Assessment of Physico-chemical Potentials of Compost of Calopogonium mucunoides Desv and Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. for Sustainable Agriculture in Bayelsa State.

Abstract

The study evaluated the physico-chemical properties of composts produced from  Calopogonium mucunoides Desv and Chromolaena odorata for sustainable agriculture in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Fresh plant materials were collected from secondary forests and composted for 12 weeks under controlled conditions. Composts were analyzed for physical parameters including moisture content, bulk density, water holding capacity and porosity, as well as chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, organic matter, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, potassium and calcium. Results showed that Calopogonium mucunoides compost had significantly (p < 0.05) higher moisture content (40.20%), bulk density (340.19 kg/m³), water holding capacity (3.72 g water/g sample) and porosity (78.60%) compared to Chromolaena odorata. Calopogonium mucunoides also recorded higher pH (5.60), electrical conductivity (1.71 dS), nitrogen (6.90%), phosphorus (2.26%), organic carbon (10.36%), organic matter (20.71%) and calcium (3.35%). In contrast, Chromolaena odorata compost had higher potassium content (2.04%) and carbon-to-nitrogen (4.53). The findings showed that both composts have potential as organic soil amendments. However, Calapogonium mucunoides compost demonstrated superior nutrient quality and better physical properties, making it more suitable for improving soil fertility. Hence, the utilization of these plant biomasses provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to inorganic fertilizers in Byelsa State and Nigeria at large.