Distribution of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in water-stable aggregates of an organic waste amended Ultisol in southern Nigeria

The largest (>2.0 mm) and the smallest (<0.25 mm) aggregates were preferentially enriched in C and N relative to the 2.0-0.25 mm aggregates in all the treatments, whereas P distribution within the aggregates was random. There was a low, but significant correlation between organic carbon and mean-weight diameter (MWD) of the aggregates. The correlation between C and N within the aggregates was also positive (r=0.917) and highly significant (P<0.01). The implication of these results for management of these soils is discussed.