Mineralization of copper, manganese and zinc from rock mineral flour and city waste compost for efficient use in organic farming

Abstract

Restricted supply of micronutrients is a common constraint for plant growth worldwide, especially in organic farming systems where nutrients supply to crops mostly depends on the mineralization of native soil organic matter, decomposition of applied manures and crop residues. A laboratory incubation study was therefore conducted to investigate the potential release of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) from the rock mineral flour (RMF) and city waste compost (CWC) as compared to inorganic micronutrient fertilizers for 140 days. Release of the micronutrients from RMF and CWC showed different trends. The results showed that about 4.6% of Cu added as RMF was released irrespective of the quantity of the RMF applied. However, Cu release from CWC increased from 0.7 to 3.5% as the amount of compost added was increased. Copper recovery from copper sulphate was 98%. Manganese release from RMF decreased from 114 to 103% as the RMF level was increased, while the corresponding decrease in Mn release from CWC was from 14 to −3%. Manganese recovery from manganese sulphate was 100%. Zinc release from RMF increased from 5.8−15.5%, with an increase in the amount of RMF applied, while no Zn was released from CWC. Recovery of Zn from zinc sulphate was 98%. These results show that RMF and CWC could be used to meet Cu, Mn and Zn requirements of organically grown cereals. The results of the investigation have general applicability in organic farming.