ISSN: 1595-5842 | E-ISSN: 3043-5463 | Google Indexed | DOI Registered with Crossref | Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal
Alvan Journal of Social Sciences International Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal
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Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS)

ISSN: 1595-5842 | E-ISSN: 3043-5463 | DOI Registered with Crossref | Google Indexed

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Volume 3, Issue 1 (2026)

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Research Article

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N. O. Chibundu, B. U. Dike, U. Chris-Ejiogu

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AJSS Article 048

← Volume 3, Issue 2 Contents

VALORIZATION OF PALM OIL FRUIT SLUDGE FOR SOIL QUALITY PLANT GROWTH IN NIGERIA

Victoria Onyebuchi Asiegbu; Chinyere Charles-Akalonu; Tomquin Abiye &

Journal
Alvan Journal of Social Sciences
Volume/Issue
3(2), 2026
Pages
620-10
DOI
10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-048
Keywords
Palm oil fruit sludge, waste valorization, soil amendment, resource recovery, circular bio- economy, environmental sustainability
Corresponding author
Victoria Onyebuchi Asiegbu,
Email
asivic1972@gmail.com
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Abstract

Palm oil fruit sludge (POFS), a by-product of palm oil processing, is commonly disposed of on surrounding farmlands, yet its effects on soil quality and plant growth remain inadequately documented. This study evaluated the influence of POFS on selected soil physicochemical properties associated with plant growth. A simulated experiment was conducted using POFS applied to soil profiles at 0%, 50%, 100%, and 200% dilutions. Soil samples were collected at 1, 5, and 9 weeks from depths of 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, and 10-20 cm. Each treatment had nine replicates and was analyzed for pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon, organic matter, exchangeable bases (K⁺ , Na⁺ , Ca²⁺ , Mg²⁺ ), total exchangeable acidity, and effective cation exchange capacity. Results showed a marked increase in EC in the undiluted treatment (287-660 µS/cm), while diluted treatments exhibited decreasing EC down the profile: 50% (223-160 µS/cm), 100% (189-160 µS/cm), and 200% (185-80 µS/cm). Overall EC values were relatively high. The undiluted sludge caused the greatest growth inhibition, indicating potential toxicity at high concentrations. Conversely, the 200% dilution produced the best growth response, suggesting improved soil conditions at lower concentrations. The study concludes that dilution of POFS prior to disposal can enhance soil quality and plant growth, whereas direct application may be harmful. It recommends public awareness for POFS-producing communities and further research on sustainable valorization strategies.

Citation

Victoria Onyebuchi Asiegbu; Chinyere Charles-Akalonu; Tomquin Abiye & (2026). VALORIZATION OF PALM OIL FRUIT SLUDGE FOR SOIL QUALITY PLANT GROWTH IN NIGERIA. Alvan Journal of Social Sciences, 3(2), 620-10. https://doi.org/10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-048

Victoria Onyebuchi Asiegbu
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