Influence of Different Rates of Burnt Rice Husk Dust on Soil Properties and Maize Grain Yield in Acid Ultisol in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria. Issue 3 (1st May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mbah, C.N.; Uguru, B.; Ezike, K.N.; Idike, F.I.
• Is Part Of: Soil horizons. Volume 56:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01
• Subjects: Soil science -- Periodicals; Soil surveys -- Periodicals; Soil science; Soil surveys; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 631.4
• DOI: 10.2136/sh14-09-0013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2163-2812

Abstract

Abstract : Large quantities of burnt and unburnt rice husk dust accumulate in numerous rice mills in the study area, Abakaliki, in southeastern Nigeria, but limited data exist on its effect on soil properties and crop yields. A field study was conducted in the 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of different rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha –1 ) of burnt rice husk dust (BRHD) on soil properties and maize ( Zea mays L) yield. Results of the study showed significant differences ( p < 0.05) in soil pH, total nitrogen (TN), available P, exchangeable bases (Na +, K +, Mg 2+, Ca 2+, and organic carbon (OC). Maize grain yield varied significantly among the treatments in both cropping seasons. The highest grain yield (4.83 t ha –1 ) observed in 30 t ha –1 rate in the first cropping season was not significantly higher ( p < 0.05) than the observed value in 20 t ha –1 in the same season. Significantly higher ( p < 0.05) grain yield was observed in 20 t ha –1 application rate in the second cropping season. This placed it as the optimum rate of BRHD application for maize production in the study area.