Respiration dynamics in two soils fertilized with two manures

The objective of this study was to monitor the dynamics of carbon mineralization in a soil from Kinshasa (Kimwenza) and Central Congo (Kasangulu) fertilized with chicken and pig manure under laboratory conditions. Specifically, the aim is to quantify and compare the respiratory activity of the fertilized soils. These two organic materials were added at a rate of 2 gMS/30g of soil (i.e. 0.6% of the soil mass). These treatments are compared to samples of two soils without fertilization. Incubation under controlled conditions was performed for 15 days. Carbon production (C-CO2) is measured periodically (days 0, 3, 7, 11 and 15). Regarding the mineralization of both manures, no significant difference in respiratory flux was observed between the two soils. In both cases, the average C-CO2 values were: 2157.8 ppm, 1542.01 ppm and 575.9 ppm respectively for the control, pig and chicken manures for Kimwenza soil. For the Kasangulu soil, the mean values were 2414.7 ppm for the control, 1798.5 ppm for the pig manure and 592.3 ppm for the chicken manure.