Purpose This research work described the effect of organic waste (poultry manure) on soil cumulative infiltration rate (CIR), soil organic matter (SOM), and maize performance on two contrasting alfisols of southwestern Nigeria. Methods Six treatments of poultry manure were applied in split at 0 Mg/ha, 2 Mg/ha, 4 Mg/ha, 6 Mg/ha, 8 Mg/ha, and 10 Mg/ha, in replicate under a completely randomized design to clay loam (CL) and sandy clay loam (SCL) soils, at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after the initial application. Results The results showed significant increases (P < 0.05) in CIR, SOM, and maize performance compared to the control in both soils. Poultry manure at 10 Mg/ha recorded the highest SOM which was significantly (P < 0.05) different from other application rates in both soils. The mean values for SOM in SCL were between 0.67 and 3.75% for 0 Mg/ha and 10 Mg/ha, while the mean values recorded for CL were between 0.80 and 4.35% at 0 Mg/ha and 10 Mg/ha. Poultry manure reduced CIR in the SCL, but improved CIR with increasing rates on CL. Poultry manure at 4-10 Mg/ha increased the maize shoot biomass significantly (P < 0.05). However, the application rate of 6 Mg/ha manure recorded the highest fresh shoot biomass, while 8 Mg/ha increased dry shoot biomass in both soils. Conclusion This study indicated that poultry manure applied at 10 Mg/ha gave the best results in improving CIR, SOM, and maize performance on different soil types.

to determine the influence of three rates of biochar (0g, 50g, and 100g) per kilogram of soil on structural properties of the soil. Biochar rates of two sources (Animal and Plant) were added to two textural soil classes (Clay and Sandy Clay) and replicated three times in a completely randomized design. 100ml of water was added to the soil at five days intervals for a period of twelve weeks in other to stimulate aggregation. Data were collected at 4 weeks after application (WAA), 8 WAA and 12 WAA on Organic carbon content, Soil pH, Dispersion Ratio, Clay Flocculation Index, Aggregated Silt+ Clay and Clay Dispersion Index. It was concluded that 100g of plant-based biochar per kilogram of soil was most suitable for the clay and sandy clay.

The ability of humus to suppress the radioactivity of particular radionuclides that could be hazardous to soil health is examined in this review. Industrial and agricultural processes discharge radionuclides into the soil. This, in turn, has an impact on a variety of soil processes, particularly biological activities. The radioactivity of these radionuclides can be suppressed using humus, which is obtained through the decomposition process.