Assessment of the Effect of Abattoir Effluent on Soil Properties Cultivated with Flint Maize

The assessment of abattoir effluent on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of the soil cultivated with flint maize was conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five levels of abattoir effluent (0, 32 x 103, 64 x 10 3, 96 x 103, 128 x 103L/ha) and each was replicated three times. The effluent was collected and analyzed for its chemical properties, the number and types of bacteria and fungi before and at the end of the experiment. Soil samples were collected before planting and at the end of the experiment and analyzed for physicochemical properties as well as the number and types of bac- teria and fungi. Maize variety; Samma – 38 was used as a test crop. Results showed that more bacteria and fungi counts were found in the abattoir effluent than in the soil. At 15 weeks after application, the plot treated with 64 x 103 L/ha of abattoir effluent had more bacteria isolated and the least bacteria count. The plot that received the 32 x 103L/ha had the least fungi count. The soil was slightly acidic except for the strongly acidic control. The soil after the applications of abattoir effluent was high in organic matter. Abattoir effluent increased the total N, K, Mg, and Ca with the highest recorded at the applications of 96 x 103L/ha and 128 x 103L/ha. Organisms such as Penicillium and Aspergillus spp were iso- lated, and these enhanced nitrogen and phosphorous fixation, thereby increasing soil fertility for suitable crop production.