A study was conducted to assess the chemical properties of palm kernel cake (PKC)/saw dust (SD) composts and its effects on maize (Zea mays) growth in Acid sands of Uyo, Nigeria. Six treatments with ratios of PKC/SD: A(1:4), B(1:1), C(2:1), D(4:1), E(8:1) and control (soil only), were applied to maize plant in a pot experiment and laid out in a completely randomized design with four replications. Results of chemical analysis of composts at four and eight weeks of compositing show that organic carbon and nutrients, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and total nitrogen (N) levels were higher at eight weeks than at four weeks while potassium (K) and Cu levels were drastically reduced at the same period, indicating the need to determine optimum composting period in order to avoid nutrient losses. Ratio of composting also had effect on nutrient content of compost; the greater the amount of PKC the higher the level of nutrients except phosphorus (P) and Ca. Maize plant height and stem girth at six weeks after germination were significantly different (P £ 0.05) and were found in the order of compost E > D > B > C > A > control for plant height and compost E > D > C > B > A > control for maize girth.
