Amelioration of a Crude-Oil-Polluted Soil with Poultry Manure and the Effects on Growth of Maize and Some Soil Properties

ABSTRACT

This field experiment, conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, was designed to assess the effects of using poultry manure as a bioremediation agent in ameliorating crude-oil-polluted soils. Four quantities of crude oil (0, 100, 200 and 300 mL) and four concentrations of poultry manure (0, 200, 400, and 600 kg/ha) were used. There were 16 treatment combinations, each replicated thrice. The total number of plots studied was 48, each measuring 1 × 1 m. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block. Physico-chemical properties of the soils were determined before pollution, two weeks after pollution and at the end of the experiment. Results obtained showed that application of crude oil to the polluted soils and amelioration with poultry manure significantly affected soil properties and maize (Zea mays) yield parameters. Increases in pH, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and organic carbon (C) were observed. Phosphorus (P) decreased as the level of crude-oil pollution increased despite remediation with poultry manure. Percentage crop emergence, plant height, dry matter yield, and leaf area also increased at each level of crude-oil pollution as the level of manure increased up to 400 kg/ha. Generally, the application of poultry manure resulted in an enhancement of the parameters studied.

Keywords:

• amelioration
• crude oil
• poultry manure
• maize (Zea mays)
• soil properties