Authors : Z.O. Opafunso , I.I. Ozigi and G.O. Oniyide
Abstract: Over a period of 6 months (April-September, 2005) the mined-out soil of Itakpe Iron Ore Mine, Kogi State, Nigeria was amended with poultry dropping at the rate of 0 100, 150 and 200 g/3Kg soils. It was then potted and mulched using cowpea straw. The stockpile mine topsoil was added to the amended soil after 21, 42 and 63 days of amendment. Tomato, melon and groundnut were then planted on the amended substrate. The results indicated an improvement in the quality of the soil planted with groundnut (leguminous plant) whereas tomato and melon caused depletion of nutrients in the soil. However, none of the plant could survive on the mined-out soil without application of poultry droppings. The results showed that poultry droppings amendment is capable of improving soil conditions thus reclaiming the soil for agricultural purpose in addition to other soil management practices.
Z.O. Opafunso , I.I. Ozigi and G.O. Oniyide , 2008. Application of Poultry Droppings and Cowpea Straw to Mined-Out Soil for Nutrients Improvement . Environmental Research Journal, 2: 88-98.