Effects of NPK and Cow Dung on Soil Properties

Trials were conducted during the 2012/2013 dry season at Teaching and Research Fadama Farm, Kwalkwalawa of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) and Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Sub-station, Talata Mafara in Sokoto and Zamfara states respectively, to determine the effects of NPK and cow dung on some soil chemical properties and performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The treatments consisted of nine combinations of cow dung and NPK fertilizers with an absolute control, using rice (FARO 44) as a test crop. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Results showed that treatments had significant (P <0.05) effect on most of the soil parameters except available phosphorus, exchangeable sodium and electrical conductivity. Growth and yield parameters of rice were significantly (P <0.05) affected by the treatments except one thousand grain weight.