The Impact of Open Dumping of Poultry on the Quality of Soil and Water

Abstract

Twenty poultries in Ibadan city, Nigeria were studied in respect of water use, farm operations and waste disposal. The common disposal method among the poultry farmers was open dumping of wastes. Five poultry farms were selected, one in each zone for sampling to assess both soil and water quality parameters. Water samples were collected from main water supply source from each farm. Soil samples were collected at depths
0-150mm, 150-300mm and 300-450mm in the soil profile. The samples were taken at waste dump sites (PL) and at locations about 50metres away from dump sites (NPL). Results showed that open dumping of poultry wastes has a profound impact on soil and water qualities in the immediate environment of the dumpsites. The pH values of all water samples were higher than 7.0 and turbidity values in 60% of samples were above
1.4NTU. Though soil Zn, Fe and Mn values in soil were within critical values for arable crops, values for PL sites were higher than NPL sites. The Mean values of Mn at depths 0-150mm and 150-300mm were statistically significant (P< 0.05). N, P, K in PL soil were higher than in NPL soils by as much as 23% at depths less than 300mm. N values in all samples were below the critical range of 1.5-2.0mg/l. While all these result in enriching soil fertility for arable crop production excess wastes beyond what the soil can take cause trace elements
imbalance in the soil. Trace elements imbalance results in chlorosis and other pathological conditions on leaves of crops. From the outcome of this study and considering the need for ensuring an environment that is free of pollution hazards. Open dumping of poultry wastes on bare soil surface cannot be considered a satisfactory method of waste disposal

Keywords: Open dumping, Poultry, Waste, Soil, Water quality

Journal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 6 (1) 2006 pp. 27-33