Effects of liming on microbial activity and N mineralization in broiler manure-amended soils from Bizana, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

A laboratory incubation study was conducted to determine the effects of liming on microbial activity and N mineralization in two Bizana soils amended with broiler manure. The experimental layout was a 4 x 3 complete factorial experiment with three replicates, arranged in a randomized design. Soil pH, CO₂ evolution, and mineral N concentration were measured. After 56 days the soil pH ranged from 4.50 to 5.74 and 4.99 to 5.94, in the Magusheni and Nikwe soils, respectively. The effect of liming on microbial activity and N mineralization differed between the soils. In the Nikwe soil (acid saturation 4.0%), microbial activity and N mineralization increased as the rate of broiler manure application was raised, but liming had no effect. In the Magusheni soil (acid saturation 25%), microbial activity increased as both lime and chicken manure application rates increased, but liming reduced N mineralization, suggesting N immobilization was being driven by an active microbial population in the limed soils. The rates of lime and/or chicken manure application, percentage Ca^{2 +} and soil acid saturation were important factors influencing microbial activity and N mineralization, but the effect of soil pH on N mineralization was not evident in either of the soils.