Abstract
Several methods have been developed in the literature which allow the maturity of composts to be assessed before it is used in agriculture. The objective of this study is to assess the maturity of the composts produced at the platform of the NGO ENPRO in Lomé on the growth and agronomic parameters of maize (Zea mays L., var. IKENE). To do so, three types of compost (gargabe, fruit waste, animal litter) were made for at least 3 months. The chemical analysis, phytotoxicity and agronomic tests carried out made it possible to assess the maturity of these composts. Indeed, the evolution of the C/N ratio, of the electrical conductivity, the phytotoxicity tests and the growth parameters of the composts show that the composts N°1 and N°2 are mature at the end of the 3rd month of composting while the compost N°3 can only be considered mature at the end of the 5th month of composting. But, with a yield of 2.39 ± 0.28 t/ha and a mass of 1000 grains of 346 ± 4 g, the treatment at 5 t/ha of compost N°3, has the best agronomic parameters compared to other types of compost and treatment without organic amendment. These results also show that compost with a high electrical conductivity has an inhibitory effect on the growth of corn plants (Zea mays L., var. IKENE). Basic chemical analysis, phytotoxicity tests and height growth of maize (Zea mays L., var. IKENE) are relatively efficient methods for evaluating the maturity of composts.
Highlights
The accelerated growth of the population in developing countries generates an increase of the food demand [1]
The evolution of the C/N ratio, of the electrical conductivity, the phytotoxicity tests and the growth parameters of the composts show that the composts N1 and N2 are mature at the end of the 3rd month of composting while the compost N3 can only be considered mature at the end of the 5th month of composting
The results obtained in this work allow to conclude that the treatment at 5 t/ha of compost N3 has the best agronomic parameters compared to other types of compost and to treatment without organic amendment
Summary
The accelerated growth of the population in developing countries generates an increase of the food demand [1] To satisfy this demand, agricultural intensification appears as an unavoidable option which is putting pressure on the ecosystem and in turn leading to reduced soil fertility. The rational supply of organic fertilizers, composts, is necessary to support the soils and improve the yields of all crops, in particular that of maize, which is Togo’s main food crop. Despite a high potential yield, maize cultivation is characterized by low productivity This low crop productivity is believed to be due to several constraints, mainly inappropriate soil fertilization practices [3]. Some authors associate maturity with the C/N ratio, between 15 and 20 (AFNOR standard, reported by [6]) Others believe that this C/N ratio is far from sufficient.
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