Impact of Phosphorite on pH, Electrical Conductivity and Water Soluble Phosphorous Extracted from Incubated Citrus Waste Compost

Mussaddiq Khan Khalil,Farooq Ishaq,Dost Muhammad,Shuja Ur Rehman Qureshi,Sultan Nawaz

doi:10.11648/j.mc.20190704.14

Abstract

Citrus waste having acidic reaction may have additional advantage over other organic residues as compost materials in alkaline calcareous soil but the process of its composting is very slow. In this study an attempt was made to access the release of P from RP added citrus waste during 180 of incubation and its effect on pH and EC of the composting media. Citrus waste consisting pulp, fruits skin and juice with total net weight of 500 g (fresh) were added with 0, 15, 30 and 60 g of RP (equivalent to 0, 3, 6 and 12%, respectively) and were incubated in oven at 36°C ± 2 for 180 days. All pots were also added with 20 mL water and 20 g FYM to optimize the moisture level and augment the microbial decay in pots. Results showed that RP mixed citrus waste had higher pH, EC and more water-soluble P as compared to non-treated citrus waste (control) at all incubation intervals of 0, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 d suggesting releases of salts and P from RP. These values of pH, EC and water-soluble P increased with increase in RP levels and passage of time which could be associated to neutralization of RP with organic acids of citrus and CO<sub>2</sub> mineralization with time. It is concluded that addition of RP not only enhanced the quality of compost but could also promote the citrus waste decomposition process. Though the higher RP levels was best in our results, but other levels and their consequent effect on soil and crop yields should be assessed along with their environmental risks for wider and long-term recommendations.

Highlights

An organic matter that is decomposed and recycled as soil amendment and fertilizer is compost
The results showed that with increase in RP levels from 0 to 60 g RP per 500 g citrus waste, the pH significantly increased with each increment
After 120 d of incubation and at d 180 the difference among all treatments and control were significant and were higher for higher RP application. These results suggested that pH increased with RP levels and with passage time this effect was strengthened

Summary

Introduction

An organic matter that is decomposed and recycled as soil amendment and fertilizer is compost It is nowadays being widely used in organic farming by developed countries. Worms helps in decomposition process by shredding of plants matter into light pieces that can be breakdown by other small microorganisms. For this bacteria (aerobic) require proper oxygen for proper working and fungi aid in chemical process by converting the matter into heat, CO2 and NH+4. This ammonium formation is used by the plants. When the plants didn’t take such form of nitrogen bacteria aid in conversion to nitrate through the process called nitrification

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Conclusion