Composted Coir Pith Research Articles

Integrated nutrient management for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) cropping sequence under rainfed Entisol

A field experiment was conducted during 1999 and 2000 to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient manage ment with 4 levels of N and 3 integrating factors (bio fertilizer, enriched farmyard manure and composted coirpith) for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam) Verdc.] cropping sequence under rainfed condition in a red loamy sand soil. The use of composted coirpith provided better nutritional environment in the soil for groundnut and also the residual horsegram crop. The 75 and 100% soil test based levels of N along with composted coirpith rated better, accounting for higher yields in both the crops. The uptake also was more with IV level of 75% and beyond, irrespective of the integrating factors. . .. Key words : Integrated nutrient management, Soil test based N, Composted Groundnut horsegram, coirpith, Biofertilizer, Enriched FYM

Application of composted coirpith at different times on the nutrient uptake and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)

Of the various organic agricultural (Typic Haplustalf), neutral in reactions (pH wastes, coirpith is one which has immense 7.9) having low soluble salts (electrical con- potential of supplementing the nutritional ductivity 0.1 dS/m). requirements of crops (Ramaswami and Ko- The experiment laid out in randomized thandaraman, 1985). Higher yield of rice block design with 4 replications consisted 8 with composted coirpith at 12.5 tonnestha treatments (Table 1). Coirpith was applied was reported by Clarson (1983), Nagarajan basally @ 12.5 tonnestha and incorporated et al. (1986), Kandiannan (1988) and Gana- well into the soil 2 days before planting. All pathi (1991), but there is lack of sufficient the plots received a cornmTn dose of 120 kg information on the pattern of yield and nu- Ntha through urea and 60 kg P,O,/ha as trient uptake by rice when coirpith compost- superphosphate and 60 kg K,O/ha in the ed for different periods is to be applied to the form of muriate of potash. Half of N and full soil. Therefore field experiment was con- dose of P20, and K20 were applied basally. ducted with ADT 36 rice (Oryza sativa L.) The remaining half of N was applied in 2 during the rainy season at Agricultural Col- equal splits (one at maximum tillering and lege Farm, Madurai, on sandy-clay loam soil the other at panick-initiation stage). At

Effect of irrigation frequency and coir pith application in sesame (Sesamum indicum)

Field experiments were conducted during 1992-94 in lrugur so11 series at Trichy (T.N.) to study the effect of 3 irrigation intervals and incorporation of raw and composted coir pith on sesame (Sesamum indicum). Scheduling of irrigation at 10 days interval and 15 days interval were on par but significantly superior to 20 days interval with regard to seed yield and its components. Composted coir pith application at 10 t/ha combined with 15 days irrigation interval significantly increased growth and yield attributes, seed yield and net income /ha.

Synergistic association of Rhizobium with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria under different sources of nutrient supply on productivity and soil fertility in soybean (Glycine m u )

A field experiment was conducted during the summer and rainy seasons of 1999 and 2000 to study the effect of Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and soil fertility of soy- bean [Glycine max (L.)' Merr.] under different sources of nutrient supply (vermicompost, pressmud and composted coir pith, each at 75 and 100% N substitution and inorganic fertilizers. Association between Rhizo- bium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria was synergistic and their dual inoculation improved the seed yield of soybean significantly (30.9 and 33.6%) over untreated control during summer and rainy seasons respectively. Significant increase in NPK uptake and post-harvest soil N and P levels was observed under combined inocula- tion of biofertilizers. Among the sources of nutrient supply, vermicompost at 75% N substitution excelled all oth- ers in improving the growth and seed yield of soybean. Organic manures tried at 75% N substitution gave higher seed yield than 100% N substitution. Application of organic manures resulted in desirable post-harvest soil sta- tus with more N and P.

L- Influence of planting material, plant population and organic manures on yield of East Indian galangal (Kaempferia galanga), soil physico-chemical and biological properties

Results of the field experiment conducted at Kasaragod revealed that FYM and vermicompost application alone decreased the bulk density, improved soil porosity, organic carbon, pH and maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) to a greater extent, whereas composted coir pith had its effect on these characters to lesser extent, except MWHC. The microbial population and dehydrogenase activity were also higher under FYM and VC treatments compared to CCP treatments, whereas under hlPK alone and control there was no change in physico-chemical properties but the microbial count and their activity declined. Among organic manures, FYM + NPK combination recorded significantly higher yield components and fresh rhizome yield (6.2 tlha) compared to FYM, VC, CCP and NPK applied alone. Fresh rhizome yield under mother rhizome was significantly higher compared to finger rhizome.

Growth, yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa) finger millet (Eleusine coracana) crop sequence as influenced by coirpith and farmyard manure with and without inorganic fertilizers

The response to coirpith and farmyard manure (FYM) with and without recommended inorganic fertilizers (RIF) in respect of growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] crop sequence was studied during 1998 2000. Growth and yield parameters were generally higher in FYM 12.5 tonnestha RIF application and was comparable with the composted coirpith (CCP) Q 12.5 tonnestha RIF application. The lowest growth and yield attributes were recorded with raw coirpith application alone. Significantly higher mean grain yield of 6,632 and 6,471 kgtha in rice was recorded with application of FYM RIF and CCP RIF, respec tively, and were comparable with each other. This was 50% and 46.4% increase over the control. Similarly, for fin ger millet the yield increase was 60.7 and 55.8% with FYM RIF (2,816 kgtha) and CCP RIF (2,739 kg/ha).The net returns and benefit : cost ratio were more in rice finger millet cropping sequence applied with FYM RIF (Rs 29,960lha) and CCP RIF (Rs 29,356/ha), while it was lowest in raw coirpith application realising Rs 14,751tha only.

Impact of organic management on yield, quality and economics of Chinese potato (Plectranthus rotundifolius)

A field experiment was conducted during AugustDecember, 2011 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to standardize technologies for organic production of Chinese potato (Plectranthus rotundifolius Spreng.). The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of 3 levels of organic manure (to supply 100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of 60, 60 and 100 kg N, P and K/ha), 2 levels of biofertilizer (with PGPR mix 1 and without biofertilizer) and 2 varieties (Sree Dhara and Suphala). The trial was laid out in 3 2 2 asymmetrical factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. Neem-cake @ 1 t/ha and farmyard manure @ 10 t/ha were applied uniformly to all the plots. Application of PGPR mix 1 exerted profound influence on yield, yield components and net income. Variety Sree Dhara dominated over the var. Suphala in yield, yield components and profit. Tuber yield showed an increasing trend with incremental doses of organic manure, resulting in the high- est yield with 100% level. Application of PGPR mix 1 improved the yield. Higher net income and benefit: cost ratio could be obtained by the application of 100% or 75% level of organic manure. Thus, an application of 100% rec- ommended dose of N, P and K (60, 60 and 100 kg/ha) through organic manures (6 t farmyard manure + 3 t coirpith compost + 3 t wood ash/ha) along with PGPR mix 1 and the recommended basal dose of farmyard ma- nure @ 10 t/ha is necessary for getting higher yields of organic Chinese potato.

Effect of tannery effluent on soil physico-chemical properties and growth of finger millet

Investigatons were carried out to study the effect of tannery effluent on soil properties and growth of finger millet in pot culture. Amendments like gypsum, pressmud, FYM, rice husk ash, cement dust and composted coirpith were tested in combination with raw and diluted effluent. The effluent irrigation increased the bulk density, pH, EC and organic carbon content of soil. Raw effluent reduced the N,P and K uptake but the diluted effluent increased it. Among the amendments, gypsum, pressmud and composted coirpith recorded higher uptake of N, P and K respectively. The grain and straw yields were very much reduced due to effluent irrigation. The diluted effluent irrigation along with composted coirpith recorded higher yield.

The effects of coirpith compost on the growth and quality of leaves of the mulberry plant Morus alba L.

The effects of addition of coirpith compost (CPC) (5–25 g/3 kg of soil) on the above-ground (plant height, number of branches and leaves, leaf area and weight of the leaves), and below-ground (root length, number of roots and weight of the roots) parameters and the quality of leaves (chlorophyll and nitrogen) were studied. The responses of the various parameters to addition of increasing quantities of CPC were different. Compost at 5 g or more per 3 kg soil produced a significant increase over the control in the number of roots. At 10 g compost or more the length of roots and nitrogen content of leaves were increased, while 15 g or more increased the wet and dry weights of roots. At 20 g or 25 g the plant height and wet and dry weights of leaves were increased, whereas only 25 g compost increased leaf chlorophyll and the number of branches and leaves. Excepting individual leaf area, which did not show a statistically significant increase even with the 25 g compost treatment, all parameters recorded the greatest response at 25 g compost. Considering the influence in increasing the growth and quality of leaves, CPC supplementation is recommended for mulberry cultivation.

IMPACT OF VARIOUS ORGANIC SOURCES ON K UPTAKE AND YIELD OF RICE IN THAMBIRABARANI RIVER TRACT OF TAMIL NADU

Two field experiments were conducted at Wetland Farm. Agricultural College and Research Institute. Killikulam. Tamil Nadu, during Kharif and rali seasons of 1993-94 with different organic sources (farmyard manure, composted coirpith. raw coirpith, composted sugarcane trash, raw sugarcane trash, pressmud and green leaf manure Sesham aculeata with graded levels of nitrogen viz., 0. 50. 75 and 100 kg N ha. The other major nutrients P and K were applied at the rate of 50 kg ha in the form of single super phosphate and muriate of potash, respectively, to study the direct and residual effect of various organic wastes on the soil available K. uptake of K and yield of low land rice. Application of composted coirpith improved the soil available k status and increased the uptake of potassium by grain and straw. The results indicated that 50 kg N with green leaf anure recorded the highest grain and straw yield in both seasons.

COIRPITH COMPOST A SUITABLE MEDIUM FOR MASS MULTIPLICATION OF Glomus Fasciculatum

An experiment was conducted to find out the best substrate for quick VAM fungi inoculum production. Different substrates viz, compost, composted pressmud, composted coirpith. vermiculite, perlite and vermiculite-perlite (1:1) were serceened in this study. The result revealed that composted coirpith was found to be superior in terms of infection percentage, extra- matrical hyphae and spore count. The finding indicated that composted coirpith could be employed as a substrate material for VAM fungi inoculum production.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF FUSARIUM WILT OF EGG PLANT

Trichoderma hamatum (isolate 1) when multiplied in FYM and applied to soil recorded the least incidence (33.34%) of wilt disease caused by Fusarium solani followed by T.viride (isolate 1) (38.89%) as compared to control (73.89%). The antagonists when multiplied in cocount coirpith compost, T.hamatum (isolate 1) recorded the least incidence of wilt (37.78%) followed by T.viride (isolate 1) (45.56%) as compared to control (73.89%).

EFFECT OF MUSHROOM SPENT RICE STRAW COMPOST ON SOIL PHYSICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ALLUVIAL AND LATERITE SOILS

The absolute and apparent specific gravity values were appreciably influenced by the incorporation of mushroom spent rice straw compost whereas the water holding capacity, porosity and volume expansion on wetting were markedly improved by farmyard manure closely followed by composted coirpith and mushroom spent compost in an alluvial soil. However, in laterite soil, all the physical properties investigated were found to be influenced by the application of manures in the order of farmyard manure > mushroom spent compost > composted coir pith > NPK whereas the soil reaction and the total soluable salts of post harvest soil samples of both the soils were not influenced due to the application of organic manures in combination with NPK fertilizers.

EFFECT OF DRYLAND TECHNOLOGIES ON THE YIELD OF SESAME UNDER RAINFED CONDITION

Field experiments were conducted during Kharif 1992 and 1993 at the Regional Research Station, Vridhachalam to evaluate the effect of different dryland technologies individually and in combination on the yield attributes and the yield of sesame (TMV4) under rainfed conditions. The results of the study revealed that combination of all the dryland technologies viz, seed treatment with 2 per cent KH2PO4, and Azospirillum, forming broad bed and furrows, application of composted coirpith, application of enriched FYM with 75 per cent or recommended dose of fertilizer, pre sowing incorporation of fluchloralin 1 kg/ha +1 hand weeding increased the plant height, root length, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant and the grain yield of sesame over farmer's practices, and the other individual dryland technologies. The increased yield by the combination of different dryland technologies was 82.7 per cent over control. All the individual dryland technologies also increased the yield over farmer's practices.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF FUSARIUM WILT OF EGG PLANT

Trichoderma hamatum (isolate 1) when multiplied in FYM and applied to soil recorded the least incidence (33.34%) of wilt disease caused by Fusarium solani followed by T.viride (isolate 1) (38.89%) as compared to control (73.89%). The antagonists when multiplied in cocount coirpith compost, T.hamatum (isolate 1) recorded the least incidence of wilt (37.78%) followed by T.viride (isolate 1) (45.56%) as compared to control (73.89%).

EFFECT OF COIR PITH AS AN AMENDMENT FOR TANNERY POLLUTED SOILS

The letting in of tannery effluent causes pollution of ground water and degradation of cultivable land. Soil amendments viz., composted coir pith, pressmud, gypsum and farm yard manure were tried for increasing the productivity of polluted land. Application of 10 Uha of composted coir pith gave increased yield of maize (Co.1) and finger millet (Co.13). The increased yield was due to improved physical condition and keeping the soil moist preventing capillary rise of salts to the surface.

RESIDUAL EFFECT OF MUSHROOM SPENT RICE STRAW COMPOST ON YIELD AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN GREEN GRAM

The greenleaf manure and mushroom green gram spent rice straw compost applied to the previous crop namely the rice, registered the highest green gram grain yield than composted coirpith and NPK alone. With reference to the soil nutrients, greenleaf manure registered the highest organic C, available N and K, available P by farm yard manure and Ca and Mg by mushroom spent rice straw compost. All the manures were comparable in influencing the N, Ca and Mg uptake whereas P and K uptakes were not influenced by the manures.