What is it about?
Declining soil fertility is a major constraint for vegetable crops like lettuce in sub-Saharan Africa. With the purpose of contributing to enhancing crop yields and soil productivity, while safeguarding the environment, this study aims to assess the effect of composts made from chicken droppings (CCD) and horse dung (CHD) on soil quality after lettuce growing.
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Why is it important?
The phytotoxicity test of composts showed that the germination percentages obtained were around the standard (50%), showing that these composts were non- toxic. The results showed that overall, the composts improved soil properties, with significant increases in P and Ca content.
Perspectives
Compost made from chicken droppings and horse dung is a valid alternative to chemical fertilizers and is therefore recommended for growing lettuce and maintaining soil quality. An economic study on the cost-effectiveness of animal manure-based composts compared with chemical fertilizers should be carried out to complete this work.
Dr Carine TEMEGNE NONO
University of Yaounde I
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Manure-based composts influence soil quality after lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production, Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, February 2026, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s44447-025-00098-5.
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