Application of farmyard manure improved the chemical and physical properties of the soil in a semi-arid area in Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of the integrated use of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers oil soil chemical properties in a semi-arid area in NE Ethiopia. Twelve treatments comprising factorial combinations of four levels of FYM (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha(1) annum(1)) and three levels of inorganic fertilizers (0, 50 and 100% of the recommended rate) were compared in a randomized complete block design with three replications over a period of 6 years. The results revealed substantial increases in total N, available P, exchangeable K and organic carbon contents of the soil with the application of 5 to 15 t FYM ha(1). NPK content of the soil increased with the level of FYM application. The inorganic fertilizer treatments had no effect oil soil fertility. The application of FYM and inorganic fertilizer did not affect exchangeable Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, cation exchange capacity, base saturation or soil pH. Significant increases in soil N balance and soil water content were observed with FYM application. It call be concluded that with the application FYM at 5, 10 and 15 t ha(1) soil degradation under continuous cultivation call be reversed within a relatively short period of time.