I. Ogbemudia

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)

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) onthe fungal community structure and diversity within the rhizosphere of Elaeis guineensisL. at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Edo State. EFB, a lignocellulosicby product of palm oil processing, was applied at varying rates (0, 50, 100, and 150kg) toassess its effects on soil physicochemical properties and fungal dynamics. Standardlaboratory analyses were used to evaluate soil parameters, while fungal enumerationandidentification were conducted through morphological and microscopic characterization. Results revealed that moderate EFB application (100 kg) significantly (P ≥ 0.05) improvedsoil properties, while enhancing fungal abundance and diversity. Identified fungi specieswere Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus arrhizus, andMucormucedo, with Trichoderma sp. exhibiting notable phosphate-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixingproperties. However, excessive EFB application (150 kg) led to nutrient immobilizationandreduced fungal proliferation. In conclusion, moderate EFB incorporation at 100kg optimizessoil health and promotes beneficial fungal communities, offering a sustainable approachforenhancing oil palm productivity in tropical soils.

This study investigated the response of soil fungi to various organic amendments; earthworm cast (EC), poultry manure (PM), and inorganic fertiliser (urea) and their impact on the growth of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L. The experiment aimed to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the effects of organic amendments on fungal communities and their potential benefits for sustainable amaranth production. The experiment was done using a complete randomised design (CRD) and replicated three times, using soil and a plastic container. Results showed that organic amendments significantly influenced the composition of soil fungal communities compared to the control treatment. Notably, Trichoderma spp., a fungus with high phosphate solubilization potential, was most abundant in urea-amended soil. However, poultry manure (PM) treatment yielded plants with the highest fresh and dry matter weight, likely due to increased nutrient availability and microbial activity stimulated by the breakdown of organic matter. The study showed that PM amendments improved soil health, promoting the growth of beneficial fungi like Trichoderma spp., and enhancing amaranth growth, potentially contributing to sustainable agricultural practices