EFFECT OF FARMYARD MANCERE AND MINERALS FERTILIZERS ON SOIL AGGREGATES STABILITY

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of soil type on aggregate stability, considering the inherent physico-chemical and physical properties of sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, organic matter, and total nitrogen) and physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, water holding capacity, and particle size distribution). Aggregate stability was assessed using mean weight diameter (MWD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), specific stability (Zeq), and aggregate size distribution. Results indicated that clay soil exhibited the highest aggregate stability (MWD = 0.6002; Zeq = 3.464) despite having the lowest organic matter content, emphasizing the dominant role of clay minerals and polyvalent cations, particularly Mg²⁺, in aggregate formation. Sandy soil, although rich in organic matter, demonstrated lower stability, highlighting the limited binding effect of organic matter in the absence of sufficient clay. Loamy soil presented intermediate stability due to a balanced composition of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. The study concluded that soil type, mineralogy, and base saturation significantly influence aggregate stability, with clay soils showing superior structural development. Recommendations include enhancing organic matter content in sandy soils, maintaining adequate Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ levels, and further studies on organic matter quality and microbial contributions to soil aggregation.