Abstract
Hyper-thermophilic bacteria can shorten the duration of composting process. This study aimed to elucidate the applicability and the optimum fertilization amount of hyper-thermophilic aerobic compost (HTAC) for rice growth and yield. The stem height, tillers number and rice yields in the treatments with HTAC significantly increased with increasing fertilization amount. But the ripening rate of grain was found to be lower at higher fertilization amount (250 and 500 kg N/ha). The rice yield in 180 kg N/ha HTAC treatment was 5.38 t/ha, which is similar with that using recommended amount of chemical fertilizer. The N and P concentrations in surface water of 180 kg N/ha HTAC treatment before midsummer drainage were lower than 1 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L, reaching the environmental quality standard. Thus, the optimal fertilization amount of HTAC was deemed as 180 kg N/ha when considering the plant quality and environmental friendliness.
Highlights
Cereal accounts for about 80% of the world’s food supply (Pimental and Wilson, 2004), in which the rice provides 20% of world dietary energy supply (FAO, 2004)
Compared with R2 (Che. 60), R4 (HTAC 180) showed a similar level of plant height, while the higher plant height was achieved in R5 (HTAC 250) and R6 (HTAC 500)
Compost has been recognized as slow-releasing fertilizer, but the maximum tillers number happened at the same time in both treatments with chemical fertilizer and hyper-thermophilic aerobic compost (HTAC)
Summary
Cereal accounts for about 80% of the world’s food supply (Pimental and Wilson, 2004), in which the rice provides 20% of world dietary energy supply (FAO, 2004). Cai et al (2015) reported that based on the 18-year fertilization treatments, urea as a chemical N fertilizer in an intensive farming system has significantly reduced soil pH and is confirmed as the major cause of intensified acidification of the red soil in southern China. To solve these problems, the use of organic fertilizer has been paid more attention since it can improve the structure of the soil and increase its ability to hold water and nutrients (Tester et al, 1990; Creccio et al, 2001). Organic fertilizer is generally made from plant residue or solid wastes by composting, which makes it renewable and environmental friendly
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