Application Of Composted Manure Research Articles

Analysis of Melon Growth Due to Application of Silver Black Plastic Mulch and Cow Manure Compost

Melon is a short-lived dicot, that growing up on the ground or on bamboo stakes. Vegetative growth and melon production rate are influenced by internal and external factors. Research has been carried out on the analysis of melon growth due to the application of silver black plastic mulch and cow manure compost in 2023. This study aims to analyze the effect of application of silver black plastic mulch on melon growth; application of cow manure compost on melon growth; interaction of application of silver black plastic mulch and cow manure compost on melon growth. The study was designed in two factors, namely the application of silver black plastic mulch as the first factor and the dosage of cow manure compost as the second factor. The results of the study were: there was an increase in plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and width of melon leaves due to application of silver black plastic mulch; there was an increase in plant height, number of leaves, length of melon leaves due to application of cow manure compost, but the application cow manure compost did not increase the length of melon leaves; there was no increase in all growth parameters measured due to the interaction of silver black plastic mulch and cow manure compost application

Effects of cattle manure compost application on crop growth and soil-to-crop transfer of cesium in a physically radionuclide-decontaminated field

Resuming crop production in physically decontaminated fields affected by radiocesium (134Cs and 137Cs) releases is crucial for restoring impacted areas. However, surface soil excavation to reduce radiocesium may lead to lower crop yield due to the loss of fertile topsoil. This study aimed to assess the effects of cattle manure compost (CMC) application on soil properties, crop growth, and 137Cs soil-to-crop transfer in a physically decontaminated field and pot experiment. Field trials were conducted during 2018–2022, with CMC (1 and 2 kg m−2 year−1) applied alongside conventional fertilization (CMC1 and CMC2 plots, respectively) in 2018–2019 and conventional fertilization alone in 2020–2022. Additionally, a pot experiment was used to evaluate the impact of CMC application in soil (1 kg m−2 year−1 for 5 years) on 137Cs transfer. In the field trial during 2018–2019, CMC1 and CMC2 plots exhibited higher soybean shoot dry weight (DW) compared with plots receiving conventional fertilization and additional K fertilizer (+K2O). CMC application also improved soil nutrient content. The transfer factor of 137Cs (TF-137Cs: plant 137Cs activity concentration/soil 137Cs activity concentration) followed the order CMC2 < CMC1 ≈ +K2O < conventional fertilization only (CF) and was negatively correlated with soil exchangeable K (Ex-K). During 2020–2022, when all plots received conventional fertilization alone, grain yields were higher in CMC1 and CMC2 plots than in the +K2O plot, with the lowest TF-137Cs in CMC2 plot followed by CMC1, +K2O, and CF plots. The pot experiment confirmed that CMC soil had a lower TF-137Cs and higher plant DW compared with CF soil with the same Ex-K level. Additionally, the soil exchangeable 137Cs (Ex-137Cs) level was significantly lower in CMC soil than CF soil. These findings demonstrate the potential of CMC application to improve crop growth and reduce 137Cs transfer in physically decontaminated fields.

USE OF CYTOKININS AND COMPOSTING TO IMPROVE THE AGRONOMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF CAIGUA (CYCLANTHERA PEDATA L.)

The scarcity of nutrients and synthetic fertilizers reduced crop productivity, increasing production costs and prompting scientists to seek new technologies to ensure high-quality output. In this context, using cytokinins with organic fertilizers ensued to assess their effects on caigua (Cyclanthera pedata L.) production. For this purpose, land preparation for planting comprised two levels of cytokinins (100 and 150 ml, Anthesis Plus per 200 L of water) and organic compost at 10 t/ha, then spread across the land. Results showed that adding cytokinins and compost manure, alone and in combination, significantly improved the agronomic and physiological characteristics of caigua. However, the combined application of compost manure and cytokinins dramatically enriched the caigua plant length, diameter, fruits per plant, and fruit dry and fresh weight per plant up to 85.0%, 46.9%, 81.8%, 80.6%, and 83.2%, respectively, in comparison with the control treatment. Similarly, chlorophyll contents, quantum yield, photosynthetically active radiation, fluorescence yield, and electron transport reaction increased at 68.8%, 66.4%, 79.2%, 51.1%, and 74.0%, respectively, with combined application as compared with control. Furthermore, the co-addition of composting and cytokinins also upgraded the biochemical composition versus the control. The presented results suggested that applying a mixture of compost manure and cytokinins may help enhance caigua plant growth, yield, and quality and improve soil characteristics.

Adaptations of Potential Nitrogenase Activity and Microbiota with Long-Term Application of Manure Compost to Paddy Soil

Biological nitrogen fixation complements nitrogen from fertilizers in crop plants under natural conditions. It also contributes to the reduction in chemical fertilizer (CF) utilization in cultivated lands, which fits the concept of sustainable agriculture. From this viewpoint, however, it is still unknown in paddy fields how soil bacterial nitrogenase and microbiota are affected by applied materials in the soil. Therefore, in this study, the effects of long-term material applications on potential nitrogenase activity and the microbiota of soil bacteria were investigated. The nitrogenase activity tended to be higher in manure compost (MC)-applied soils than in CF-applied soils in both summer and winter. Soil bacterial alpha diversity increased whereas soil ammonia availability decreased with the MC application. The dynamic response of soil bacterial microbiota was caused by the MC application. The abundance of Nitrospira, a class of ammonia and nitrite oxidation bacteria, was lower and the abundance of alpha-Proteobacteria was higher in the MC-applied soils than in the CF-applied soils. These results suggest that the alpha diversity increase and restricted availability of NH3-N might contribute to the increase in potential nitrogenase activity in the long-term MC-applied soils.

Effect of composted pig manure, biochar, and their combination on antibiotic resistome dissipation in swine wastewater-treated soil

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), owing to irrigation using untreated swine wastewater, in vegetable-cultivated soils around swine farms poses severe threats to human health. Furthermore, at the field scale, the remediation of such soils is still challenging. Therefore, here, we performed field-scale experiments involving the cultivation of Brassica pekinensis in a swine wastewater-treated soil amended with composted pig manure, biochar, or their combination. Specifically, the ARG and mobile genetic element (MGE) profiles of bulk soil (BS), rhizosphere soil (RS), and root endophyte (RE) samples were examined using high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In total, 117 ARGs and 22 MGEs were detected. Moreover, we observed that soil amendment using composted pig manure, biochar, or their combination decreased the absolute abundance of ARGs in BS and RE after 90 days of treatment. However, the decrease in the abundance of ARGs in RS was not significant. We also observed that the manure and biochar co-application showed a minimal synergistic effect. To clarify this observation, we performed network and Spearman correlation analyses and used structure equation models to explore the correlations among ARGs, MGEs, bacterial composition, and soil properties. The results revealed that the soil amendments reduced the abundances of MGEs and potential ARG-carrying bacteria. Additionally, weakened horizontal gene transfer was responsible for the dissipation of ARGs. Thus, our results indicate that composted manure application, with or without biochar, is a useful strategy for soil nutrient supplementation and alleviating farmland ARG pollution, providing a justification for using an alternative to the common agricultural practice of treating the soil using only untreated swine wastewater. Additionally, our results are important in the context of soil health for sustainable agriculture.

PENGGUNAAN BERBAGAI KOMPOS KOTORAN TERNAK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN Pennisetum purpureum cv. Pakchong

Manure derived from cattle, chickens, and goats can be used as compost and has different nutrient content. The application of manure compost can improve soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties and thus increase plant growth and productivity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various manure compost (cow, chicken, and goat) on the growth of elephant grass cv Pakchong (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Pakchong). The design used was a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatment is fertilizing using compost, namely P0= without compost, P1=cow manure compost, P2=chicken manure compost, and P3=goat manure compost. The observed variables were plant height, the number of leaves and tiller, and the dry weight of the leaves stem shoots and roots. The results showed that the use of manure compost had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on increasing the growth of elephant grass cv. Pakchong. Chicken manure compost produces the best growth of elephant grass cv. Pakchong which is seen from the plant height, the number of leaves and tiller, and the dry weight of the leaves, stems, and shoots.

Compost amendment maintains soil structure and carbon storage by increasing available carbon and microbial biomass in agricultural soil – A six-year field study

Soil organic amendments in agricultural production can benefit crop production and a wide range of soil properties, including soil aggregation. Soil aggregate formation is largely driven by microbial activities, and can in-turn influence microbial communities by generating distinct microbial habitats, as well as associated impacts on water and nutrient dynamics. We investigated the long-term effects of two fertilizer management strategies (poultry manure compost vs. mineral fertilizer) and biochar amendment (0 vs. 10 t ha−1 walnut shell biochar, 900 °C pyrolysis temperature, by-product of gasification) on soil aggregation, soil organic C, and microbial community dynamics in water-stable aggregate fractions in corn-tomato rotations. Using wet-sieving, soils (0–15 cm) were divided into four size fractions: large macroaggregates (2000–8000 μm), small macroaggregates (250–2000 μm), microaggregates (53–250 μm) and silt and clay (<53 μm) for calculation of mean weight diameter in both 2014 and 2018. The total C and microbial community composition and abundance within each fraction were evaluated in 2018. Across all treatments, six years of continuous compost application maintained soil aggregate stability and C storage by increasing soil microbial biomass and associated dissolved organic C. Bacterial and fungal populations under compost treatments were significantly higher than under mineral fertilizer treatments based on 16S rRNA gene copy number and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) abundance, which likely contributed to the formation and maintenance of macroaggregates in compost treatments. Interestingly, continuous application of manure compost may increase microbial available C sources by increasing the abundance of bacteria with the potential to degrade aromatic C as predicted from 16S sequences. Soil under the mineral fertilizer treatment showed decreases in the proportion of large macroaggregates, bulk soil C, and aggregate-associated C storage compared to the compost treatment. The application of highly recalcitrant walnut shell biochar had limited long-term impacts on soil aggregation and C dynamics, likely due to its lack of microbially-available C and limited interaction with the soil environment. Our results indicate that continuous compost inputs maintained soil structure and associated physical stabilization of SOM by enlarging soil microbial available C pool, higher soil microbial biomass, and increasing aggregate formation. The soil aggregate structure, in-turn, generated diverse habitats and altered soil microbial communities. Compost inputs, in addition to or in partial replacement of mineral fertilizer inputs, can provide valuable microbial-driven ecosystem services, such as carbon storage and soil structure, while still providing fertility for crop growth.

Combined effects of ferrihydrite coating and ionic type on the transport of compost-derived dissolved organic matter in saturated porous media

Field application of manure compost introduces a large quantity of dissolved organic matter (DOM), which can affect the migration of DOM-associated contaminants. In this study, the transport of humic acid (HA) and compost-derived dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in two porous media under various conditions, including ionic types, ionic strength, and influent concentrations, were investigated by column experiments and modeling analysis. Increasing Na+ concentration did not affect the transport of CDOM and HA in quartz sands, but inhibited CDOM transport in ferrihydrite (Fh)-coated sands. The retention recoveries of CDOM in Fh-coated sands were not changed with increasing NaCl concentration, suggesting that the adsorption of CDOM on Fh-coated sands caused by increasing NaCl concentration was a reversible process. Ca2+ could reduce the mobility of CDOM and HA through bridge bonding and electrostatic interaction. CDOM had a higher mobility than HA in quartz sands under CaCl2 conditions because the aggregation stability of CDOM was stronger than that of HA. The ferrihydrite coating increased the roughness of sand surface, resulting in lower mobility of CDOM in the Fh-coated sands than in quartz sands. A part of CDOM adsorbed onto Fh-coated sand was strongly bound through ligand exchange-surface complexation. The pore volume of CDOM required to saturate adsorption sites onto the Fh-coated sand depends on the influent CDOM concentration. The influent CDOM with higher concentration required less pore volume to achieve adsorption equilibrium. Modeling analysis suggested that the types of deposition sites provided by Fh-coated sand are mainly irreversible sites. Our findings demonstrated that CDOM transport in the sand columns may change the porous medium's physicochemical properties and alter the hydrochemistry conditions. Therefore, these factors mentioned above should not be ignored when evaluating the environmental risks of CDOM.

EFFECT OF THE COMBINED APPLICATION OF MANURE COMPOST AND Trichoderma sp. ON PRODUCTION PARAMETERS AND STEM ROT DISEASE INCIDENCE OF SHALLOT

Manure compost is a type of organic fertilizer derived from animal feces. Even though compost has a slow-release nature, it can be a good alternative to chemical fertilizers. The addition of Trichoderma sp. as a decomposer microorganism can accelerate nutrient availability. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combined application of different types of manure compost and doses of Trichoderma sp. on the growth performance, yield as well as stem rot disease incidence of shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum). The study was carried out using a split-plot design (P 0.05) with the types of manure compost as the main plot with five levels (no compost, cattle manure, chicken manure, goat manure, and petrogenic compost), and different doses of Trichoderma as subplots with three levels (no Trichoderma, 200 kg ha-1, and 400 kg ha-1). In general, the combined application of manure compost and Trichoderma significantly increased growth performance and yield of shallot compared to no compost (B0) and Trichoderma (T0). However, no differences were observed between manure compost and the addition of Trichoderma. Growth performance of shallots grown in soil amended with cattle manure compost was better compared to the other treatments. The use of 5 t ha-1 cattle manure compost combined with 400 kg ha-1 Trichoderma increased yield by 10.02 t ha-1 and reduced stem rot diseases incidence by 0.67%.

Influence of Manure Application on the Soil Bacterial Microbiome in Integrated Crop-Livestock Farms in Maryland.

As a traditional agricultural system, integrated crop-livestock farms (ICLFs) involve the production of animals and crops in a shared environment. The ICLFs in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States practice sustainable manure aging or composting processes to provide an on-farm source of soil amendment for use as natural fertilizer and soil conditioner for crop production. However, crop fertilization by soil incorporation of aged manure or compost may introduce different microbes and alter the soil microbial community. The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of aged or composted manure application on the diversity of soil bacterial community in ICLFs. Soil samples from six ICLFs in Maryland were collected before (pre-crop) and during the season (2020–2021) and used to analyze soil bacterial microbiome by 16S rDNA sequencing. Results showed that both phylum- and genus-level alterations of soil bacterial communities were associated with amendment of aged or composted manure. Particularly, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were enriched, while Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi were reduced after manure product application. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of Bacillus was decreased, while two zoonotic pathogens, Salmonella and Listeria, were enriched by manure amendments. Overall, animal manure amendment of soil increased the phylogenetic diversity, but reduced the richness and evenness of the soil bacterial communities. Although manure composting management in ICLFs benefits agricultural sustainable production, the amendments altered the soil bacterial communities and were associated with the finding of two major zoonotic bacterial pathogens, which raises the possibility of their potential transfer to fresh horticultural produce crops that may be produced on the manured soils and then subsequently consumed without cooking.

Multiple driving factors contribute to the variations of typical antibiotic resistance genes in different parts of soil-lettuce system

The application of manure compost may cause the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agroecological environment, which poses a global threat to public health. However, the driving factors for the transmission of ARGs from animal manure to agroecological systems remains poorly understood. Here, we explored the spatiotemporal variation in ARG abundance and bacterial community composition as well as relative driving factors in a soil-lettuce system amended with swine manure compost. The results showed that ARGs abundance had different variation trends in soil, lettuce phylloplane and endophyere after the application of swine manure compost. The temporal variations of total ARGs abundance had no significant different in soil and lettuce phylloplane, while lettuce endosphere enriched half of ARGs to the highest level at harvest. There was a significant linear correlation between ARGs and integrase genes (IGs). In contrast to the ARGs variation trend, the alpha diversity of soil and phylloplane bacteria showed increasing trends over planting time, and endosphere bacteria remained stable. Correlation analysis showed no identical ARG-related genera in the three parts, but the shared Proteobacteria, Pseudomonas, Halomonas and Chelativorans, from manure compost dominated ARG profile in the soil-lettuce system. Moreover, redundancy analysis and structural equation modelling showed the variations of ARGs may have resulted from the combination of multiple driving factors in soil-lettuce system. ARGs in soil were more affected by the IGs, antibiotic and heavy metals, and bacterial community structure and IGs were the major influencing factors of ARG profiles in the lettuce. The study provided insight into the multiple driving factors contribute to the variations of typical ARGs in different parts of soil-lettuce system, which was conducive to the risk assessment of ARGs in agroecosystem and the development of effective prevention and control measures for ARGs spread in the environment.

Effect of Horse Manure Compost Application Levels on the Forage Productivity of Italian Ryegrass and Volcanic Ash Soil Characteristics

Effect of Horse Manure Compost Application Levels on the Forage Productivity of Italian Ryegrass and Volcanic Ash Soil Characteristics

Variable impact of compost on phosphorus dynamics in organic dryland soils following a one‐time application

AbstractProlonged benefits following a single application of compost in organic dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the western United States have been documented, including the long‐term bioavailability of phosphorus (P). Information on the bioavailability and forms of P following a one‐time compost application in marginal organic agroecosystems with low and infrequent use of fertilizers is required to promote sustainability. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in Hedley P pools following a one‐time application of manure compost and its potential influence on short‐term (3‐yr) P bioavailability. Steer manure compost at 0, 25, and 50 Mg dry weight ha–1 was applied to two organic dryland sites, Snowville and Blue Creek, with contrasting soil characteristics in northern Utah in a randomized complete block design. Potential phosphatase assays, a laboratory aerobic incubation study, and soil P fractionations were carried out to assess the transformation of P 1 and 3 yr after a one‐time compost application. At 0–10 cm, compost application resulted in increased acid phosphatase at Snowville (67.3 vs. 42.7 μg p‐nitrophenol g–1 soil, p = .003), while alkaline phosphatase increased at Blue Creek (124 vs. 49 μg p‐nitrophenol g–1 soil, p = .0185). The path coefficient between compost P and Hedley labile inorganic P was significant at Snowville, but not at Blue Creek, suggesting that the pathways of P differed between the sites. The Hedley stable P pool was a sink of compost P at Snowville but a source at Blue Creek. In conclusion, our work shows that a one‐time compost application had a differential effect on the variation in P dynamics in organic dryland winter wheat–fallow soils. The potential long‐term benefits may be greater in semiarid soils with lower available P levels, higher carbonate levels and pH, and drier conditions.

Soil Nitrogen Fertility and Soybean Growth Responses to No-tillage and Manure Compost Application on Paddy-upland Rotation Fields

ABSTRACT With the continuance of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cropping on drained paddy soil in Japan, countermeasures against decreasing trend of the available nitrogen (N) are needed. We determined the effect of no-tillage (NT) soybean cropping with manure compost (MC) application on soil N availability and soybean growth under a rice (Oryza sativa L.) -wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) -soybean rotation on a drained paddy field in central Japan. NT significantly increased available N in surface soil after soybean harvest relative to conventional tillage (CT). Application of 2 kg MC m−2 before wheat sowing significantly increased available N just before soybean sowing. Tillage and MC treatments did not affect the ureide-N content in the stem of soybean, which reflects activities of N2 fixation at R6. The effect of NT on nitrate-N in the stem was not clear, but MC application significantly increased the content. NT and MC application significantly increased soybean aboveground biomass at R6, when biomass was maximum. The results indicate that MC application increased the soil N availability, and a higher nitrate uptake increased the aboveground biomass. In NT, however, the relationship between aboveground biomass and N assimilation was not clear. The seed yields were 313–330 g m−2 in 2014 and 213–244 g m−2 in 2015, and the difference among tillage and MC treatments were not statistically significant. Our results indicate that NT soybean cropping with MC application maintained N availability in paddy-upland rotation fields. MC application before wheat sowing is recommended.

Effects of Horse Manure Compost Application Level on the Productivity of Italian Ryegrass and Soil Nitrate Leaching

Effects of Horse Manure Compost Application Level on the Productivity of Italian Ryegrass and Soil Nitrate Leaching

The effects of fertilization treatments and cropping systems on long-term dynamics and spectroscopic characteristics of dissolved organic matter in paddy soil

ABSTRACT We investigated a series of long-term soil samples (1976–2015) collected from a paddy field that underwent a conversion of cropping systems from double cropping to single cropping in 1991, with consistently different fertilization treatments. The fertilization treatments include (i) chemical fertilizer, (ii) chemical fertilizer + rice straw, (iii) chemical fertilizer + cattle manure compost, and (iv) chemical fertilizer + rice straw + fused phosphate + calcium silicate. We extracted dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the soil samples and analyzed it for the concentration of humic substances as well as for optical properties using ultraviolet-visible and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy. Different fertilization treatments did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect DOM and humic substance concentrations, while the soil total carbon (TC) content and DOM concentration consistently increased in the double cropping system and decreased in the single cropping system. The DOM/TC ratio, which is an indicator of the proportion of the labile fraction in TC pool, also showed a similar pattern. These results indicate that cropping systems had a larger effect on DOM concentration than the fertilization treatments. Five fluorescent components identified by parallel factor analysis of EEMs (three humic-like and two protein-like components) showed significant differences in the relative abundances under the different fertilization treatments. The manure compost application resulted in a higher tyrosine-like component relative abundance than the other chemical fertilizer applications. Overall, fertilization affected the DOM composition, while the cropping systems impacted both the concentration and spectroscopic property of paddy soil DOM.

Soil Conservation and Water–Resources Management Techniques used by Small- Scale Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

he study assessed s soil conservation and water – resources management techniques among small- scale rice farmers in Ebonyi State. A sample of 130 respondents generated via multi- stage, purposive and simple random methods were used. Data were generated through questionnaire and interview schedule and analysed using percentage and mean. Results, showed the indigenous methods for soil and water- resources management used by the rice farmers to include: construction of basin and flow walls ( x= 92.3%), construction of dikes (x = 84.6%), ration- harvesting (x = 73%), and compost- manuring ( x= 69%).Other indigenous methods used include: use of IPM ( = 65.4%), shifting cultivation and planting of trees ( x= 61.5%), crop rotation(x = 57.7%) and Mixed cropping ( = 50.0%). Results on level of use of the Agronomical Best Environmental Management Practices (ABEMPs) through physical measures indicated that construction of bund- lines ( x= 3.23) and farm- drainage ( x= 3.00) were at high level of use, while levelling (x = 2.96), dikes (x = 2.77), stone- lines (x = 2.39), terracing ( x= 2.15) were at moderate level of use and plastic mulching (x = 1.85) was at low level of use. Equally, for biological measures mixed- cropping ( = 3.08) was at high level of use, while crop- rotation (x = 2.80), planting of trees (x = 2.62) and fallowcover (x = 2.23) were at moderate level of use and incorporation of residues (x = 1.92) was at low level of use. On the Best Agronomic Practice measures, results showed conservation tillage and liming (x = 3.00) were respectively at high level of use, while mount- making / ridging (x = 2.92), application of compost manure (x = 2.62), use of IPM (2.62) and application of cow dung and poultry droppings (x = 2.50) were at moderate level of use, while irrigation ( x= 1.77) and zero tillage (x = 1.23) were at low level of use respectively. The indigenous and ABEMPs methods are geared towards stable renewable resource use through sustainable (soil and water- resources) management techniques. There should be enhanced farmer–scientist research collaboration to develop soil and water- resource management techniques for more sustainable for rice production in the study area.Key Words: Indigenous ABEMPs, soil and water- resources, rice farmers.

Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Transformations under Soybean as Influenced by Organic Farming

Organic farming significantly increased or improved many soil properties, including the mean weight diameter of aggregates, soil organic matter, available N, soil microbial diversity, and soil C and N transformation rates. Soybean yield was also 13.7 % greater in the organic farming treatment than in conventional farming treatment. Organic farming increased soil Cu and Ni; however, their concentrations were still less than the allowable limits for organic production. Organic farming with composted manure application improved soil properties and altered the structure and function of the microbial community. The &lt;0.25‐mm aggregate fraction had a major influence on microbially mediated C and N transformations and soybean yield. Organic farmers use natural inputs and ecological principles to produce crops in ways that protect soil, the environment, and human health. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) how organic farming with composted manure application affects soil properties under soybean and (ii) how soil C and N transformations in this system are related to soil microbial community structure, soil nutrient and heavy metal content, and soybean yield and quality. The results showed that three years of organic farming promoted soil aggregation and significantly increased aggregate associated C and N concentrations by 11.7 to 24.1% and 9.4 to 17.0%, respectively. Microbial biomass and species diversity (i.e., Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou indexes) were significantly greater in the organic farming than in the conventional farming. Organic farming also increased soil respiration by 56%, nitrification by 51%, and dentrification by 75%. Soybean yield was 13.7% in the organic farming than in conventional farming. Organic farming increased soil Cu and Ni; however, their concentrations were still less than the allowable limits for organic production. Redundancy analysis indicated that the increases in soil nutrient content, heavy metal content, and soybean yield in the organic farming were closely linked with C and N concentrations in the &lt;0.25‐mm size fraction. In summary, organic farming with composted manure application improved soil properties and altered the structure and function of the microbial community. The &lt;0.25‐mm aggregate fraction had a major influence on microbially mediated C and N transformations and soybean yield.

Variation in Soil Chemical and Microbiological Properties as a Result of Yearly Amendment with Organic Fertilizer

Millions of organic fertilizers are produced annually all over the world. Substantial quantities of these were crop residues and the remaining being animal waste based. Meanwhile maintaining and improving soil fertility in the tropic is essential for increasing food production for rapidly expanding the population. This project work, therefore, investigated the variation in soil chemical and microbiological properties as a result of yearly amendment with compost. The experimental site was the Organic Agricultural Farm located within the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Soil samples were collected between 0 – 15 cm depth using soil auger and the samples were analyzed for the following soil parameters; total viable counts, total fungal counts, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, percentage organic carbon, microarthropod counts and earthworm counts. The experiment was a split-plot design using 2 varieties of tomato x 3 levels of compost and two durations of application. The variations include one improved variety (UCB 8) and a local variety (Beske), rate of compost – (0, 10, and 20) kg/ha and years of application (one and two years). Results generally showed that: duration has a significant effect on viable counts, microarthropod counts, microbial biomass P, microbial biomass C and percentage organic carbon but has no significant effect on fungal counts, microbial biomass nitrogen, and earthworm counts. The results indicate that application of compost manure is the preferred option to enhance SOM accumulation, improve soil fertility and quality, and increase tomato yield.

Composted manure application promotes long‐term invasion of semi‐arid rangeland by Bromus tectorum

AbstractNutrient‐rich organic waste derived from sewage treatment facilities or livestock manure is often applied to rangelands of western North America to increase soil fertility, forage production, forage quality, and soil carbon storage. This practice can have a number of undesirable side effects, however, including plant invasion. While characteristics of both rangeland ecosystems and invasive plants suggest that organic waste application might often promote invasion, results to date are mixed, perhaps due in part to the paucity of long‐term studies. Here, we describe the long‐term (22 yr) effects of three types of organic waste—composted biosolids, composted cattle manure, and fresh cattle manure—on plant productivity and invasion in native mixed‐grass prairie. Although composted manure and biosolids increased plant productivity and forage quality in the second year of the study, these effects did not persist. In contrast, Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), which invaded the study site over the course of the experiment, was strongly facilitated by composted manure addition, with particularly large effects observed in years 17 and 22. These results show that nutrient‐rich organic waste can favor invasive species even in the relatively invasion‐resistant grasslands of the western Great Plains. They also demonstrate that effects of organic waste on invasion can become apparent quite gradually and persist for decades following the initial organic waste application. Together, results from experimental additions of organic and inorganic nutrients to native rangelands suggest that the risk of promoting invasive species is significant, and should be considered in programs that apply organic waste to rangelands of western North America.