A Lixisol Microbial Activity Under Urban Wastes Composts Effect in Donsin, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Mineralization causes soil carbon loss. This study focuses soil microbial activity measurement in relation with the application of six types of composts in sorghum three-year experiment. Composts were applied single or combined with urea. Organic carbon content, microbial biomass, respirometry and carbon global mineralization rate were evaluated. In comparison to the control, single composts treatments parameters variation rates ranged from -1 to +71%. When composts were combined with urea, parameters variations rates ranged from -8 to +107%. Under single urea, these parameters variation rates ranged from -14% to +31%. Best composts seemed to be those produced with various and balanced composting materials. Eco-friendly composts adoption could improve soil organic carbon content for sustainable microbial process.

Keywords: Agro systems; carbon; respirometry; Burkina Faso.