Compost Rates Research Articles

Response of wheat to micronutrients foliar application, compost, and N fertilizer level‎

ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out in the Experimental Farm at El-Khattara region, Facutly of Agricutlure, Zagazig University, Egypt during two successive seasons (2018/2019 and 2019/2020) to study the response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Shandwel 1) to micronutrients foliar spraying (Zn+Mn+Fe) compared with spray of water under two compost rates (0 and 12 ton ha−1) and three nitrogen (N) levels (0, 145 and 290 kg N ha−1). Micronutrients foliar spraying significantly increased most yield attributes as well as N uptake. The incorporation of compost produced significant increase in yield attributes as well as N uptake except 1000-grain weight and harvest index. The grain, straw, and total yields ha−1 responded to each N increment up to 290 kg N ha−1, but, harvest index and nitrogen agronomic efficiency responded to only 145 kg N ha−1.

The Growth, productivity and nutritional status of Salicornia brachiata Roxb. cultivated in saline soils supplemented with organic manures under sea water irrigation

Halophytic crops are being explored for their nutritional, culinary, oilseed, forage/ feed crop, medicinal, and wastewater treatment potential. Along the Palk Bay region, a short term field experiment was conducted at coastal inlands of Kattumavadi village of Puthukottai district, Tamilnadu during the monsoon season of 2017 to evaluate the cultivation potential of Salicornia brachiata Roxb. in coastal sandy loam soil supplemented with different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and halophytic compost (HC) irrigated with seawater. Observations recorded in the present study clearly indicated that supplemental fertilizers can play a vital role in the restoration of soil fertility, particularly in terms of available nitrogen and organic carbon in saline soils. HC treated plants showed increased biomass production (3240 Kg ha-1) at 60 DAP compared to control and other treatments. The application of FYM @ 2 ton ha-1 and HC @ 1 ton ha-1 significantly enhanced dry matter production and the proximate analysis exhibited less variation in total phenols and ascorbic acid with the increase in the rates of manure applications.

Integrated fertilizer application improves soil properties and maize (Zea mays L.) yield on Nitisols in Northwestern Ethiopia

Soil fertility depletion is emerging as a serious challenge causing low crop yields and food insecurity in Ethiopia. An on-farm experiment was conducted in 2017/2018 cropping season to investigate the effects of combined application of compost and mineral fertilizer on selected soil properties and maize yield in North-western Ethiopia. Treatments were factorial combinations of three rates of Urea/NPSB (0/0, 50/50 and 100/100 kg ha−1) and three rates of compost (0, 5 and 10 t ha−1). The field experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that combined application of compost and mineral fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available sulphur (AS) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to sole mineral fertilizer application and the control. On the other hand, there was significant (p < 0.01) decrease in soil bulk density. Plots amended with 10 t ha−1 compost and 100/100 kg ha−1 Urea/NPSB provided the highest maize dry biomass (18.62 t ha−1) and grain yield (6.07 t ha−1). Conversely, the lowest biomass (5.70 t ha−1) and grain (1.17 t ha−1) yields were obtained from the control. The partial budget analysis also showed that the highest net benefit (32700 Birr ha−1) was obtained from combined addition of organic and mineral fertilizer which was significantly higher than applying the highest rate of sole mineral fertilizer (27438 Birr ha−1), highest rate of sole compost (9011.3 Birr ha−1) and the control (7660 Birr ha−1). Therefore, we concluded that integrated fertilizer management improves soil properties and crop yield in the highlands of north-western Ethiopia.

Composting methods, temperature changes, microbial population and growth of marigold at different compost rates

Composting methods, temperature changes, microbial population and growth of marigold at different compost rates

Efficacy of Selected Crop Residues and Rock Phosphate in Improving the Quality of Cattle Manure

ABSTRACT Cattle manure (CM) is noted for its poor nutrient quality especially in Ghana where most cattle are fed on a free range. There is therefore a need to improve its quality since it is a vital nutrient resource for smallholder farmers. An experiment was thus carried out by composting cocoa pod husk (CPH), palm kernel cake (PKC) and rock phosphate (RP) to investigate their effectiveness for use as nutrient sources for improving the fertilizer value of cattle manure (CM). Four compost ratios (CM + PKC (3:1), CM + CPH (3:1), CM + RP (3:1) and CM + PKC + CPH + RP (3:1:1:1)) were formulated and replicated three times in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The findings showed that, addition of CPH, PKC and RP to CM improved the fertilizer value of cattle manure. The CM + PKC + CPH + RP (3:1:1:1) compost increased the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents of cattle manure by 73%, 145% and 50%, respectively and was therefore considered the most effective in enhancing the nutrient value of cattle manure. This compost was thus evaluated through field application to maize. The study also revealed that increasing the application rate of compost increased maize grain yields. Hence, cocoa pod husk, palm kernel cake and rock phosphate can be exploited for use as important resources for improving the fertilizer value of cattle manure.

Growth and Yield Production of Canola as Affected by Organic and Mineral Fertilizers Application under Drought Stress Conditions

Field experiment were carried out at the Research and Production Station of the National Research Centre, Nubaria region, Behiera Governorate, Egypt during 2019/2020 to study the effects of compost and zinc foliar application on growth and yield production of canola under drought condition. The water stress treatments (75 and 40% water holding capacity, WHC) occupied the main plots and compost treatments at the rates (0, 2, 4 and 6 ton fed-1) were allocated at random in the sub-plots with the foliar application of zinc at a rate of 0, 50 and 100 ppm. Data noticed that increase compost rate associated with increasing the SPAD red and RWC under both irrigation treatments where 75%WHC scored the highest values than 40 %WHC. Results indicated that increasing compost rates was associated with increasing of canola characters plant height, number of branch, number of pods and 1000 seeds weight as well as, seed yield, biological yield as affected by compost and zinc application rates and their interaction under normal and stress treatments. Also, data illustrated that stress tolerance indices (SSI, STI, GMP, YI, YSI, MP, TOL and HM) of canola as affected by water stress and Compost application and Zinc sulphate. Data indicated that the highest values were attained after application compost at a rate of 6.0 ton fed-1 with a foliar spray ZnSO4 at a rate of 100 ppm. Results concluded that, application of compost and zinc is important for enhancing the growth parameter and seed production of canola under water stress condition.

Integrated Use of Organic And Inorganic Fertilizers on Maize (Zea Mays L.) Yield and Soil Fertility in Andisols Soil of Sidama, Ethiopia

The study was carried out to determine the influence of organic and inorganic fertilizers on maize yield and soil fertility; to determine economically optimum organic and inorganic fertilizer combinations for maize production. The study was performed in a randomized complete block design consisting of 10 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were: Control, 100% of R-NP (138 N and 92 P), 100% of vermicompost,100% of conventional compost, 25% R-NP+75% of vermicompost, 50% of R-NP+50% of vermicompost, 75% of R-NP+25% of from vermicompost, 25% of R-NP+75% of conventional compost, 50% of R-NP+50% of conventional-compost, 75% of R-NP+25% of conventional-compost. All rates of vermicompost and conventional compost were applied based on N equivalence. Results indicate that applications of inorganic fertilizers with a combination of organic source fertilizers were increases maize yield and yield components and improve the nutrient status of the soil. The highest maize grain yield (7494.3 kg ha-1) and above-ground biomass yield (18718.0 kg ha-1) were obtained from the applications of 50% recommended NP fertilizer plus 50% vermicompost which is based on the recommended N equivalent respectively. Similarly, we found that a combination of both inorganic and organic fertilizers application also is the best strategy to improve major soil nutrients, maintain soil fertility. The economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit of (108,872.00 ETB ha-1) was obtained from the application of 50% recommended NP fertilizer plus 50% vermicompost based on the recommended N equivalence. Yet, the lowest yield and net benefit value were attained from the control or unfertilized plot. Therefore, this study suggests that an appropriate proportion of organic fertilizer with inorganic fertilizer not only for higher yield maize production with an assurance of potential economic returns to the small hold farmers but also improve and maintain the soil fertility and should be adopted with similar soil type and agro-ecologies.

ASSESSMENT OF EFFICIENCY OF COMPOST PREPARED FROM ANIMAL WASTE IN THE REDUCTION OF TOTAL PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON IN CRUDE OIL IMPACTED SOIL

The aim of this study was to investigate the potentials of composted animal waste in biodegradation of hydrocarbon in a cost-effective, efficient, and environmental-friendly manner. The contaminated soil sample was collected from Ojoo area in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Two different types of compost – sheep-waste-sawdust (SPW-SD) and goat-waste-sawdust (GTW-SD) were applied to a soil at a rate (0 g, 750 g, 450 g). The result depicted that the contaminated soil experienced an enhanced natural bioremediation due to the applied bioremediation agents and the contaminated soil treated with SPW-SD gave best results. Samples remediated with SPW-SD and GTW-SD showed a Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) removal efficiency of 55.4% and 7.9% respectively. Analysis showed that oil type, compost rate and period of application influenced the bioremediation process. From the results, composted organic waste application is a good and efficient way of remediating hydrocarbon impacted soil.

Effect of Integrated Use of Coffee Husk Compost and NPS Fertilizer on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffea arabica L&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;.) at Haru, Ethiopia

Integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers is the main sources for replenishing plant nutrients in agricultural soils. However, selecting the optimum combination of these resources based on soil type and crop species is necessary. In this context, field experiment was conducted at Haru research center to assess the effect of coffee husk Compost and NPS Fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and Yield of coffee in 2018/2019. The treatments were the different rates of both compost and NPS fertilizers laid out in randomized complete block design. The results of the study showed that combined application of coffee husk compost and NPS fertilizers were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control, while, bulk density was decreased below the control. Combined application of coffee husk compost at (7.5 t ha^-1) and mineral NPS fertilizer at (50 kg ha^-1) has better improved yield of coffee crop. The experimental yield of Manasibu variety for present study from the station was 1.59 t ha^-1. Therefore, based on the result of the study it can be concluded that under condition of low soil pH of study area the availability of essential nutrients (e.g. P, N, K, Ca, Mg, and Mo) are critically affected. This indicates that the strong acid pH values at Haru Research sub-center require more attention. Moreover, the low levels of CEC, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available P contents at study area soils confirm that soil fertility is among the constraints for sustainable coffee production in the Haru district. In response to this application of integrated NPS fertilizer and coffee husk compost with different rates improved soil physicochemical properties and coffee yield. The study recommended that the use of 7.5 t ha^-1 coffee husk compost and 50 kg ha^-1 of NPS fertilizer can be the best alternative integrated soil fertility management option in place of the sole application of inorganic fertilizers at study area tentatively. Nevertheless, in order to give conclusive recommendation further research studies are needed for more soil types and coffee crop varieties.

Impact of biochar and compost on aggregate stability in loamy sand soil

Biochar and compost are important organic amendments which act as cementing agents and increase the aggregate stability in the sandy soils. The main idea of this study was to investigate the impact of date palm waste biochar, compost and their mixture on soil aggregate stability at the rate of 1, 2, 3 and 4%. The objectives were to evaluate the changes in indicators of aggregates stability to water due to biochar, compost, and biochar-compost addition and to study the impact of biochar and compost on sandy soil erodibility. Water stable aggregates (WSA), macroaggregates (WSA>0.25), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD) and erodibility factor (Kerodibility) were measured and evaluated. The results showed that the indicators of WSA, WSA>0.25, MWD, GMD and Kerodibility were 76.35, 15.94%, 0.19, 0.39 mm and 0.09 for control (unamended soil), respectively. The WSA, WSA>0.25, MWD, GMD and Kerodibility were enhanced with different rates of biochar and compost. However, biochar exhibited a significant improvement in aggregate stability and their effect was slightly better than compost. Accordingly, biochar increased WSA (24.6-31%), WSA>0.25 (69.9-164.2%), MWD (57.5-121.6%), GMD (24-44.2%), and decreased Kerodibility (18.8-31.1%). Compost increased WSA (7.8-45.3%), WSA>0.25 (11.1-45.3%), MWD (9.7-36.5%), GMD (5.1-17.5%) and deceased Kerodibility (4.7-14.5%) compared with unamended soil. Therefore, the amendment materials reduced the soil erosion and led to increased aggregation stability against erodibility. The results of this study can be helpful in predicting the behavior of biochar and compost amendments towards aggregate stability in loamy sand soils.

Dry Matter Yield and Nutrient Uptakes of Wollega Coffee Seedlings as Influenced by Lime and Coffee Husk Compost Amendments at Western Ethiopia

Nursery experiment was conducted at Haru Agricultural Research Sub center of Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Western Ethiopia, to investigate dry matter yield and its nutrient uptake of Arabica coffee seedlings under different lime and coffee husk compost rates and establish optimum combination of these agricultural inputs that produce seedlings with better dry matter yield for field planting. The experiment included four levels of lime (0, 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 t ha-1) and coffee husk compost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1) and laid out in a factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Nutrient uptake and dry matter yield data of coffee seedlings were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS package and treatment means were compared at 0.05 probability using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that lime and coffee husk compost rates significantly (P < 0.01) affected NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedlings. The highest NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedling were obtained from the application of 15 t ha-1 coffee husk compost and combined lime and coffee husk compost at the modest levels of 3.2 t ha-1 lime and 10 t ha-1 coffee husk compost with a nonsignificant variation. From the study, it can be concluded that application of 15 t ha-1 coffee husk compost or combining 10 t ha-1 of coffee husk compost and 3.2 t ha-1 of agricultural lime could be a promising alternative amendment for acid soil management and production of vigorous Wollega coffee seedlings with high nutrient uptake and high dry matter yield in Haru areas, western Ethiopia.

YIELD OF TOMATO CROP IRRIGATED WITH UNTREATED INDUSTRIAL SEWAGE EFFLUENT AND REMEDIATED WITH POTASSIUM SILICATE AND COMPOST APPLICATIONS

An experiment was conducted for the two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 to investigate the deleterious effect of irrigating tomato plants with untreated industrial waste water and the possible ameliorating effects of compost and potassium silicate applications on the growth and production of the grown plants. Tomato seedlings of hybrid K186 were transplanted at the four-true leaf stage and irrigated with untreated waste effluent. Compost was applied during the soil preparation at rates of 0 (control), 10, 20, and 30 m3 /feddan. Potassium silicate was sprayed on the plants three times; at 20, 40 and 60 days after transplanting in the concentrations of 0 (control), 3, 4 and 5 cm3 /l. Results revealed that vegetative growth and fruit yield of treated plants were increased by increasing compost and potassium silicate rates compared by the control (without compost and potassium silicate).The interaction effect of the treatment showed an added effect of both treatments on all measured parameters. Plant length, number of leaves and number of branches increased as the application rate of compost and potassium silicate increased. Similarly, SPAD readings showed similar positive and significant trend. In the contrary, contents of Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd and Mnresponded negatively and significantly to the interaction effect of the treatments showing the highest effect with the treatment 5 cm3 potassium silicate associated with 30 m3 compost application compared to the control. Similar to the positive effect on vegetative growth, the positive additive effect of both treatments was clear on total fruit yield where the highest effect was recorded with the treatment combining the highest rate of application of both potassium silicate and compost. It could be concluded that potassium silicate and compost applications can ameliorate the harmful effects of heavy metals in the soil.

Ameliorative roles of compost on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) exposed to drought stress at vegetative and reproductive growth stages

Okra growth and yield are adversely affected by drought at different growth stages. This is aggravated by poor soil fertility. In this study, the roles of compost applied at 0, 5 and 10 t/ha on the tolerance and morpho-physiological response of okra (NHAe 47-4) exposed to varying levels of water stress (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% field capacity, FC), at different growth stages (vegetative, reproductive and vegetative-reproductive stages) for ten days duration were assessed. Data were collected on okra growth and yield, leaf relative water content (LRWC), leaf photosynthetic pigments (LPG) and proline accumulation. Results showed that drought stress reduced LRWC, LPG, growth and yield of Okra. This reduction was more evident in okra plants exposed to severe stress for 10 days and at the reproductive stage. Soil amendment with compost however, had cushioning effect on drought stressed okra. Compared to control, it increased the LRWC, LPG, growth and yield of okra. The ameliorative roles of compost were however, dependent on stress intensity, compost dosage, okra growth stage and stress duration. Though, okra plants stressed at 25% FC were more affected by drought stress, but compared to the un-amended soil, those grown on amended soil were more tolerant. Higher compost rate was superior to lower rates. Whereas, higher proline accumulation was recorded in plant exposed to 25% field capacity without amendment, proline accumulation was reduced in the plants grown on compost amended soil and exposed to drought which was an indication of stress reduction. Generally, okra stressed at vegetative growth stage only was able to recover rapidly and had better yield compared to those stressed at reproductive growth stage. It is concluded that addition of compost to soil could reduce the drought stress effect on okra.

VALORIZATION OF SIDA CORDIFOLIA L. BIOMASS IN COMPOST FOR PEARL MILLET (PENNISETUM GLAUCUM) PRODUCTION IN NIGER

Sida cordifolia L. (SC) is an invading species that represents a threat to grazing lands in Niger. In order to enhance this invasive species, we studied the use of this plant for compost-making. First, the study evaluated the development of chemical properties under aerobic composting of SC in pit (P) and in heap (H) composting with two different mixtures. Mixture 1 (M1) contained 75% SC, 20% manure and 5% ash, while mixture 2 (M2) contained 95% SC and 5% manure. Then, the phytotoxicity test of the composts obtained was carried out by evaluating the effects of four different concentrations of compost on germination of pearl millet. The study of the effect of the rates 1000 kg ha-1 and 1500 kg ha-1 (100g and 150 g hill-1) of the different composts on pearl millet yield under field conditions. The composting was undertaken at Molli fishery station and the agronomic tests at the N’Dounga experimental site during two seasons (2018 and 2019). The chemical analysis showed that the composts from M1 were richer in plant nutrients than the M2 composts. All four rates of composts gave germination rates beyond 50% independent of composting method or compost mixture. On both seasons, the 1000 kg ha-1 M1P gave the best result in terms of grain yield. In 2018, M1P treatment increased grain yield compared to the control by 652 kg ha-1 (105.2%), while in 2019, the corresponding yield increase was 812 kg ha-1 (118.02%). Application of 1000 kg M1 compost ha-1 corresponded to about 11.1 kg N ha-1, which is more than three times the amount of N applied when using the recommended rate of 20 kg NPK ha-1 as micro dosing. This result showed that compost of SC can be used as a supplement to mineral fertilizer for increasing pearl millet yield.

Feasibility of urban waste for constructing Technosols for plant growth

An alternative for sustainable urban development is to revegetate cities with the construction of planters as well as to recover degraded sites. The objective of this work was to characterize urban waste materials produced in Mexico City and to evaluate their potential for constructing Technosols for plant growth, as an alternative to use in revegetating the city without affecting natural landscapes. Construction and demolition waste materials amended with different application rates of compost made out of gardening wastes from Mexico City green areas were tested. Nine mixtures were prepared; three based on concrete, three based on demolition waste and three based on excavation waste. Changes on physical, chemical and physicochemical properties of these mixtures, namely nutrient contents, water retention and aeration capacity, were monitored in a twelve-month experiment. The mineralogy and the risk regarding the release of heavy metals and trace elements were also evaluated in the soluble fraction. The constructed Technosols were appropriate, to a greater or lesser extent, for tomato plant growth. Soil pH and soil electrical conductivity (EC) were the main factors defining their suitability; both parameters changed over time due to the washing of salts. The particle size of the mineral materials as well as the application rates of compost used in the construction of the Technosols resulted in adequate water holding capacity and soil aeration for plant growth. The type of parental materials defined the majority of the Technosol characteristics as well as their ability to function as a plant support. The concentrations of readily available heavy and trace metals were not a limitation for plant growth. However, potential co-transport of these elements with soluble organic matter should be considered in further research.

Modeling the combined impacts of deficit irrigation, rising temperature and compost application on wheat yield and water productivity

Limited water resources and climate change in arid and semi-arid regions have negative impacts on food and water security. Management of irrigation and compost may be used to tackle this issue. Crop models are the powerful tools that could predict grain yield (GY) and water productivity (WP) under a broad range of irrigation, compost and temperature interactions. In addition, modeling irrigation management requires the selection of the most suitable evapotranspiration (ET) approach to achieve robust simulations. To achieve this goal, two crop models in Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) (i.e. CERES-Wheat and N-Wheat), were calibrated and evaluated using a field dataset of three growing seasons in a high-temperate region in Egypt (Luxor). Then, the models were applied to explore GY and WP across a wide range of irrigation (11 options) and compost (8 rates) interactions using two ET routines such as Priestley-Taylor (PT) and FAO 56 Penman-Monteith (PM). The models were also used to predict (GY) and (WP) within the same range of irrigation and compost interactions at higher temperatures (i.e. +1,2,3 and 4) compared to the baseline outputs (1981–2010). Simulation results showed that, deficit irrigation up to 80% and 85% from soil available water achieved the highest values of GY (7.5 t ha-1) and WP (18.4 kg ha-1 mm-1) respectively, provided that using higher rate of compost (12 t ha-1). Rising temperature up to 4 °C decreased GY and WP by 17.2% and 7.4% respectively relative to the baseline without any benefits from compost. Compost technology does not help offset the negative impacts of temperature, but increased yield reduction and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Higher compost rates may be used to mitigate the effect of deficit irrigation on wheat yield and water productivity, but not compatible with mitigation of climate change in arid and semi-arid regions.

Plastic in compost: Prevalence and potential input into agricultural and horticultural soils

To maintain and improve soil fertility, compost application is a widely recommended practice. We hypothesized that this practice is, however, also a main entry path for plastic into soil. Hence, we i) quantified the prevalence of plastic in eight composts from different composting plants and hardware stores to derive estimations about related plastic inputs into soil, and ii) characterized the properties of these plastic residues in regard to size and shape for further risk assessment. Plastic remains were analyzed via density separation (ZnCl2) and light microscopy. Testing this method recovered 80 ± 29% of spiked plastic items. Applying this method revealed that all composts contained plastic particles in detectable amounts, with contents ranging from 12 ± 8 to 46 ± 8 particles kg−1, corresponding to calculated plastic weights of 0.05 ± 0.08 to 1.36 ± 0.59 g kg−1. Because of this high variability, an a-priori discrimination of plastic loads between compost types cannot be achieved. Upscaling these loads to common recommendations in composting practice, which range from 7 to 35 t compost ha−1, suggest that compost application to agricultural fields goes along with plastic loads of 84,000 to 1,610,000 plastic items ha−1 per year (a), respectively, amounting to 0.34 to 47.53 kg plastic ha−1 a−1. Large potential inputs should thus also occur for horticultural soils, where application rates of compost usually vary between 6.48 and 19.44 t ha−1, therewith resulting in a minimum plastic contamination of 77,770 plastic items and 0.31 kg plastic ha−1 a−1, but a maximum amount of up to 894,240 plastic items and 26.4 kg plastic ha−1 a−1. We conclude that compost application must be considered as potential source of plastic for both agricultural and horticultural soils, and technical solutions are needed to minimize these contamination risks while continuing this practice as important option to secure soil health.

Growth, Yield, Nodulation and Amino Acid Content of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) under Inorganic and Organic Fertilizer Application

Background: Bambara groundnut is an edible legume which is highly nutritious. This study was carried out to find the effect of inorganic and organic fertilizer on the growth, nodulation, nitrogen yield and nutritional composition of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea). Methods: During the period of 2018, a glasshouse experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) at Ladang 15, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Different rates of compost, biofertilizer, gypsum were used along with the combination of different rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer. The amino acid content of the seed was measured by HPLC.Result: N and P fertilizer were found to play a dominating role in increasing the vegetative growth and yield of the plant. Plant height (21.73 cm), leaf area (2802.9 cm2) and the number of the pods per plant (41.75) increased with the application of N and P. Application of N30P60 kg/ha influenced nodule number (35.50) of the plant. Lysine content in seed was 6.03 mg/kg at T1 (N30P60 kg/ha) whereas 5.13 mg/kg was recorded at T7 (compost 10 t/ha). The application of N30P60 kg/ha has increased the growth, yield, nodulation and amino acid content of bambara groundnut.

Response of Hot Pepper Plants (Capsicum frutescens L.) to Compost and some Foliar Application Treatments

There is a general trend of using natural plant extracts and bio substances with organic fertilizers for improving plant growth. So, our study aims to investigate the influence of plant compost (plant residues) and foliar spraying with some stimulants on enhancing growth performance, chlorophyll content, fruit yield and quality of hot pepper plants (Capsicum frutescens L.)CV Sina Hot.For this purpose, a field trial was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agricultural, Mansoura University during the summer season of 2020. The used experimental design is a split-plot design with three replicates included four compost rates i.e. control (without compost addition), 5, 10 and 15 m3 compost fed-1 are arranged in main plots and four foliar applications i.e. tap water (control), seaweed extract at 0.5 gL-1, yeast extract at 5 gL-1 and liquorice extract at 10 gL-1 are arranged in subplots. Findings show that all growth parameters i.e. plant height (cm), No. of leaves plant-1,leaf area (cm2 plant-1), fresh and dry weights (g plant-1),chlorophyll content i.e. Chl a, Chl b and Chl a+b (mg g-1 F.W), fruit yield i.e. average fruit weight (g), No. of fruits plant-1 and total yield (metric ton fed-1) and fruit quality parameters i.e. phenol and vitamin C (mg 100g-1), carotene (mg g-1 F.W), dry mater, TSS, N, P, K (%) and Fe (mg kg-1) of hot pepper plants significantly increase with the increase of added compost rate. Also, among the stimulants, it was found that 'seaweed extract ' is the best one. The yeast extract comes in the second-order followed by liquorice extract and lately tap water (control).

Effects of organic compost, gypsum, and topdress sulfur rates on bioactive compounds and physicochemical characteristics of collard greens

This study evaluates the use of sulfur, gypsum, and organic compost as to their effects on bioactive compounds and physicochemical characteristics of collard greens. Twelve treatments were assessed in randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme, where the main plots received three types of soil amendments (preplanting incorporation of organic compost; gypsum; and organic compost + gypsum), and the subplots received four rates of topdress-applied sulfur (0; 80; 160; and 240 kg ha-1 of S). Flavonoid bioactive compounds, total antioxidant activity, and total phenolic compounds were evaluated. The physicochemical characteristics assessed were: reducing sugars, total sugars, sucrose, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, fiber, protein, pigments (chlorophyll a, b, anthocyanins, and total carotenoids), and the relative chlorophyll index (SPAD index). The treatment whose soil was prepared with organic compost and a topdressing of sulfur from ammonium sulfate increased the flavonoid content in the collard plants. Gypsum application to soil increased the antioxidant activity in the collard leaves but, when combined with organic compost, it decreased the levels of phenolic compounds thereof. The rates of topdress-applied sulfur and the use of organic compost or gypsum in the soil, or the combination of both methods, did not affect the physicochemical characteristics and the pigments of commercial collard leaves. The use of organic compost combined with gypsum during soil preparation decreased the SPAD index in commercial collard leaves. The rates of topdress-applied sulfur showed no influence on the SPAD index in commercial collard leaves.