Macadamia Husk Compost Improved Physical and Chemical Properties of a Sandy Loam Soil

Poor soil fertility caused mainly by low and declining organic carbon is one of the major constraints limiting crop productivity in tropical subtropical regions South Africa. We evaluated effect macadamia husk compost (MHC) on selected chemical physical properties a sandy loam NE Africa two successive seasons. The treatments, laid out randomised, complete block design replicated four times, were: (i) zero control, (ii) inorganic fertilizer (100:60:60 NPK Kg ha?1), (iii) MHC at 15 t ha?1, (iv) 30 ha?1. Soil bulk density; water holding capacity; pH; electrical conductivity (EC); carbon; total N; available P, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Cu were determined 0–15 cm depth. Macadamia application decreased density increased capacity. pH, carbon, N, C:N ratio, exchangeable cations, micronutrients but was more pronounced under treatments both positive physicochemical associated with an increase due to application; hence, may offer sustainable option increasing productivity, particularly areas characterised SOC.