Influence of poultry composted manure on soil organic carbon and selected soil properties under Tomato cultivation

Soil quality improvements provide an environment for plant nutrient uptake that impacts the development and yield of the crop. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of applied poultry composted organic manure (PCOM) on selected soil physical attributes and soil organic carbon content (SOC) under two tomatoes (UC82B and BESKE) varieties planted in succession. Three rates 0, 10 and 20 t ha-1 of compost were applied to two tomato varieties. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (split-plot layout). The soil physical parameters considered are - bulk density, aggregate stability, total porosity and SOC. It was observed that application of PCOM increased SOC, total porosity, aggregate stability and decreased the bulk density in the cropped tomato area. The SOC was highest in 10 t ha-1 of PCOM. Application of 10 t ha-1 compost is adequate to improve carbon content and soil physical properties for a fragile soil.