MICROBIAL BIODIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SOIL TREATED WITH WATER HYACINTH COMPOST.
Abstract
This study investigates the microbial and physicochemical properties of soils associated with water
hyacinth compost (WHC) compared to control soils. Through isolation and enumeration, the total
heterotrophic bacterial counts in WHC-treated soil had an average count of 251.5 higher than
control soils which had average count of 137 indicating enhanced bacterial proliferation. Fungal
counts increased, with WHC-treated soil having a higher average count of 32 compared to lower
counts of 17 in control soils. Physicochemical analysis revealed higher levels of total organic
carbon, nitrogen, and essential minerals like phosphate and potassium in WHC-treated soils,
alongside reduced total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and increased moisture content.
Phenotypic and biochemical tests identified diverse bacterial genera, including Azobacter,
Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, while fungal isolates predominantly belonged to Aspergillus,
Alternaria, and Rhizopus. The results demonstrate WHC’s potential to enhance soil fertility and
microbial diversity, aligning with recent studies on organic amendments for sustainable soil
management.
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