Nutrient availability and saffron corms growth affected by composted pistachio residues and commercial poultry manure in a calcareous soil

Abstract

ABSTRACTUtilizing the proper techniques of plant residue composting can play a significant role in reducing the adverse environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers. Herein the effects of commercial poultry manure (CPM) and composted pistachio residues (CPR) on nutrient availability and saffron daughter corms behavior in a calcareous soil were evaluated as a greenhouse experiment based on completely randomized design arranged in factorial with three replicates. In this study, CPM rates (0, 3, 6, and 9 t ha−1) and CPR levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 t ha−1) were assigned as the first and the second experimental factors, respectively. From the results, CPM or CPR application caused a significant increase in small (≤5 g), mid (5.1–10 g) and large-sized (10.1–15 g) daughter corms number. The highest N (P) concentration in small, mid and large-sized daughter corms was recorded when 9 t ha−1 CPM was applied along with 60 t ha−1 CPR. Soil organic carbon content increased with increasing CPM or CPR levels. The same trend was also observed for soil available N, P, K, and electrical conductivity. By contrast, CPM or CPR levels caused a significant reduction in soil pH. According to the results, pistachio compost can be considered as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility in saffron farms.