantly improved the soil physical properties. A significant reduction (P<0.05) in soil bulk density was observed. MEW significantly improved soil properties than PAH or the mixture of PAH and MEW. Both MEW and PAH were found to have potentials for use in improving soil fertility and soil physical properties.

Key words: Agricultural waste, Parkia husk, melon waste, soil properties