IMPACT OF TERMITE CONTROL ON SOIL ORGANIC MATTER CONTENT IN SOUTH–SOUTH ECOLOGY ZONE, NIGERIA

Ogboi, E. and Ehigie. O.H

Agricultural Technology Department

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro.

Email: ogboied@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of termite control on soil organic matter content as well as on the fertility and productivity of soil using maize as a crop test. The research was carried out at Delta State Polytechnic. Ozoro to ascertain if termite control has impact on  soil organic matter contents. The termite was controlled using different organic pesticide. The result obtained indicated that controlling termites significantly enhances soil organic matter content. It was also noted that Nitrogen, exchangeable potassium, percentage base saturation, effective cation, exchange capacity, soil pH and exchangeable acidity of the soil were equally enhanced statistically by the treatment. Maize dry grain yield was statistically improved by the treatment. Therefore, termite control helps to reduce loss of organic matter and nutrient in soils of humid tropics and improve soil productivity.

Keywords: Organic Matter, Productive, Termite, Maize.