Ha-1 Compost Research Articles

Efektivitas Bahan Pembenah Tanah pada Dinamika Fosforus dengan Perunutan Isotop 32P dan Hasil Jagung di Ultisol Jasinga

Soil conditioners can accelerate the recovery of soil physical, chemical, and/or biological quality, thus optimizing soil productivity. The 32P isotope tracing technique was used to determine the contribution of P from soil amendments in the form of lime, biochar, and compost, as well as to study their effects on P fertilization efficiency and corn yield. The treatments included lime, biochar, compost, and combinations of these three materials. The parameters analyzed were corn yield and P contribution from P sources. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of soil amendments to increase P uptake, growth, and yield of corn, as well as to determine the P contribution from lime, biochar, and compost to corn plants using the 32P isotope tracing technique. The results on Ultisol soil from Jasinga, Bogor, showed that the combination of 3 t ha-1 lime + 15 t ha-1 biochar + 15 t ha-1 compost resulted in the highest grain weight of 45.942 g per plant; the contribution of P from the carrier materials to the grain of the combination of 3 t ha-1 lime + 15 t ha-1 biochar + 15 t ha-1 compost was 44.945 mg per plant. In conclusion, the combination of these soil conditioners can increase P availability and corn production on Ultisol soil from Jasinga, Bogor. Keywords: soil conditioner material, 32P isotope tracer technique, Ultisols

The Effects of Rabbit Compost Tea and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study evaluates the effects of rabbit compost tea and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer on the growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of four (4) treatments. Total land area measured 88 m2 (11 m by 8 m) with 12 plots, and each plot size measured 3 m by 2 m (6 m2) with 1 m alleyways between plots and replicates. The treatments and application rate were the control, rabbit compost tea at 400 l ha-1, a combination of NPK at 100 kg ha-1 and rabbit compost tea at 200 l ha-1, and the application of NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg ha-1, which was incorporated as the experiment's standard treatment. In the experiment, growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) were monitored and evaluated. Findings showed that the application of rabbit compost tea and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) increased the plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, and leaf area when compared with the control, especially when combined. According to this study, rabbit compost tea is an effective and sustainable organic amendment that smallholder maize farmers should consider using to improve growth and output.

Growth and Yield Response of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) to different Soil Amendments

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is an important vegetable that is ranked tenth among the succulent vegetables in the world. It is easy to cultivate and requires a moderate amount of nutrients in comparison to other vegetables. However, carrot production in Liberia is almost negligible, as farmers are not aware of its requirements, its cultivation, and the unsuitable environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the growth and yield performance of carrot under different soil amendments. The experiment was done at the Cuttington University research and demonstration site in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were: 10 t ha-1, 15 t ha-1, and 20 t ha-1 compost; 300 t ha-1 NPK (15:15:15); and control (0 t ha-1). The distance between plots and between blocks was 0.5 m and 1 m, respectively. Results indicated that The highest recorded plant root length (11.10 cm) occurred in the 20 t ha-1 compost application, while the lowest (6.84 cm) was observed in the control treatment. The highest root diameter (22.89 mm) was recorded in the treatment with 20 t ha-1 while the lowest (17.59 mm) was recorded in the control treatment. Results showed that the maximum root weight (31.73 g) occurred in the 20 t ha-1 compost treatment, while the minimum (12.33 g) was observed in the control. These variations are likely attributed to nutrient levels, which play a vital role in promoting root length, diameter, and overall yield in the plant. That means the lowest values in all the parameters might be due to the low rate of compost applied to the soil. In conclusion, the highest overall growth and yield performance among carrot plants were observed in the 20 t ha-1 compost treatment, followed by 15 t ha-1, 300 t ha-1 NPK (15:15:15), 10 t ha-1, and the control. It is therefore recommended that farmers apply 20 t ha-1 of compost for maximum growth and yield performance in carrot production.

Amended Crop Wastes Compost Affect Soil Chemical Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria Savanna

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of poultry droppings amended cocoa pod husk and rice mill wastes, as a substitute for costly inorganic fertilizers on some soil properties and yield of maize.
 Study Design: Experiment was laid in randomized complete block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Two year field study was conducted at the Research Farm of the Cross River University of Technology during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons.
 Methodology: Two compost types: cocoa pod husk and rice mill wastes both amended with poultry droppings at the ratio of 3:1 for cocoa pod husk + poultry droppings and rice mill waste + poultry droppings respectively. Each compost type was applied at rate of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1 with absolute control (0 t ha-1 compost) and optimal control NPK 20.10.10 at 300 kg ha-1 making a total of 10 treatments replicated three times. The effect of the amendments were assessed on soil pH, OM, N, P, exch. Ca, K, Mg, EA, ECEC and maize yield.
 Results: The compost rates increased soil pH, OM, N, P and the exch. K, Ca, EA, and ECEC over the pre-treatment soils and the controls. Cocoa pod compost amendments with poultry droppings at rate of 7.5 t ha-1 produced highest plant dry matter 8.21gplant-1 and 8.08 gplant-1 in 2019 and 2020 (P = .05) respectively and the highest grain yield of 3.92 t ha-1 and 3.89 t ha-1 respectively in 2019 and 2020. The least grain yield was in the absolute control, which yield was 0.38t ha‑1 and 0.42 t ha-1, respectively in 2019 and 2020.
 Conclusion: Amended cocoa pod husk compost is a suitable soil amendment for optimum yield of maize and improvement of soil chemical properties in the study area and a substitute for mineral fertilizers for resource poor farmers.

Assessing Leaching Requirement an Ameliorated Saline Soil in a Lysimeter Experiment

Soil salinity problems in the coastal hinterland region of East Java diminish agricultural development and land productivity. Soil leaching is expected to reduce soil salinity. This study investigated the effectiveness of different ameliorant compositions and leaching requirements (LR) in the leaching process. The experiment involved applying ameliorants (T) and leaching (L) treatments to lysimeters filled with saline soil. The ameliorant treatments included biochar, organic matter, and gypsum. The results showed the leaching requirement capacity to reduce electrical conductivity from 5.7 dS m-1 to below 2 dS m-1. Leaching for T0 (without ameliorants) and T1 (10 Mg ha-1 of biochar) required 943 mm of water, while T2 (20 Mg ha-1 of biochar) and T3 (40 Mg ha-1 of compost) required 1052 mm. The T4 (10 Mg ha-1 of compost and 2 Mg ha-1 of gypsum) necessitated 1154 mm of leaching water. The ameliorants’ application and assortment increased the water demand for leaching. The findings indicated a consistent relationship between TDS and salinity, indicating the soil’s dominant presence of salty ions.

Evaluation of compost with chemical fertilizers for Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Debub Ari Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Soil fertility reduction is the main problem for sustainable crop production and productivity in southern parts of Ethiopia. Integrated soil fertility management is the best choice to improve soil fertility constraints using accessible organic and chemical fertilizers. The aim of the experiment was to examine the effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on crop yield and soil fertility improvement. This experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2018 in Debub Ari district, southwestern Ethiopia. The treatments contain Control (no fertilizers), Recommended NP (69/30), 250 kg NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea, 10 t ha-1 compost, and 5 t ha-1 compost + 125 kg NPSB + 80 kg Urea top dress. Potato variety ‘Belete’ became used for the experiment and was planted early in the ‘Belg’ season. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil sample was randomly collected before treatment application with a depth of (0-20cm) and composited into one kg of a sample. The analysis results of the initial soil sample revealed that it was sandy clay in texture, moderately acidic, low in total N, OC, CEC, and very low in available P. The analysis of variances showed significant differences among the treatments on potato tuber yield when compared to untreated plots. Potato tuber yield is increased by 32, 22, and 35% of sole use of inorganic fertilizer, compost alone, and 50% of compost + 50% of NPSB treatment, respectively, than control. The maximum tuber yield 18.7 t ha-1 was obtained from treatment 5 t ha-1 compost + 125 kg NPSB + 80 kg Urea top dress, whereas the minimum tuber yields 13.85 t ha-1 were obtained by untreated plot (without any fertilizer application). Farmers in the study area can use by selecting either recommended NP (69 N and 30 P) ha-1 or 5t + 125 kg NPSB + 80 kg urea ha-1 depending on the accessibility of labor, composting material, and cash to purchase an adequate amount of fertilizers. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(1): 77-82, June 2023

Nutritional Quality and Popability of Popcorn (Zea mays L. var. everta) in Response to Compost and NPK 20-7-3 Application under Dryland Condition of South Africa.

The dietary value of popcorn, an important snack, depends on its proximate and nutritional constituents, while the economic worth is based on popability and expansion traits of the kernels. There is paucity of information on how soil fertility influences or relates with popping potentials as well as quality of popcorn kernel in semi-arid region. Therefore, the proximate composition and popping parameters of popcorn in response to organic and inorganic fertilizers were investigated. The field trial was conducted in 2017-2019, and it comprised five amendment rates including 90 and 180 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer and 4 and 8 t ha-1 compost and unamended treatment as the control. The trial was arranged in randomized complete block design in triplicate. Data on kernel yield, biomass, and harvest index were evaluated. Kernels were analysed for proximate composition and popping indices using standard procedures. Across the two seasons, mean protein (8.1%) and fibre (10.2%) contents were highest in kernels from plots fertilized with NPK at 180 kg ha-1, while grains from plots fertilized with 8 t ha-1 compost had the highest moisture (19.3%) and starch (50.1%) contents. The highest kernel expansion of 54.18 cm3 g-1 and 77.6% popped kernels were obtained in plots fertilized with 4 t ha-1 compost. Most of the kernels (61%) were small-sized caryopsis. Popability is significantly associated with volume expansion (r = 0.696). Proximate components and popability improved greatly in compost-augmented field relative to the unfertilized plots. Application of 4 or 8 t ha-1 sorted municipal solid waste compost to Luvisol enhanced growth and nutritional quality of popcorn. In view of promoting nutrient cycling towards improving soil fertility without compromising environmental health, compost is comparable and a good alternative to fossil-based mineral fertilizers.

Pengaruh Penambahan Pasir dan Kompos terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kaliandra dan Beberapa Sifat Tanah

Study on Effect Applications Sand and Compost on growth of kaliandra and soil properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving sand and compost on growth of kaliandra and soil properties. The design used was a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. The giving of sand factor consisted of 3 levels: P0 = no sand, P1 = 10% sand and P2 = 30% sand. The compost factor consisted of 3 levels: K0 = without compost, K1 = 10 tons of compost ha-1, and K2 = 20 tons of compost ha-1. The observation of growth of kaliandra consisted : plant height, fresh weight of shoot and root of kaliandra, dry weight of shoot and root of kaliandra. Parameters of soil properties were observed: bulk density, C-organic matter content, Nitrogen content of soil and available of Phosphor dan Kalium of soil. The results of research showed that, no interaction between the treatment of giving sand and compost on the soil properties and growth of kaliandra, while the single treatment of compost had a significant effect on growth of kaliandra. The treatment of giving sand has not shown a significant effect, both on soil properties and on growth of kaliandra.

In-field assessment of soil pH and mineralization of phosphorus and potassium following the application of composted winery solid waste in sandy loam Ferric Luvisol

Special attention on the plant nutrients mineralization rates is often required when organic fertilizers are used on croplands. This study described the patterns of phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) released from winery solid waste (WSW) compost in sandy loam soil. Treatments consisted of equivalent rates of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 t ha-1 of compost-soil mixture in Ziplock bags buried on the field at 30 cm soil depth. Destructive sampling of treatments was conducted at 0, 7, 21, 42, 63, 84, 105 and 126 days after incubation (DAI) for laboratory analysis. The 40 t ha-1rate resulted in up to a 9.5% increase in soil pH while the contents of net mineralized P and K measured were significantly affected by compost rate and incubation period interaction. Over the 126 days of the incubation period that runs across summer and winter seasons, mineralized P ranged from -62 to 86 mg kg-1 whereas mineralized K varied between 41 and 2047 mg kg-1. Cumulative mineralized P and K contents ranged from 62 to 207 mg kg-1 and 1272 to 9206 mg kg-1, respectively with the highest amount obtained at the 40 t ha-1 compost rate. The high net P and K mineralized contents suggest that WSW compost may act as a P and K source. However, cautious use of WSW compost as a soil amendment is recommended to mitigate the potential risks of soil pH increases and other unintended consequences such as toxicity, nutrient imbalance, and possible P and K antagonistic effects. Keywords: Compost; Nutrient mineralization; Phyto-toxicity; Soil amendments

Effect of eucalyptus wood-based compost application rates on soil chemical properties in semi-organic avocado plantations, Limpopo province, South Africa.

Mixing different types of organic matters to form a compound compost can be useful in both short-and long-term improvement of soil chemical properties. However, effects of such composts on soil chemical properties are unknown. A 3-year field study was done to determine the effects of eucalyptus wood-based compost on selected chemical properties of soils at Mooketsi and Politsi avocado orchards, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was laid as a repeated measures design with 4 compost treatments at 0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha-1 year-1 with three replicates. Soil pH, EC, organic carbon, active carbon, soil NO3-N, NH4-N, PMN, P K, Ca, Mg, Na Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe were measured annually at the two orchards after applying compost at the different rates. The eucalyptus wood-based compost significantly (p<0.05) altered the composition of the measured chemical properties at both orchards. The values of the soil chemical properties increased cumulatively with compost quantity and time. This trend was consistent at both orchards. Significantly (p<0.05) highest and lowest values of the soil chemical properties were recorded at 15t ha-1 and 0t ha-1 in 2018 respectively but with no significant (p>0.05) differences between 10t ha-1 and 15t ha-1 compost application rates the entire study period. Eucalyptus wood-based compost raised values of the soil chemical properties at ≥10t ha-1 application rates. It is recommended to apply the eucalyptus wood-based compost ≥10t ha-1 at both orchards, nevertheless, other factors governing organic matter decomposition such as soil temperature were not measured hence further studies are necessary.

Improving Growth and Yield Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under the Effects of Soil Amendments and Planting Geometry

A field study was carried out at the University for Development Studies Experimental Field, Nyankpala, Ghana, to evaluate the growth and yield of sesame under the influence of planting geometry and soil amendments. The trial was a split plot laid out in a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design in Triplicate. The main plot treatments were three planting geometry (G1 = 45 x 15, G2 = 60 x 10, and G3 = 75 x 15 cm), and the sub-plot treatments were four soil amendments with a control [F0 = 0 t ha-1, F1 = 16 t ha-1 compost, F2 = 16 t ha-1 biochar, F3 = 16 t ha-1 (compost + biochar), and F4 = N− P2O5 −K2O (16−60−60 kg ha-1)]. The analysis of variance showed that all the planting geometry and soil amendments significantly (P &lt; .05) affected growth and yield of sesame. The results indicated that the main effect of 45 x 15cm planting geometry, and the interaction effect between 75 x 15 cm planting geometry and compost application at 16 t ha-1 resulted in the maximum plant height (54.30 cm) and number of branches plant−1 (4.9), respectively at 42 DAP. However, planting geometry of 60 x 10 cm increased seed yield by 10 and 57%, compared to 45 x 15 and 75 x 15 cm planting geometry, respectively. Similarly, the application of compost at 16 t ha-1 promoted the highest capsule weight (1,719 kg ha-1), seed yield (1,115 kg ha-1) and 1000-seed weight (3.46 g). The percentage increase in various soil amendments over the control is shown in the following order: number of branches (B 22% &lt; NPK 24%&lt; B+C 27%&lt; C32%); number of seeds per capsule (B+C 4% &lt; B 5 % &lt; NPK 7% &lt; C 8%); and seed yield (B+C 75% &lt; B 80%&lt; NPK 137% &lt; C157%).&#x0D; Therefore, compost application at 16 t ha-1 and planting geometry of 60 x 10 cm is recommended for sesame production.

Combined application of compost and FYM with inorganic fertilizers for production of onion in debub ari district, Southwestern Ethiopia

Soil fertility depletion is a serious problem in Ethiopian highland due to leaching of topsoil by runoff, which reduces production and productivity. This experiment conducted in Debub Ari district for two years with the aim of investigating single and combined effect of compost and FYM with inorganic fertilizer on soil fertility improvement and onion crop production. The treatment includes T1) Control, T2) Recommended NP (69/30), T3) NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1 (264 kg NPSZnB + 161 kg urea), T4) 10 t ha-1 FYM, T5) 10 t ha-1 compost, T6) 5 tha-1 FYM + 50% of treatment-3 and T7) 5 t ha-1 compost + 50% of treatment-3. Treatments are arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil before the experiment showed moderately acidic, moderate in organic matter and boron, low in sulfur high in available P and total nitrogen. The results showed significant differences among the treatments on onion plant height, bulb diameter, marketable and biological yield. The highest total yield 19.99 t ha-1, 19.59 t ha-1 and 19.25 t ha-1 was recorded from NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1, 5 t ha-1 compost + 50% of T-3 and 5 t ha-1 FYM + 50% of T-3 respectively and that increase yield by 39%, 35% and 33% over the control. Soils after the experiment become medium in sulfur remain static in available boron and total nitrogen. Economic feasibility that the maximum net benefit of 246059 and 242442 ETB ha-1 with acceptable %MRR of 290 and 1300 was obtained with the application of NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1 and 5 t ha-1 FYM + 50% of T-3, respectively. Therefore, the application of those two treatments is recommended for higher yield production in the study area. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 41-45, December 2022

Effect of organic cultivation technology on row crop yielding capacity

The study aimed to estimate the effect of organic technologies on yielding capacity of row crops in the North-West Russia and the after-effect of compost on the successor crop. Experiments took place in 2020-2022. The crop rotation included the zoned perennial grasses, potato, and table beet. Potatoes were fertilised with BIAGUM compost produced from poultry manure in a fermenter. In 2020-2021, the compost application doses were 0 (control), 4 and 8 t ha-1 (5.5 t ha-1 in 2022) or 0 (control), 80 and 160 kg N ha-1 (110 kg N ha-1 in 2022). The table beet was sown on the plots fertilised in the previous year under potatoes. The mechanical weed control of row spacing was performed twice in the growing season. Weather conditions were monitored by the own weather station near the experimental field. The year 2021 was the warmest and the driest in the study period. In 2022, the rainfall was satisfactory for crops – 238.20 mm. In control variants, the potato yields ranged from 12.78 to 20.25 t ha-1 that was 25.6-67.5% of the cultivated variety potential. Application of 4 t ha-1 of compost only slight affected the yield. But with higher compost application dose, a significant yield gain (greatest 56.88%) was observed, especially under favourable climatic conditions of 2020. The biggest beetroot average yield – from 22.5 to 27.7 t ha-1 – was also in 2020. In 2022, the average yield was from 21.5 to 24.3 t ha-1. By the study results, the applied organic technologies proved effective for producing potatoes and table beet in the North-West Russia.

The Effect of Compost and NPK Fertilizers on The Growth and Yield of Shallots

This study aims to determine the effect of compost fertilizer and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of Shallots. This research was conducted at the Local Waste Processing Site, Kusamba Village, Klungkung. This experiment used a randomized block design (RBD) with a factorial pattern consisting of 2 factors. The first factor was the dose of compost (T) consisting of 3 levels, namely: 5-ton ha-1 (T1), 10-ton ha-1 (T2), and 15-ton ha-1 (T3). The second factor is the dosage of NPK fertilizer (M) consisting of 3 levels: (M1) 150 kg/ha-1, (M2) 300 kg/ha-1, (M3) 450 kg/ha-1. The interaction between compost treatment and NPK had a significant (P&lt;0.05) to very significant (P&lt;0.01) effect on all observed variables except fresh weight per clump. The highest fresh weight of tubers was obtained from the interaction between compost 5 tons ha-1 and NPK 150 kg ha-1 (T1M1) giving the highest fresh weight of tubers per clump, 41.44 g, significantly different or an increase of 45.13% compared to the fresh weight of tubers. The lowest per clump was the interaction of 15-ton ha-1 compost with NPK 450 kg ha-1 (T3M3), which was 31.25 g.

Limited yield penalties in an early transition to conservation agriculture in cotton-based cropping systems of Benin

Transitioning toward minimum or no tillage is challenging for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), due to the possible yield penalties during the initial years of a transition. Understanding the early impacts of such transitions is crucial in a cash crop such as cotton, on which farmers rely for their income, and is necessary to inform agroecological strategies to cope with both these challenges. This study explores the combined impact of minimum or no tillage and fertilizer regimes on agronomic parameters of cotton–cereal rotations, as practiced by smallholder farmers in Benin. A multilocation experiment was set up in three different agroclimatic zones, namely, Savalou (7°55′41″, 1°58′32″), Okpara (2°48′15″, 7°72′07″), and Soaodou (10°28′33″, 1°98′33″). In each area, the experiment was laid out as a split-plot design with four replications (main plot = soil preparation; subplot = fertilizers regimes). The treatments consisted of three different forms of soil preparation, namely, tillage, strip tillage, and no tillage or direct seeding, and four fertilization regimes, namely, basal mineral fertilizers (BMF, 200 kg ha1 of N14P18K18S6B1 + 50 kg ha1 of urea), BMF + A (200 kg ha1 of calcium phosphate amendment, 22P2O5-43CaO−4S), BMF + C (400 kg ha1 of compost), and BMF + A + C. At all sites, direct seeding led to lower below-ground biomass growth and seed cotton yields compared with conventional tillage in an early transition to conservation agriculture starting from degraded soils (2% to 25%). Weak rooting under direct seeding resulted in lower cotton yields compared with that under tillage (−12%) and strip tillage (−15%). At 45 and 90 days after emergence, cotton plants were shorter under direct seeding compared with tillage (−9% and −13%, respectively) and strip tillage (−23% and −6%, respectively). Fertilizer regimes affected seed cotton yields differently across sites and treatments, with marginal responses within soil preparation methods, but they contributed to increase yield differences between conventional and no tillage. Considering the need for sustainable practices, in the context of degraded soils and poor productivity, such limited yield penalties under CA appear to be a reasonable trade-off in the first year of a transition. Alternatively, the results from the first year of this experiment, which is meant to continue for another 5 years, suggest that strip tillage could be a sensible way to initialize a transition, without initial yield penalties, toward more sustainable soil management.

Pengaruh Residu Pemberian Abu Vulkanis Gunung Agung dan Pupuk Kompos terhadap Tanah dan Tanaman Kacang Tanah (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Residual Effect of Mount Agung Volcanic Ash and Compost on Soil and Peanut Plants (Arachis hypogaea L.). Research on the application of Mount Agung volcanic ash and compost has been carried out with cowpea as an indicator plant, but volcanic ash has not shown any effect. The volcanic ash of Mount Agung is in the form of material that has not been weathered, so to accelerate weathering it is necessary to add organic matter. The purpose of this study was to determine the residual effect of giving volcanic ash and compost on soil and peanut plant. The design used was a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. The volcanic ash factor consists of 3 levels, namely A0 = no volcanic ash, A1 = 10% volcanic ash and A2 = 30% volcanic ash. The compost factor consists of 3 levels, namely K0 = without compost, K1 = 10 tons of compost ha-1, and K2 = 20 tons of compost ha-1. Parameters of soil properties observed were : total porosity, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and C-organic matter content. Observation of peanut plants included : plant height, number of pods, weight of oven-dried pods, weight of oven-dried seeds and weight of oven-dried peanut stem. The results of research showed that there was no interaction between the treatment of volcanic ash residue and compost residue on the soil and peanut plants, while the single treatment of compost residue had a significant effect on peanut plants. The treatment of volcanic ash residue has not shown a significant effect, both on the soil and on peanut plants.

Response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers at Chena district, South Western Ethiopia

Low level or no use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and serious imbalances soil nutrients, depressed potato yields and pose accelerated mining of native soil nutrients. Present on-farm studies was undertaken to observe the combined effects of FYM and compost along with inorganic fertilizers, particularly NPSB on potato production. The experiment comprised of seven treatments: No fertilizer, recommended NP (115 kg N and 92 kg ha-1 P2O5), NPSB (115 kg N and 92 kg P2O5, 6.5 kg S. and 0.71 kg B ha-1), 10 tone FYM ha-1, 10 tone compost ha-1, 5 tone FYM + 50% NPSB (57.5 kg N and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1), and 5 tone compost + 50% NPSB ha-1 were arranged in RCBD with three replications. The yield and yield components were collected and subjected to mean separation and economic analysis. The analysis of variance indicated that either applied organic and inorganic fertilizers combined or alone significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved potato yield at Chena. Full dose of each FYM and compost, recommended NP rate and NPSB gave similar potato yield. The highest average marketable and total fresh potato tuber yield (27.44, 27.92 t ha-1, respectively) were recorded by combined application of 5 t FYM ha-1 with 50% NPSB (115 kg N and 92 kg P2O5, 6.5 kg S. and 0.71 kg B ha-1) which is economically acceptable with MRR (1239.7%), whereas the lowest tuber yield (14.45 t ha-1) was obtained from unfertilized plot. Hence, combined application of 50% FYM and 50% NPSB proved best potato yield in the study area. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(1): 18-22, June 2022

Doses of sulfur at topdressing and organic compost supply at planting in the production, quality and content of macronutrients in lettuce seeds

The purpose of this study was to evaluate doses of sulfur applied at topdressing, with and without organic compost supply at planting, in the production, physiological quality and content of macronutrients in lettuce seeds. Ten treatments were evaluated in a 5x2 factorial scheme (five sulfur doses at topdressing x with and without application of organic compost at planting). The experimental design was a randomized block design, with four replicates. The sulfur doses applied at topdressing fertilization were 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 of S, in addition to the control treatment (dose zero). Regarding the treatments with organic compost, the dose of 70 t ha-1 of compost (wet basis) was supplied at planting. The following characteristics were evaluated: seed production (mass and number of seeds per plant), seed quality (mass of one thousand seeds, first count of the standard germination test, germination percentage, and germination speed index) and content of macronutrients and mineral accumulation. The organic compost supply at planting increased seed production by 43% compared to the treatment without the application of organic compost, while the doses of sulfur did not affect the production of lettuce seeds. The supply of organic compost increased the accumulation of a great part of the macronutrients, except for the accumulation of calcium. The lettuce seeds quality was not affected by both the main treatments, the sulfur doses at topdressing and the organic compost supply at planting. The descending order of nutrients accumulated in the lettuce seeds was nitrogen&gt; potassium&gt; phosphorus&gt; magnesium&gt; calcium&gt; sulfur.

Winter Wheat Performance Following One-time High Rates of Compost and Annual Cover Crop Planting in Wheat-fallow Rotations

Aims: One-time high rates of compost were applied at 15, 30, and 45 Mg ha-1 to improve soil organic matter (SOM) and fertility in dryland organic winter wheat-fallow rotations. Cover crop mixtures (oats and Austrian winter peas) were planted in fallow phases annually to suppress weeds and reduce repetitive tillage used for weed control because the latter breaks down SOM.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design with four replications. Fertilizer (compost rates, inorganic fertilizer and no amendment control) and cover crops served as main and sub-plot factors respectively.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center, University of Wyoming, from September 2015 to August 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Soil samples, weed biomass, wheat yield and protein quality data were collected and analyzed over three years.&#x0D; Results: Results indicated that 45 Mg ha-1 compost increased (P=.05) soil total carbon (TC) and nitrogen (TN) concentrations up to 25 and 19% respectively, in the last two years. Wheat yield was not affected (p&gt;0.05) by compost or cover crops in any growing season but 45 Mg ha-1 compost increased (P=.05) protein quality by 2-9% in the first growing season. Cover crops suppressed weeds while growing in the first growing season but had varying effects on weeds in wheat phases that followed them in rotation. It was noted that soil electrical conductivity levels affected by 45 Mg ha-1 compost was 5 times lower than wheat thresholds; and soil moisture loss by cover crops did not affect wheat yield.&#x0D; Conclusion: 45 Mg ha-1 compost improves soil fertility and SOM in the short term. However, significant reflection of soil changes in wheat yield may take longer time. Further research is needed to effectively integrate cover crops as a weed control measure in dryland organic wheat-fallow rotations.

Nitrogen transfer from legume green manure in a crop rotation to an onion crop using 15N natural abundance technique

Legumes as green manure allow adding N from the air to the soil through their biological fixation. The objective was to evaluate the effect of legume crops as green manure at the beginning of the rotation on soil quality and their N input to the following onion crop (Allium cepa L. var. cepa). Five crops were sown: faba-bean (Vicia faba L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), oat-vetch mixture (Avena sativa L. + Vicia atropurpurea Desf.), white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), and oat as control treatment, with four replicates. Prior to sowing soil was prepared with 20 Mg ha-1 compost and 715 kg ha-1 rock phosphate. Then, at 50% grain filling stage these crops were incorporated as green manure to the soil, followed by the onion crop. Biological N fixation (BNF) by 15N natural abundance technique parameters of green manure, yield, leaf N content of the legumes and onion, and soil bio-physicochemical properties were measured and analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test for mean separation (P ≤ 0.05). Faba-bean treatment had the highest BNF (388 and 369 kg N ha-1 fixed in 2017 and 2018, respectively). For onion yield, just faba-bean and oat-vetch in 2018 reached the Chilean mean yield with 54.39 and 49.08 Mg ha-1, respectively. Control treatment yield was not significantly different. Leaf N content in onion remained within a normal range in all treatments. Adding green manure together with compost to the soil improved soil N and K contents.