Abstract

In this study, the physicochemical properties, surface morphology, surface area, and pore size characteristics, mineral nutrients and heavy metals content as well as surface functional groups and surface oxygen groups of cow dung were determined in comparison with poultry manure. The values of the measured physicochemical properties of cow dung; pH 7.68; apparent bulk density 0.22 g.cm-3 and electrical conductivity 3.52 mS.cm-1 were found to be lower than the corresponding values of pH 8.13; apparent bulk density 0.31 g.cm-3 and electrical conductivity 5.88 mS.cm-1 in the cow dung. The total heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu) found in the poultry manure (82.45 mg.kg-1) was higher than the level (76.72 mg.kg-1) in the cow dung. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the microporosity nature of the surface of both the cow dung and poultry manure samples with the latter showing higher values of pore diameter while the former showed higher value of pore volume and surface area. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence O-H, N-H, C=C, C≡C, N-O groups amongst others and surface oxygen containing groups; carboxylic, phenolic, and lactonic, were determined quantitatively, were found higher in poultry manure (total surface oxygen groups 3.23 mmol.kg-1 than the total level of 2.39 mmol.kg-1 in cow dung). The levels of mineral nutrients; Na, Ca, N, P, K, Mg) found in the cow dung and poultry manure samples were significant and were generally higher in the poultry manure than cow dung. These results provide useful insight into the potential agronomic and environmental benefits of the application of animal manure to soil

Keywords: Cow Dung, Poultry Manure, Physicochemical Properties, Textural Characteristics, Mineral Nutrients