Abstract
In the present experiment, the effect of various house hold wastes i.e. T1 (egg shell powder), T2 (wood ash), T3 (banana peel), T4 (used tea waste), T5 (egg shell tea) and T6 (control) used as organic fertilizers on growth and yield of two important vegetables i.e. potato and pea was investigated. Among all the treatments, the minimum average number of days to germination was observed in T3 in both potato and pea. The overall growth and development of potato and pea plants increased and the average plant height after 30, 60 and 90 days was greater in plants of treatment T1 (egg shell powder). In case of potato, the highest mean plant height (14.75 cm) was observed in treatment T1, followed by T3 and T4 (10.62 cm and 9.87 cm) respectively after 90 days of the emergence. T1 treatment increases the no. of leaves, no. of nodes, no. of branches and leaf area. Regarding tuber yield, the tubers were classified as large (>30 grams), medium (15 - 30 grams) and small (0.4 - 15 grams). T1 treatment produced greater average number of large size tubers (2.25) per plant, followed by T3 (1.25); however, the medium and small tubers followed comparable trends with differences among treatments. The average tuber yield (per potato plant) in treatment T1 was higher (113.78 g). In case of pea, T4 treatment (used tea waste) showed the highest mean plant height (82.25 cm). The treatment T1 (eggshell powder), T3 (banana peel) and T4 (used tea waste) showed positive effect on average pod yield (64.82 g, 66.67 g and 114.35 g) respectively. Number of grains per pod and pod size has been found higher in case of treatment T4. It has been concluded that among the different organic treatments, eggshell powder, banana peel and used tea waste were found best as organic fertilizer source for the two vegetables i.e. potato and pea.
Highlights
Agriculture was practiced for thousands of years without using any artificial chemicals
In order to add almost equal amount of every organic fertilizer to the soil every treatment was applied as 3 tablespoons full because the amount of every treatment in terms of volume can be different if added on the basis of same weight as e.g. wood ash is less in weight as compared to egg shell powder so it results in a variety of varying quantities
Number of days to germination No significant difference in number of days to germination for both potato and pea was recorded in all the treatments including control
Summary
Agriculture was practiced for thousands of years without using any artificial chemicals. Soil management practices have recently increased the use of chemical fertilizers to help crop yields by improving nutrient supply. Use of these agrochemicals causes the degradation of cultivable land and increases agricultural pollution. The use of homemade organic fertilizers is considered an environment friendly means to reduce the waste growing into landfill. Pakistani soil is deficient in organic matter than the recommendable level. 1.29% carbon in soil is considered to be enough in organic matter, but most of the Pakistani soils have less than 1% [5] Pakistani soil is deficient in organic matter than the recommendable level. 1.29% carbon in soil is considered to be enough in organic matter, but most of the Pakistani soils have less than 1% [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
