Effect of Sewage Sludge on Soil Physical Properties and Yield of Maize in Bebi, Obanliku LGA of Cross River State

A field experiment was conducted at the college research farm of the department of Agriculture Education, Bebi Campus, School of secondary Education Vocational, Federal College of Education, Obudu Cross River State Nigeria, to study the effects of sewage sludge on soil physical properties and yield of maize in Bebi, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State. Experimental design used was Randomized complete block design (RCBD). The sample measured 3m x 4m (0.032) hectares (19m by 17m) in 2023 and 2024). Pre and post planting soil samples were analyzed at tarselling and after harvest. Soil moisture content, total porosity, bulk density and hydraulic conductivity, Soil PH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus were also determined. Exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and base saturation was determined in preliminary stage. Plant height and grain yield were also determined. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis system (SAS). And significant treatment means and main effect were defected using fitcher least significant different FLSD at P ≤ 0.05 standard error. Result revealed that Organic carbon and total nitrogen was moderate, soil MC, TP and HC was statistically different in all treated plots from control and was highest in plots treated with sewage sludge, T5. The lowest bulk density was recorded in T5 with highest amendment with sewage sludge than in control. Conclusively, (I). The use of sewage sludge as a soil amendment increased soil moisture content, hydraulic conductivity and total porosity and decreased soil bulk density for improved maize yield in the study area. (II). Application of higher rates of sewage sludge increased growth and yield of maize in the area. (III) Residual effects of sewage sludge even at high rate can support high grain yield not exceeding one cropping season. The findings suggested that the use of sewage sludge on soil physical properties influence the yield of maize in the study area.