Effect of corncob compost on plant growth in an acid red soil

Abstract

A comparison of corncob compost with lime on plant growth was studied in acid red soil with pH of 4.07. Lettuce, pea, and corn were selected as test plants for their varying tolerance to acid soil. The pot experiment compared six soil treatments and a check. Soil amendments were 1, 2, and 4 cmol calcium carbonate (CaCO3) kg‐1 and 5, 10, and 20 g corncob compost kg‐1 soil. Results showed higher manganese (Mn) than aluminum (Al) content of the shoot in all check group plants. Reduced shoot Mn content increased shoot dry weight in all test plants, regardless of acid soil tolerance or soil treatment. The higher the test plant resistance to soil acidity, the weaker the detoxification effect of corncob compost was on Al uptake when compared with the check group. Liming was more effective at reducing shoot Mn content than corncob compost with the exception of the more acidity sensitive lettuce. Shoot phosphorus (P) content, however, increased with corncob compost from enhanced organic matter rates. Corncob compost treatments significantly increased shoot dry weight over liming in the acid soil. This study demonstrated an environmentally acceptable use for an agricultural waste.