Impact of Varied Compost Rates on Arbuscular Mycorhhiza Fungi in Rhizosphere Soils of Capsicum chinense (Habanero Pepper)

The population and diversity of soil organisms are important factors in maintaining soil fertility and quality. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of varied compost rates on Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi, rhizosphere soils of Capiscum chinense. Soil samples were treated with various concentrations of compost (0 g, 200 g, 400 g, 600 g. 800 g and 1000 g). Systematic method of random sampling was used to collect soil samples from the rhizosphere of the various soils of different compost rates using a spade and hand trowel at a depth of 0-10cm. Results showed significant difference (P<0.05) in the Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) across all compost rates. AMF population ranged from 67 – 100 g/dwt respectively with the highest AMF population observed under 400 g(100 g/dwt, while the lowest AMF population was recorded under 600 g/dwt. Results for microbial diversity showed variation across all compost rates. A total of four AMF species were extracted from the rhizosphere of the soils. Acaulospora spp was the most predominant AMF in the studied soils. Highest microbial diversity was observed under the 1000 g. Conversely, lowest microbial diversity was found under 0 g compost rates. All six compost rates had effect on the AMF population but 1000 g exerted the most effect. These effects could be as a result of compost passive by-product of nutrient uptake, Root structure and soil organisms.