COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF CASSAVA EFFLUENT ON DIFFERENT SOIL TYPES

Cassava effluents generated during cassava processing are usually not properly disposed in Nigeria. The concentration profile of the chemical component of cassava effluent is in the order of sodium > potassium > magnesium and iron. The occurrence of these chemicals and cyanide in the soil may be beneficial or toxic. The soil may require some of these elements in trace quantities but at higher concentrations may constitute toxicity problems. The effect of cassava effluent on the soil chemical properties an of agricultural soil was investigated in Ogbomoso (Longitude 4o16’E, Latitude 8o8’N), Nigeria. The soil samples were irrigated/watered using 25, 50, 75 and 100% cassava effluent concentrations by volume with clean watered samples as control in three replicates for thirty days. The results revealed that the concentrations of sodium and potassium in the soils pretreated with cassava fluid effluent increased with effluent concentration. There was no significant increase in magnesium concentration with increase in effluent concentration. The chemical composition of cassava effluent and its effects on the soil suggests its potential as a biofertilizer regarding the potassium and magnesium contents. Further research work should be carried out on the conversion of cassava effluents into more useful materials and its potentials as a biofertilizer.