EFFECTS OF EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES (EFB) ON BACTERIAL COMMUNITY DYNAMICS AND DIVERSITY IN TOPSOIL RHIZOSPHERES OF OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis .L).
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Abstract
The oil palm industry generates large quantities of solid waste, particularly Empty Fruit Bunches
(EFB), which are often discarded despite their potential value as organic soil material. This study examined the effects of EFB on bacterial communities in oil palm rhizosphere soils collected from the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Edo State, Nigeria. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine how different EFB application rates influenced soil properties and bacterial population structures. The results showed that moderate EFB application at 50kg to 100kg improved key soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon, and nutrient content. Although bacterial counts slightly decreased with EFB addition, beneficial species such as Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes were more prominent, exhibiting plant growth- promoting traits like nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. However, the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus indicated potential biosafety concerns. In conclusion, EFB enhances soil fertility and supports beneficial microbes, when applied in moderate rates (50kg- 100kg)
(EFB), which are often discarded despite their potential value as organic soil material. This study examined the effects of EFB on bacterial communities in oil palm rhizosphere soils collected from the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Edo State, Nigeria. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine how different EFB application rates influenced soil properties and bacterial population structures. The results showed that moderate EFB application at 50kg to 100kg improved key soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon, and nutrient content. Although bacterial counts slightly decreased with EFB addition, beneficial species such as Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes were more prominent, exhibiting plant growth- promoting traits like nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. However, the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus indicated potential biosafety concerns. In conclusion, EFB enhances soil fertility and supports beneficial microbes, when applied in moderate rates (50kg- 100kg)
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