Sie sind auf Seite 1von 8

Nigerian Journal of Microbiology, Vol.

25: 2345- 2352, 2011


www.nsmjournal.org

EFFECTS OF SAWDUST ASH ON SOIL PHYSICO CHEMICAL AND


BIOLOGICAL INDICES
1
Asamudo, N.U., 1Etok, C.A, 2Onwuchekwa, I.S. and 3Nwaugo,V.O.
1
Dept of Microbiology, University of Uyo, Uyo
2
Dept of Geography and Planning, Abia State University, Uturu
3
Dept of Microbiology, Abia State University, Uturu.

Abstract
The effect of soil amendments with saw dust ash on soil physicochemical properties,
microbial diversity and enzyme activities were investigated in Egbema, Southern Nigeria.
The ash had high Electrical Conductivity, Cation Exchange Capacity and alkaline earth
metals (K, Ca and Mg). Among the heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) only Zn was
significantly high in the ash, which also had very negligible N content (P<0.05).
Amendment of the soil (1kg) with 3g, 6g, 9g and 12g of the 2mm-sieved ash caused
increase in all parameters except NO3 content which did not show significant increase in
quantity. Microbial diversity of the soil samples showed that Phosphate solubilizing
bacteria(PSB), nitrifying bacteria and total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) had increased rate
of multiplication in that order with the highest counts in the 6g ash/kg soil. Though fungal
and actinomycetes had their highest counts in the 9g ash/kg soil, there was no statistical
difference from their counts in 6g ash/kg soil (P>0.05). In each soil sample, the THB had
the highest counts followed by the PSB. There was positive correlation (P<0.05) between
soil enzyme activity and microbial counts. All the enzymes assessed (dehydrogenase,
urease, alkaline phosphatase) had their highest activities in the 6g ash/kg soil except acid
phosphatase which decreased in activities with the ash amendment. The ash application
therefore caused increased microbial growth and enzyme activities, hence enhanced
biogeochemical transformation and thereby improving soil health.

Keywords: Microbial diversity, soil fertility, enzymes, amendments.

Corresponding Author: V.O. Nwaugo; E-mail: vonwaugo@yahoo.com


Tel: 08063494654

Introduction
Food security and stability in the erosion and construction (Montellion and
world are dependent on availability and Tauraine,2004, Nwaugo et al, 2008b,
management of natural resources, Etok et al., 2010).
especially land. The human population is Among the elements required by
increasing greatly, such that the available plants, three stand out clearly and include
farming space is being over tasked. There Nitrogen, phosphorus and Potassium.
is therefore nutrient depletion (Nwaugo et Most soil management techniques are
al., 2008a; Monkiedje et al, 2006). based on maintenance or improvement of
Depreciation of plant nutrients in soil the availability of these elements for
does not dependent on agricultural plants use (Montellion and Touraine,
practices alone, as it is affected by other 2004, Ayeni, 2011, Mbah et al, 2010,
natural and anthropogenic activities like Nwaugo et al., 2006). They are therefore

2345
Asamudo et al, 2011 Nig. J. Microbiol. Vol. 25: 2345- 2352

the limiting factors in agricultural soil stated by Pansu and Goutheyrou (2006),
assessments and plant yields. The imput while K was assessed using the flame
of various forms of these elements in photometer; Ca and Mg were determined
available state therefore determines their by the EDTA titrametric method (UNEP,
uptake by plants. 2004). The EC and CEC were also
Nutrients deficient soil has been determined according to UNEP (2004).
remediated by application of several The heavy metals Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe
substances including organic and were determined after proper digestion
inorganic manure (Parham et al., according to the description of Pansu and
2002,2003, Montellion and Touraine, Coutheyrou, (2004).
2004, Nwaugo et al., 2008a). This study Microbiological Analysis
was designed to assess the effects of saw Five physiological microbial groups were
dust ash on some soil physicochemical estimated. These were the total
properties of agricultural importance, heterotrophic bacteria (THB), the
microbial diversity and enzyme activities. phosphate solubilization of bacteria
This was done with a view to utilizing the (PSB) and nitrifying bacteria (N). Others
agro-waste (Sawdust) as remediative were Fungi (F) and actinomycetes (A).
agent in nutrient depleted agricultural The population of these organisms in the
land. soil was assessed using various selective
Materials and Methods culture media (Chesbrough, 2002,
Study area: The study area is Egbema, a Nwaugo et al., 2008b). The THB were
community in the Southern part of Imo estimated using Tryptone soy agar, PSB
State. The people are mainly farmers but with Pikovskaya medium and NB with
much of the land has been converted into modified mineral salt agar. The fungi
Gmelina and oil palm plantations. This were counted using SDA supplemented
has resulted in much pressure on the with chloramphenicol (antibiotic) while
available farmland leading to nutrient for the actinomyceters, acidified starch
depletion. (Nwaugo et al., 2006, 2008b). nitrate agar was used. The soil sample
Sample Collection was spread plated on the various media
The top soil (0-30cm) of a fallow after ten fold serial dilution.
farmland was collected using the sheprek Soil Enzyme Activities Analysis
soil agar from various points and The soil enzymes activities were assessed
thoroughly mixed to give a honogenuous using soil samples dried for 18h at room
sample. The soil was them air-dried and temperature and 2mm - sieved. The
2mm sieved. In this study the saw dust enzymes were dehydrogenase, urease and
ash was obtained by open burning of the phosphatase (acid and alkaline). The
sawdust from a timber shed in the study dehydrogenase activity was determined as
area. described by Cassida et al (1964) as
Assessment of Physicochemical modified by Nanipier and Alef (1995)
Parameters. using Triphenyl tetrazolum Chloride
The soil pH was determined using the (TTC) amended soil with the formation of
Jenway HANNA 1910 multipurpose Triphenyl formazon (TPF) after 6 hours
tester (HANNA Instruments, Woonsullet, incubation at 30oC Absorbance was read
Rhodes Island, USA). The total organic at 485nM. Urease activity was
carbon, NO3, PO4 and available determined by the colorimetric method of
phosphorous (P) were determined as Nanipieri et al (1980) based on the

2346
Asamudo et al, 2011 Nig. J. Microbiol. Vol. 25: 2345- 2352

formation of NH3 N in urea amended heterotrophic bacteria (THB) had the


soil after 24 hours incubation at 30oC. highest counts while counts of other
The phosphatase activities (acid and bacterial groups varied in each soil
alkaline) were estimated as described by sample. All the bacterial groups, THB,
Alef and Nanaipieri (1995) using P PSB, and NB had their highest counts in
nitrophenol phosphate amended soil. the 6g/kg ash amended soil while fungi
Data Analysis and actinomycetes had their highest
All the results obtained were subjected to counts in the 9g/kg ash amended soil.
statistical analysis to assess the level of However, the countss obtained from
significance. Such statistical tools used 6g/kg and 9g/kg soil samples for fungi
include ANOVA and Correlation and actinomycetes were not statistically
analysis. Standard deviation was used in significant (P<0.05). Highest increases in
the physicochemical parameters. counts were observed between 3-6g/kg
Results ash amendment. PSB showed the highest
The ash was alkaline (10.2) increase rate followed by the NB (Table
compared to the slightly acidic control 3).
soil (6.8). Most significant variation was Soil enzyme activities (Table 3)
observed in the phosphate content which showed significant increase with the ash
was 2.48 (mg/g) and 39.9g/d (total) in amendment. Dehydrogenase which had
control soil and ash samples respectively 18.21 mg g-16h- in the control rose to
(Table 1). The values of alkaline earth 35.47mg g-16h- in 6g/kg ash amended soil
metals K, Ca, and Mg were statistically but decreased thereafter to 25.08mg g-16h-
significant in the ash compared to the in 12g/kg ash amended soil. The same
control soil while heavy metals Cu, Fe pattern was observed in all the other
and Mn were not significantly different enzymes assessed except for acid
(P<0.05). Among the heavy metals only phosphatase which decreased in activity
Zn was quite high in the ash (0.47my/g). from the first amendment (3g/kg ash) till
Amendment of soil with various the last in 12g/kg ash in soil sample. All
quantities of the sawdust ash showed a the enzymes had their highest activities in
gradient according to the quantity of ash the 6g/kg ash amended soil sample except
used. All values increased till the 6g/g ash acid phosphatase whose highest activity
quantity but there was no more significant was observed in the control soil sample.
increase thereafter. i.e. from 9g/kg (Table Statistical analysis showed positive
1) (P<0.05). The total NO3 content did correlation between the microbial loads
not show significant increase with the ash and the enzyme activities ie the enzyme
amendment of soil. activities increased in the same direction
Table 2 shows the microbial as the microbial leads.
diversity of the various soil samples
examined. In all soil samples, the total

2347
Asamudo et al, 2011 Nig. J. Microbiol. Vol. 25: 2345- 2352

Table 1: Effect of saw dust ash on soil physicochemical properties


Saw dust ash amendment of soil

Soil Ash 3g/kg 6g/kg 9g/kg 12g/kg


pH 6.8 10.2 7.4 8.2 8.2 9.2
EC ( -1) 0.28 0.76 0.31 0.36 0.52 0.67
Organ C. 0.68 0.17 0.90 1.24 1.72 1.70
Total P. 3.4 24.9 6.4 8.42 10.64 16.4

Total N. 0.30 0.04 0.53 0.92 1.0 2 1.04

CEC 43.6 93.7 49.3 51.1 73.5 75.7


K mg/g 0.37 2.60 0.71 0.96 1.01 1.27
Mg mg/g 0.23 3.63 0.45 0.70 0.90 1.01
Ca mg/g 2,54 12.82 4,65 7.04 7.22 7.61
Zn mg/g 25.2 31.7 33.4 46.65 65.32 74.8
Fe mg/g 21,62 28.98 23.21 24.46 25.68 26.12
Cu mg/g 0.002 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.004 0.005 0.005

Table 2; Effects of saw dust ash amendment of soil in microbial counts (cfu/g)
Microbial
Group 0 Control 3g/kg 6g/kg 9g/kg 12g/kg
5 6 6 6
THB 4.2 X 10 3.1 X 10 4.3 X 10 4.1 X 10 3.1 X 106
NB 2.5 X 103 1.4 X 104 2.4 X 104 2.1 X 104 1.5 X 104
3 4 5 5
PSB 4.8 X 10 2.1 X 10 1.2 X 10 1.2 X 10 2.7 X 104
FC 2.1 X 104 2.9 X 104 1.0 X 105 1.1 X 105 2.7 X 104
4 4 5 5
AC 1.4 X 10 2.1 X 10 1.2 X 10 1.4 X 10 6.7 X 104

Key; THB = Total heterotrophic count; NB= Nitrifying bacteria


PSB = Phosphate solubilizing bacteria; FC = Fungal count
AC = Actinomycetes count.

Table 3; Enzyme activities of the various samples analysed


Soil amendment with wood ash
Enzyme 0g/kg 3g/kg 6g/kg 9g/kg 12g/kg
Dehydrogenase 18.21 24.63 35.47 31.27 26.68
Mg g-1 6h-1
Urease 12.7 19.4 28.8 21.2 19.1
Mg g-1 24h-1
Alkaline 0.97 1.11 2.8 2.2 1.4
Phosphatase
(Umol-p-nitrophenol)
Acid Phosphatase 1.01 0.96 0.67 0.34 0.21
(Umol-p-nitrophenol)

2348
Asamudo et al, 2011 Nig. J. Microbiol. Vol. 25: 2345- 2352

Discussion
The results obtained in the application could lead to less value of the
physicochemical properties of the applied ash.
sawdust ash fall within the values Results obtained in the microbial
reported by Onwuka et al, (2007) and diversity buttressed the results observed
Ayeni et al (2008). The ash was alkaline, in the physicochemical parameters.
a property which Odedina et al., (2003) Though all the physiological microbial
had attributed to high alkaline earth metal groups assessed had their highest
content of the ash. This shows that ash populations in the 6g/kg ash amendment
could be used as a limning agent in acidic of soil, there was no significant increase
soil. The high EC and CEC observed in the 9g/kg and 12g/kg amendments. The
could be attributed to the high metallic 12g/kg amendment even caused
content of the ash. These alkaline earth decreased populations in all the groups.
metals include K, Ca and Mg. The Onwuka et al (2007) working on cocoa
sawdust ash was low in heavy metal hust ash, Mbah et al (2010) and Owolabi
content (Mn, Cu and Fe) and NO3 content et al., (2002) using wood ash had reported
too. The low NO3 content could be that over use of ash is detrimental to soil
attributed to the high volatility of N. The health. Baath and Amebrant (1994) had
N available could have evaporated during earlier reported a similar observation.
the burning process to produce the ash Results in this study showed that
which agrees with Ayeni et al (2008). On the PSB had the highest increase rate,
the other hand the ash contained high followed by NB and then the TSB. The
amount of available P. This could be increase in fungi and actinomycetes was
attributed to the high ash solubility in more gradual but continued above 6g/kg
water with its high phosphate content. to the 9g/kg ash amendment where it
The solubility ensured mobility of the stopped. This indicated that fungi and
phosphorous hence its availability for actinomycetes responded gradually to
plants use. sawdust ash amendment while bacteria
Soil amendment with the ash were quick in their response but have
showed significant improvement in the lower tolerance level. The observations
physical and chemical properties of further suggest that though sawdust ash
agricultural importance. The total has low N content it encouraged the
phosphate, K and conductivity improved. growth of NB while its high content of
Inspite of the beneficial effects of ash available P was available for plant uptake.
amendment of soil, results showed that The PSB was also high in counts and
application of ash above 6g/kg did not could combine with NB to make both N
give any commensurate improvement. and P available to plants hence
This suggests that 6g/kg soil was the encouraging plant /crop production. This
optimum amendment and should not go high microbial counts and diversity
upto 9g/kg. Ayeni et al. (2008) had observed in the 6g/kg ash amended soil
reported 8g to be the best while Onwuka caused high biogeochemical
et al (2007) adviced caution in the use of transformations. This could be so as
fly ash. These therefore suggest that for microorganisms have severally been
ash to be used in soil amendment, a described as mediators of such
preliminary assessment of the soil should transformations (Prescott et al., 2007,
be carried out. This is because over

2349
Asamudo et al, 2011 Nig. J. Microbiol. Vol. 25: 2345- 2352

Pelezar et al., 2002, Nwaugo et al., on major cations release for crop
2008a, 2010). production in South Western
Values obtained in the enzyme activities Nigeria. Int. Res. J. Agric Soil Sc
buttressed the microbial diversity results. 1(7);248 - 253
All the enzymes, whose activities were Ayeni, L.S, O.M. Ayeni, O.P., Oso and
assessed, had their highest activities on Ojeniyi S.O. (2008) Effect of saw
the 6g/kg ash amended soil except the dust and wood ash application in
acid phosphatase. This agrees well with improving soil chemical
the reports of Nwaugo et al., (2008b), Li properties and growth of Cocoa
et al., (2005) and Alef and Nanipieri, (Theobroma cocoa) seedling in
(1995) that acid phosphatase is very the nurseries. Agric. J. 3 (5) : 323-
sensitive to pH changes. The amendment 305
of the soil with sawdust ash increased the Baarth E. and Ambrant K. (1994) Growth
soil pH from slightly acidic to alkaline rate and response of bacterial
which affected the acid phosphatase communities to pH and ash
adversely. Generally results obtained in treatment of soil. Biochem 26
the enzyme activities indicated a positive 995-1001
correlation with the microbial loads. All Cassida, L..E., Klein, J.D. and Santoro,
the enzymes decreased in activities from D. (1964). Soil dehydrogenase
9g/kg to 12g/kg ash amendment. This activity. Soil Sc, 98:371-374
agrees with the reports of Li et al., Chessbrough, M. (2001). Laboratory
(2005), Nwaugo et al., (2008b) Etok et Manual for Tropical countries.
al (2010) and Parham et al , (2002) that Vol. II. Microbiology. Tropical
the soil enzyme activities follow Health Technology. ELBS,
microbial contents while Panmurugan and London
Gopi (2006) attributed it to feed back Etok, C.A., Asamudo, N.U.,
inhibition by the ash. Onwuchekwa, I.S. and Nwaugo,
Results obtained in this study V.O. (2010) Effects of Quarry
therefore suggest that amendment of soil Plant rock dust on soil Phosphate
with sawdust ash improved soil solubilizing Bacteria and enzyme
agricultural properties up till 6g/kg ash activities in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State,
amendment. Observations indicated that Nigeria. Nig. J. Microbiol
the ash was a good liming agent and can 24(1);2207 2213.
enhance the availability of both Nitrogen Li, H., Zhang, Y., Zhang, C.G. and Chen
and Phosphorous with adequate supply of G.X. (2005). Effect of Petroleum
K (Potassium). containing waste water. Irrigation
on Bacteiral diversities and
References enzymatic activities in a Paddy
Alef, K. and Nannipieri, P. (1995). soil irrigation area. J. Environ
Methods in Applied Soil Qual., 34:1073-1080.
Microbiology and Mbah, C.N Nwife, J.N. Njoku, C. and
Biochemistry. Academic Press, Nweke, I.A. (2010) Response of
London. maize (Zea mays) to different
Ayeni L.S. (2011) Cumulative effect of rates of wood ash application in
combined cocoa pod ash. Poultry acid ultisol in South East
manure, NPK 20;10;10 fertilizer

2350
Asamudo et al, 2011 Nig. J. Microbiol. Vol. 25: 2345- 2352

Nigerian. Afr. J. Agric. Res. 5 (7): community Pak J. Appl Sc.


580-513 2(8):632-638
Monkiedje, A., Spiteller, M., Fotio, D. Nwaugo, VO, Onyeogba , R.A ,
and Sukul P. (2006) The effect of Obiekezie, S.O and Ugbogu. O.C
land use on soil health indicators (2007). Effect of petroleum
in Peri-Urban agriculture in the produced (information) water on
humid forest zone of Southern some farmland soil bacteria
Cameroon J. Environ. Qual. 35: species Egbema Rivers State. Int.
2402-2410. J. Biotechnol Allied Sc. 1(1):32-
Montellin, S. and Tauraine, B. (2004). 36.
Plant growth-promoting bacteria . Odedina, S.A. Odedina, J.N. Ayeni, C.S.
and nitrate availability: Impacts on Arowojolu, S.A. Adeyeye, S.O
root development and nitrate and Ojeniyi, S.O. (2003). Effects
uptake. J. Expt. Bot. 55(394) 27-34. of type of ash on soil fertility,
Nannipieri, P., Crecanti, B, Bianchi, D nutrient availability and yield of
and Bonmati M (1985) tomato and pepper. Nig. J. Soil Sc.
Fractionation of hydrolase humus 13: 61-67
complexes by gel Onwuka, M.I. Osodeke, V.E., and Okolo
chromatography. Boil. Feit Soils N.A. (2007). Amelioration of soil
1:25-29. acidity using cocoa husk ash for
Nwaugo, V.O.; Onyeagba, R.A. maize production in Umudike
Obiekezie, S.O. and Ugbogu, areas of South Eastern Nigeria.
O.C. (2006). Effects of Petroleum Trop. Subtrop. Agroecosystem. 7:
Produced (formation) water on 41-45
some farmland soil bacteria in Owolabi, O.A, Adeyeye, B.T. Oladejo T.
Egbema, Rivers State Int. J. and S.O Ojeniyi (2003). Effect of
Biotech. Allied Sc. 1 (1):32-36. wood ash and soil fertility and
Nwaugo, V.O.; Elekwa, I.; M.A. Ekpo crop yield in South Western
and Adebayo, B.O. (2008a) Nigeria. J. Soil Sc. 13: 55-60
Evaluation of soil health Panmurugan, P.and Gopi C. (2006).
following application of fertilizers Distribution pattern and screening
using bacterial and enzymes as of phosphate solubilizing bacteria
indicators. J. Appl. Environ. Sc. isolated from different food and
4(2);67 - 72 forage crops. J. Agron 5(4) : 600-
Nwaugo, V.O. Etok, C.A Obiekeze, S.O 604.
and Chinyere, G.C (2008b). Panham, J.A., Deng, S.P., Da, H.N and
Evaluation of the effects of Sun, D.A.Y. (2002) long term
Okigwe cattle market wastes on cattle manure application in soil I.
the surrounding agricultural soil Effect on soil, microbial,
parameters Bio-Res 6 (11) populations and community
367:370 structure Biol. Fertil. Soil. 38:
Nwaugo, V.O., Onyeagba, R.A. Chima. 209-215.
G.N.and Agwananze D.I. (2007) Parham, J.A., Deng, S.P., Raun W.R and
Effects of Drilling wastes on the Johnson G.V. (2002). Long term
farmland mircrobial spectrum in cattle manure application in soil I.
Egbema, south-south Nigerian Effect on soil Phosphorus level,

2351
Asamudo et al, 2011 Nig. J. Microbiol. Vol. 25: 2345- 2352

Microbial biomass C Reverodo, M.D and Melo, W.J. (2007)


dehydrrogenase and Phosphatase Enzyme activities and Microbial
activities. Biol.Fertil. Soil. 35: biomass in an Oxisol amended
328-337. with sewage sludge contaminated
Pelczar, M, Chan EI.S and Kriegi N.R with nickel Sci. Agric. 64 (1) 61-
(2003) Microbiology of the soil 67.
and atmosphere; concepts and UNEP (2004) United Nation
applications in microbiology Environmental programme.,
McGraw Hills, Inc. U.S.A. 772- Analytical methods for
873 Environmental Water Supply.
Prescott L.M, Haley J.P and Klein, D.A Global Environmental Monitoring
(2003) Microbiology 6th edition System with international Atomic
234-576 McGraw Hill United Energy Agency, Canada.
State of America.

2352

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen