The effects of NPK on soil fungi was carried out using three(3)soils: two of which soils (maize and Rice farm) were from agricultural soils with history of NPK application, while the third one serve as the control, without the history of NPK application. Isolation and estimation of fungal population was carried out using serial dilution and pour plating technique; soil sample was collected forthnightly, four times (4×) and was serially diluted, cultured using 25oC for 5 days. Macroscopic and microscopic techniques were carried out using the method of described by Barrow and Feltharm. The result revealed that the significant reduction of fungals species, and observed that, Aspergilus niger was present in all soil sample. Aspergillus flavus are present in A, B, but absent in C. It was concluded that NPK and other chemical fertilizer was well tolerated by soil fungal flora Aspergillus niger since there were little variations in their population with respect to each farms. Besides their value in restoring soil nutrient and structure, incorporation of organic fertilizer (NPK) could lead to the control of some soil borne and fungal pathogens. Agricultural activities particularly over-fertilizer application should be controlled as it leads to heavy metals application in the soil which may affects soil microcosm as well as the plants.
Key words: Fertilizer, NPK, Pour plating.
|
