Browsing by Author "Bizibu, Jonan"

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    Assessment of the effects of selected agrochemicals on soil macro-invertebrates in sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) plantations in Masindi district, Uganda
    (Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-07) Bizibu, Jonan
    The increasing demand for sugar has intensified sugarcane cultivation, leading to extensive use of agrochemicals such as herbicides and fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2,4-D herbicide and NPK fertilizer on soil macro-invertebrates in sugarcane plantations in Masindi District, Uganda. Using a completely randomized block design over eight weeks, sugarcane was planted in 12 plots subjected to four different treatments, including a control. Soil samples were collected using the core sampler method to assess soil properties and the presence of soil-dwelling macro-invertebrates. Data were analyseds using IBM SPSS version 26, applying one-way ANOVA at a 0.05 significance level. Results showed that 2,4-D and NPK significantly altered soil properties. Specifically, 2,4-D increased soil alkalinity, while NPK reduced pH due to nitrification. Both treatments also influenced soil texture—NPK increased clay content, while chemical applications raised silt levels. Biologically, short-term application of these agrochemicals did not significantly affect the abundance or morphology (length, segment number, coloration) of soil macro-invertebrates such as earthworms and centipedes. However, biodiversity and ecological stability were highest in untreated control plots. Notably, 2,4-D alone suppressed macro-invertebrate diversity, whereas the combined application with NPK moderated this effect. The study concludes that short-term agrochemical use alters soil chemistry but not macro-invertebrate morphology, while still negatively impacting biodiversity. It recommends reduced herbicide use, promotion of agro-ecological practices, long-term environmental monitoring, and farmer education on the ecological risks of agrochemicals to support sustainable soil health and biodiversity conservation.