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Abstract

Nkongolo, N.V., M.Yamada, and A. Yamasaki. 2007. Effect of animal manure on the physical properties of volcanic ash soil and cabbage growth response. JEMREST 3:304-313.

DOI: 10.4029/2007jemrest3no124

The effectiveness of any soil amendment is better assessed through its effects on improving soil properties and enhancing plant growth. Changes in soil physical properties and their relationship with cabbage growth parameters were studied in a volcanic ash soil subjected to four years application of chemical fertilizer (CF), no-fertilizer (NF) and animal manure (AM) at the National Agriculture Research Center (Japan). Results showed that addition of AM improved soil air-filled porosity (¦a), bulk density (rb) and total pore space (TPS). However, CF decreased ¦a and increased rb and soil penetration resistance (SPR). Linear correlations between cabbage growth parameters and soil physical properties were highest in AM and ranged from 0.53 to 0.85 while they varied from 0.53 to 0.61 in NF and CF, respectively. Amending a volcanic ash soil with AM improved its physical properties, this in turn resulted in increased cabbage growth.