Research Article
J. Tanimu, E.O. Uyovbisere, S.
Abstract
The effect of time and duration of storage of cow dung on the calcium and magnesium content and total microbial population was investigated for two years in Samaru, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria. The treatments were composed of 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of cow dung storage in the field after one month of composting and a control treatment. The results showed that, the use of cow dung immediately after composting in May (4 weeks) significantly (P < 0.05) released more of Ca and Mg, however after field storage the June (0 week) treatment appeared to be better. The total microbial population, immediately after composting showed bacterial and fungal populations to be more in the June (0 week) treatment, but if stored in the field before use the April (8 weeks) treatment gave a significantly (P < 0.05) higher population of the microbes.