Abstract
The decline in organic matter (OM) content and fertility of soils often contribute to losses in agricultural production. This research determined the effects of water hyacinth compost application on selected soil properties and maize growth and yield during a field experiment conducted between February 2020 and August 2020 in Lake Victoria basin, Kenya. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five fertilizer treatments. The treatments were vermicompost, thermophilic compost, effective microorganisms (EM) compost, positive control (inorganic fertilizer) and negative control (no fertilizer) replicated three times. Vermicompost application significantly increased the soil pH. Fertilizer treatments and the environment significantly affected maize growth and yield parameters. The percent crop emergence was above the threshold level (88%) for plots treated with organic amendments and no fertilizer treatment and those below the threshold level for the plots treated with inorganic fertilizer. The duration to 50% tasseling was significantly reduced by vermicompost application when compared to other treatments. Higher plant height (239.4 cm), nitrogen uptake (130.8 kg/Ha), and grain yield (5580 kg/Ha) was also recorded under vermicompost treatment. This suggests that vermicompost could be a promising substrate for amending acidic soils and improving crop productivity. Key words: EM compost, Thermophilic compost, vermicompost, Water hyacinth
Highlights
IntroductionCompost manure is one of the main sources of organic matter in the soil which is rich in plant nutrients and improves the physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil (Van Haute, 2014)
Soil organic matter (SOM) is the basis of soil fertility (Srivastava et al, 2016)
Vermicompost was in particular a better remedy for amending extremely acidic soils of Kisii
Summary
Compost manure is one of the main sources of organic matter in the soil which is rich in plant nutrients and improves the physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil (Van Haute, 2014). Owing to these improvements, the soil becomes more resistant to stresses such as drought, diseases and toxicity. The soil becomes more resistant to stresses such as drought, diseases and toxicity It helps the crops in improved uptake of plant nutrients because of vigorous microbial activity. These advantages manifest themselves in reduced cropping risks, higher yields and lower reliance on inorganic fertilizers for economic crop production (Sharma et al, 2017).
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