The use of composted poultry manure as an organic amendment: Effects on soil physicochemical properties and Mentha Spicata L. yield.

In this study, we investigated the short-term effect of composted chicken and turkey manures compost on soil properties of cultivated horizon (0-20 cm) under Mentha Spicata L.; the field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design. In total, 27 plots were arranged; it consisted of 9 treatments and 3 repetitions. Applied treatments included a control (T), spreading of chicken manure’s compost at 5, 10, 20 and 40 t / ha and turkey manure’s compost at 5, 10, 20 and 40 t / ha. The results obtained showed that the application of poultry manure compost improves several soil properties. It induced a significant increase in the soil organic matter, total nitrogen, nitrates (NO3-), phosphorus and potassium content depending on the amount applied. An increase in electrical conductivity was registered. It spent from 0.35 to 0.6 dS/m. This increase is due to the accumulation of salts in the soil surface after application. Also, a slight acidification was recorded after compost application. A resistance to acidification has been recorded in the amended plots. This acidification is probably due to mineralization of organic matter activated after incorporation of compost into the soil. Furthermore, the production of spearmint was significantly higher in amended plots. Improving production reached 83% in plots (CFPC4) compared to the control (T).