Comparison of Compost and Vermicompost of Yard Leaf Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Yield of Corn

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies most often happen in high pH and calcareous soils. This problem occurs in both gardens and farms, because of calcareous conditions, which create deficiencies of organic matter in soils and low solubility in calcareous soils. Increases in organic matter in a soil have prominent effects on uptake of micronutrients by plants. A pot trial was established to assess the potential effects of yard leaf manure compost and vermicompost as organic amendments on yield of corn and concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc, copper, manganese, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in plant. In this trial, we had two treatments with Fe fertilizers [Fe ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDHA) and Fe sulfate] to compare their effect with compost and vermicompost on the concentration of nutrients (Fe, zinc, copper, manganese, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) and yields of plants. The proportions of compost and vermicompost were 0, 1, 3, 6, and 9% of pot weight. Also, in some treatments we had 0, 1, 3, 6, and 9% of compost and vermicompost combined with fertilizers and a positive control that received Hoagland solution. The results showed that in most treatments, nutrient concentrations increased with use of organic fertilizers and Hoagland solution. The best plant growth observed in 3% vermicompost + sulfate and 3% vermicompost treatments; concentrations of nutrients were in normal levels in these treatments. Rates of composts in the potting mixtures did not generally affect dry matter, and a decrease in dry matter was observed in pots containing only composts. Composts produced less dry matter in comparison with vermicompost and control.