Abstract
Cu and Zn are frequently added to livestock diets as additives to increase feed efficiency and production. This practice resulted in the higher contents of Cu and Zn in excrement of livestock. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Cu and Zn concentration of manure compost and its application rates on the production and quality of pakchoi and rice. The pot experiments were conducted and the six manure compost were applied at 3 rates (20, 40, and 80 ton/ha), including the control and chemical fertilizer treatments. Results showed that the yield of the crops was enhanced by the compost application, and the Cu and Zn concentration in the edible part of crops were in normal range (pakchoi: Cu 1.8-10.4 mg/kg, Zn 39-160 mg/kg; rice grain: Cu 0.6-4.0 mg/kg, Zn 58-79 mg/kg). The potential risk of long-term manure compost application on soil quality was also evaluated. The total Zn concentration in soils may reach the regulation standard after 22 years of manure compost application at the rate of 40 ton/ha/year.
Highlights
Soil organic matter plays a critical role in the sustainability of agroecosystem and it is an important indicator of the soil quality and productivity
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Cu and Zn concentration of manure compost and its application rates on the production and quality of pakchoi and rice
The Cu and Zn concentrations of rice grain were not enhanced by the application of manure compost, even the total Cu and Zn concentrations in soils was increased (Figure 1)
Summary
Soil organic matter plays a critical role in the sustainability of agroecosystem and it is an important indicator of the soil quality and productivity. The application of organic fertilizer is important for the nutrient supply in soils and maintainance of soil quality. The use of organic fertilizer has received great attention from researchers who investigated the sustainability and productivity of rural soils in last two decades (Shu and Chung, 2006). Hseu (2004) found that the concentration of Cu and Zn in manure compost were significantly higher than the regulation of metals in the composts in Taiwan. Excessive application of manure compost may cause negative effects on the environment, such as the accumulation of salts or heavy metals in soils (Diez et al, 2001). The objectives of this study were (1) to find out the appropriate application rate of manure compost and (2) to evaluate the potential risk of long-term manure compost
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