Yield, nutrient uptake, and economic return of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in calcareous soil as affected by compost types

Abstract

Compost application is a promising approach to improve soil fertility and the sustainability of plant production, but different types of compost may vary in their efficiency. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of traditional compost, vermicompost, and material composted with additional effective microorganisms (EM) on faba bean yield and related properties. The compost treatments were applied at three nitrogen levels (18, 27, and 36 kg ha −1 ) and compared to mineral fertilizer alone or in combination with compost in a two-factor randomized complete block design with four replicates. The economic effects of the different composts were assessed using partial budget analysis. All three composts resulted in significantly higher grain and biomass yields, as well as nutrient uptake into grain compared to mineral fertilizer. This was reflected in a higher number of nodules and higher residual soil nitrogen in the compost treatments. However, EM and vermicompost were most efficient, with a yield of approximately 3.6 and 3.45 t ha −1 , respectively, compared to traditional compost with a yield of 3.1 t. Similar results were found for other investigated properties. The economic analysis revealed that EM compost application at medium and high nitrogen rates was the most profitable among the treatments, with marginal rates of return varying between approximately 790 and 2800%. • EM compost and vermicompost addition resulted in significantly higher grain yield, biomass yield, number of nodules, and residual nitrogen than traditional compost and mineral fertilizer. • Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur uptake into grain and straw were significantly higher on EM and vermicompost treated plots. • EM compost application based on medium and high nitrogen rates and EM compost with mineral fertilizer resulted in the best economic performance among the treatments.