Cowpea induced physicochemical and biological rhizosphere changes in hydrocarbon contaminated soil

To understand the influence of cowpea on its rhizosphere physicochemical and biological conditions. Pristine soil samples were contaminated with Bonny-Light crude oil viable seeds planted to establish soil. Cowpea root exudates collected characterized while metabolic activities, properties effect monitored following plant emergence. composed organic acids, phenolics, carbohydrates hydrocarbons. High rate respiration microbial biomass carbon observed in reaching peak 12th week (70.56 mgCO2g?1 day?1) 10th (23.18 mg/Kg) respectively. Lower rates respirations (10.28 day?1; 1.24 uncontaminated (0.23 0.37 non-rhizosphere control soils The positively correlated matter contents size (r = 0.98; p < 0.05). There was considerable improvement as compared Microbial populations generally improved positive values (> 1) presumably due presence compounds that promote growth. results highlighted conditions which is a good indication for ability growth environmental cleanup. Therefore, there need further community dynamics using culture-independent techniques.