Compost Rates Research Articles

Importance of Application Rates of Compost and Biochar on Soil Metal(Loid) Immobilization and Plant Growth.

In this study, we investigated the effect of different rates of compost (20%, 40%, 60% w/w) in combination with biochar (0%, 2%, 6% w/w) on soil physiochemical properties and the mobility of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), in addition to the ability of Arabidopsis thaliana (ecotype Columbia-0) to grow and accumulate metal(loid)s. All modalities improved pH and electrical conductivity, stabilized Pb and mobilized As, but only the mixture of 20% compost and 6% biochar improved plant growth. Plants in all modalities showed a significant reduction in root and shoot Pb concentrations compared to the non-amended technosol. In contrast, As shoot concentration was significantly lower for plants in all modalities (except with 20% compost only) compared to non-amended technosol. For root As, plants in all modalities showed a significant reduction except for the mixture of 20% compost and 6% biochar. Overall, our results indicate that the mixture of 20% compost with 6% biochar emerged as the optimum combination for improving plant growth and As uptake, making it the possible optimum combination for enhancing the efficiency of land reclamation strategies. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the long-term effects and potential applications of the compost-biochar combination in improving soil quality.

Annual compost amendments can replace synthetic fertilizer, improve soil moisture, and ensure tree performance during peach orchard establishment in a humid subtropical climate.

The application of organic matter (OM) to peach orchards is currently uncommon in commercial operations but could potentially replace synthetic fertilizers and improve long-term orchard sustainability. The purpose of the study was to monitor how annual applications of compost to replace synthetic fertilizer would change soil quality, peach tree nutrient and water status, and tree performance during the first four years of orchard establishment within a subtropical climate. Food waste compost was incorporated before planting and added annually over four years with the following treatments: 1) 1x rate, applied as dry weight at 22,417 kg ha-1 (10 tons acre-1) incorporated during the first year and 11,208 kg ha-1 (5 tons acre-1) applied topically each year after; 2) 2x rate, applied as dry weight at 44,834 kg ha-1 (20 tons acre-1) incorporated during the first year and 22,417 kg ha-1 (10 tons acre-1) applied topically each year after; and 3) control, with no compost added. Treatments were applied to a virgin orchard location, where peach trees had never previously been grown, and to a replant location, where peach trees had been grown previously for more than 20 years. Synthetic fertilizer was reduced in the 1x and 2x rates by 80 and 100% during the spring and all treatments received the summer application according to standard practice. Soil OM, phosphorus and sodium all increased with the addition of 2x compost in the replant location at 15cm depth, but not within the virgin location compared to the control treatment. The 2x rate of compost improved soil moisture during the growing season, but tree water status was similar between treatments. Tree growth was similar between treatments in the replant location, but the 2x treatment had larger trees compared to the control by the third year. Foliar nutrients were similar between treatments over the four years, while 2x compost rate increased fruit yield in the virgin location compared to the control the second year of harvest. The 2x food waste compost rate could be considered as a replacement for synthetic fertilizers and to potentially increase tree growth during orchard establishment.

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT RATES OF COMPOST MINERAL FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

Compost – mineral fertilizer has dual effects; improving soil nutrient status and organic matter content which results to increase in yield of cultivated crops. A field experiment was carried out at the Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of different rates of compost-mineral fertilizer and compost on the growth and yield of tomato. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were; control, recommended 10 tonnes of compost, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 tonnes/hectare (t/ha) of compost-mineral fertilizer. The initial soil analysis showed low nutrients status and the application of fertilizer was necessary to boost its fertility. Parameters taken were; plant height, stem girth, number of branches, number of flowers at 50% flowering, number of fruits and fresh weight of fruits. From the results, the application of 4, 6 and 8t/ha compost-mineral fertilizer significantly (p< 0.05) increased the growth and yield of tomato compared to other treatments. The yield of tomato obtained from the application of 4, 6 and 8 tonnes of compost- mineral fertilizer (252.50, 272.00 and 294.50 t / ha) were not significantly (p< 0.05) different from each other but significantly (p< 0.05) higher compared to other treatments. Therefore, the application of 6 t / ha of compost-mineral fertilizer can be adopted by farmers for tomato production in the study area.

THE COMBINED EFFECT OF THE TILLAGE DEPTH AND COMPOST APPLICATION ON CALCAREOUS SOIL AGGREGATES AND THE YIELD OF INTERCROPPED FABA BEAN WITH WHEAT

Calcareous soils crusting and low organic matter (OM) content are key problems restrict their management and productivity. The aim of this study is to assess the role of tillage at different depths along with the compost application for improving some characteristics of the calcareous soil as well as the yield, and its components of the intercropped faba bean with wheat (1:1 ratio). A field experiment was carried out at the Nubaryia Agricultural Experimental Station through the two successive winter seasons (2019/2020) and (2020/2021) in a split-plot design with three replicates. The main factor (F1) was the plough depth treatments: Chisel plough (20 cm depth) and subsoiler (40 cm depth) one time and twice. The sub-factor (F2) was the applied compost (C1= 5.95 and C2= 11.9 tons ha-1). A control without additions was involved. The wheat and fababean were sown in a 1:1 intercropping ratio mixed with the surface layers by hatchat under a surface irrigation system and the recommended agronomic practices were followed. The tillage treatments combined with increasing the rate of the applied compost have increased the total stable aggregates (TSA), the aggregation index and aggregation degree in the surface and subsurface soil layers (0 – 20 cm, 20 – 40 cm) as well as the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) for both seasons. The water stable aggregates (WSA) distribution revealed that the 8-2 cm aggregates are the abundant size especially in the surface soil layers. The 40 cm depth subsoiler twice treatment combined with the compost rate C2 resulted in the maximum OM for both seasons. The relative maximum OM increase (%) compared to the corresponding control was by 32.3 and 26.7% in the 0 – 20 cm soil layer and by 64.9 snd 60.0% in the 20 – 40 cm soil layer. For the compost rate C2, the most significant relative increase in the wheat grains yield (kg ha-1) was by 74.8% with the plowing two times at 40 cm depth, while for the faba bean seeds yield (kg ha-1) it increased by 145.5% with the 20 cm depth plowing. The studied treatments were effective for improving the calcareous soil properties and productivity.

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT RATES OF COMPOST MINERAL FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

Compost – mineral fertilizer has dual effects; improving soil nutrient status and organic matter content which results to increase in yield of cultivated crops. A field experiment was carried out at the Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of different rates of compost-mineral fertilizer and compost on the growth and yield of tomato. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were; control, recommended 10 tonnes of compost, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 tonnes/hectare (t/ha) of compost-mineral fertilizer. The initial soil analysis showed low nutrients status and the application of fertilizer was necessary to boost its fertility. Parameters taken were; plant height, stem girth, number of branches, number of flowers at 50% flowering, number of fruits and fresh weight of fruits. From the results, the application of 4, 6 and 8t/ha compost-mineral fertilizer significantly (p< 0.05) increased the growth and yield of tomato compared to other treatments. The yield of tomato obtained from the application of 4, 6 and 8 tonnes of compost- mineral fertilizer (252.50, 272.00 and 294.50 t / ha) were not significantly (p< 0.05) different from each other but significantly (p< 0.05) higher compared to other treatments. Therefore, the application of 6 t / ha of compost-mineral fertilizer can be adopted by farmers for tomato production in the study area.

Application of Municipal Solid Waste Compost and Green Manure Exerted Residual Effects on Soil Nutrient Content and Plant Nutrient Uptake in Rice

Aims: Rice is the most widely consumed staple food as well as Bangladesh. With the global upsurge in population, rapid urbanization, and industrialization increasing waste production in urban areas and managing them becoming a major concern. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is considered an important recycling tool for use in agricultural fields as compost. Green manure (GM) is another thing thatprovides a substantial portion of the nitrogen requirement of rice. Both MSW compost and GM add organic matter to the soil. We conducted a study to know the residual effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and green manure (GM) on nutrient contents in soil and uptakes in rice (BINA Dhan-7).
 Methods: The experiment was conducted with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), nine treatments, and three replications. The present rice crop received no fertilizers during the cultivation period. MSW compost and GM inoculated with Rhizobium strains were incorporated as per treatments in 2 cycles of the Mungbean- Dhaincha- Rice cropping pattern.
 Results: The highest nutrient content and uptake were recorded with higher rates of MSW compost and GM application in the preceding crops. Compost is a slow-release source of nitrogen and most nitrogen remaining after completion of the composting process is bound into organic forms. After application nutrients do not become available immediately for plant uptake, and remain as residue which contributes to improving soil quality for several years after application ceases. MSW compost and GM increases soil nutrient contents, availability, and uptake by adding organic matter, increasing the C: N ratio, and soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.
 Conclusion: The MSW compost and GM can provide a significant amount of residual effects on the nutrient content in the soil and uptake in rice which depends on the nutrient composition of applied manure in previous crops.

The Effect of Fruit Waste Compost with Inorganic Fortification on Spinach Quality

Abstract: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), locally known as Palak, is one of the most essential vegetables of the Chenopodiaceae family. It is a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, B2 as well as magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, potassium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, folate, betaine, folic acid, collagen, niacin, omega 3 fatty acids, beta carotene, lutein, carotenoids, and quercetin bioflavonoid with many other flavonoids. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different type of compost(T1 - Control, T2 -Sweet lime compost 2 Ton/ha, T3 -Sweet lime compost 4Ton/ha, T4 -Sweet lime compost with Zinc and Iron 2 Ton/ha, T5 -Sweet lime compost with Zinc and Iron 4Ton/ha, T6-Pineapple compost 2 Ton/ha, T7 -Pineapple compost 4Ton/ha, T8-Pineapple compost with Zinc and Iron 2 Ton/ha), T9 -Pineapple compost with Zinc and Iron 4Ton/ha) on spinach. The experiment was conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during the Rabi seasons of 2019 and 2020, respectively. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The whole field was first divided into three blocks, and each block was further divided into nine plots. An analysis of variance for all the treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) was carried out. For testing the hypothesis, the ANOVA table was used. Except fat content, the results of the sweet lime waste compost were good in terms of the overall proximate composition of spinach. Maximum antioxidant levels in spinach were found at fortified pineapple waste compost rates of 2 and 4 tonnes per hectare, respectively.

Effect of Leached and Co-Composted Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste with Bulking Agents on Soil Properties and Sweet Pepper Plant Development Under Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT Composting of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and its utilization for agriculture has gained great popularity all over the world. However, the safe use of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) in agriculture has been regarded with skepticism because of concerns over the possibility of excessive salt content. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the leached and co-composted OFMSW with wheat straw (WS) and wood shaving (WSH) as bulking agents (BAs) on soil properties and sweet pepper performance. Six mixtures of compost were prepared including; T1= (OFMSW), T2= (OFMSW+WS) and T3= (OFMSW+WSH). The last three piles, where OFMSW was subjected to leaching (L), including: T4= (LOFMSW), T5= (LOFMSW+WS) and T6= (LOFMSW+WSH). The compost was applied to the field at rates of 0, 40, and 80t/ha alone, as well as in a combination with NPK fertilizer. Plant growth and quality parameters were improved with the addition of compost containing BAs. The application of leached compost significantly reduced (P < .001) electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium (Na) in the soil. Most of the growth and yield plant parameters were increased at a compost rate of 40 t/ha + NPK. Increasing compost rates combined with NPK increased EC, and soil available nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sodium (Na), while soil organic matter (SOM) increased with compost alone. Soil pH was lowered with increasing compost + NPK. Overall, findings suggest that applying leached compost with BAs could provide better results on soil and plant.

Influence of compost amendment rate and level of compaction on the hydraulic functioning of soils

AbstractThere has been widespread interest in using compost to improve the hydrologic functions of degraded soils at construction sites for reducing runoff and increasing infiltration. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of compost amendment rate on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and water retention in order to identify target compost rates for enhancing soil hydrologic functions. Samples were prepared with three soil textures (sandy loam, silt loam, and sandy clay loam), amended with compost at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. All soils were tested at a porosity of 0.5 m3/m3, and the sandy loam was further tested at high (0.55 m3/m3) and low (0.4 m3/m3) porosities. The Ks and water retention data were then used to model infiltration with HYDRUS‐1D. With increasing compost amendment rate, Ks and water retention of the mixtures generally increased at the medium porosity level, with more compost needed in heavier soils. As porosity decreased in the sandy loam soil, the amount of compost needed to improve Ks rose from 20% to 50%. Water distribution in pore fractions (gravitational, plant‐available, and unavailable water) depended on texture, with only the highest compost rates increasing plant‐available water in one soil. Results suggest soil texture should be taken into consideration when choosing a compost rate in order to achieve soil improvement goals. Hydrologic benefits may be limited even at a high rate of compost amendment if soil is compacted.

The role of ectomycorrhization with Scleroderma sp. in promoting substrate nutrients mobilization under phosphorus-enriched compost amendment: A case study with Castanea henryi seedlings

Ecological forestry means continuous and sustainable management of production from the seedling to the adult stage. At present, ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi plays an important role in the nutrient management of seedling production in commercial forestry applications. Additionally, phosphorus-enriched compost (PEC) is considered as an environmentally cleaner soil amendment with a great potential in seedling production. However, little is known about the specific antagonistic or synergistic effects of these two sustainable practices on Castanea henryi seedling growth and nutrient uptake. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of ECM inoculation (Scleroderma sp.) and three different application rates (0 %, 15 %, 35 % v:v) of phosphorus-enriched chestnut forest green waste compost (CFG; a typical form of PEC). Results indicated that CFG significantly increased the accumulation of most nutrients in plants but decreased the uptake of Cu and Zn. Without ECM inoculation, there was a significant positive correlation between soil rhizosphere bioavailable P content and aboveground seedling biomass (F = 111.570, p < 0.01). Inoculation of Scleroderma sp. significantly stimulated P mobilization in the soil rhizosphere of the low fertilization treatment (15 %) but had limited benefit in the non-fertilization (0 %) or high fertilization (35 %) treatments. The structural equation modeling indicated that the increase in activity of the rhizosphere soil acid phosphatase was the primary factor that increased soil P bioavailability and plant photosynthetic capacity in the inoculated treatments. Our results better explain the interaction of ECM on PEC sources of nutrients, and provide a low-cost and sustainable commercial propagation system underpinned by biologically regulated nutrient supply systems.

Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soil amended with kitchen compost of varying ages

ABSTRACT Although the use of kitchen waste compost is very common, GHG emissions from soil amended with kitchen waste compost have not been studied. This study aimed to determine the effects of kitchen compost age and application rates on GHG emissions to identify optimal compost management. Soil samples mixed with kitchen waste compost at three different ages: 1 month (1M), 2 months (2M), and 3 months (3M) at two application rates (1% and 2% w/w) were incubated at 25°C for 28 days under aerobic conditions. Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) were determined on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Results showed that N2O and CO2 emissions decreased with compost age (p < 0.05). Increased application rates of compost led to increased CO2 emissions and suppression of N2O emissions. Furthermore, CH4 was emitted from soil amended with kitchen compost even under aerobic conditions. This study suggests that 3M kitchen waste compost is optimal in terms of GHG emissions upon application to soil under aerobic conditions.

Alley Cropping and Organic Compost: An Efficient and Sustainable Agro-Ecological Strategy for Improving Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Growth and Attributes

Alley cropping is a sustainable agriculture approach that improves ecosystem services while also promoting biodiversity. The current study was conducted over two seasons, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, to examine the impact of leucaena–turmeric alley cropping and organic compost addition as agroforestry systems on the growth, yield and characteristics of the turmeric crop. Alley cropping included four treatments: control (turmeric as sole crop), turmeric cultivated between leucaena trees pruned at 1 m height, leucaena trees pruned at 1.5 m height and unpruned leucaena trees. Meanwhile, organic compost rates were control (received recommended NPK) and 17 and 34 m3 ha−1. This study’s results showed that growing turmeric in between rows of unpruned leucaena resulted in maximum turmeric plant growth, production and characteristics. Minimum turmeric growth and yield parameters were recorded with plants grown between pruned leucaena at 1 m and those where the turmeric was the sole crop. In addition, compost addition at 34 m3 ha−1 led to maximum growth, yield and attributes of the turmeric crop. Compost addition and alley cropping were shown to be an effective and sustainable agro-ecological system for increasing turmeric output and quality. The study demonstrated the importance of selecting the appropriate crop–tree combination in this system and it was discovered that leguminous leucaena trees significantly contributed to improving fertility and nutrient availability, which in turn improved the growth characteristics of turmeric, particularly the leaf-area index and its nutrient content, which are beneficial to the characteristics of the rhizome yield and curcumin content.

EFFECT OF NEEM-BASED COMPOST RATE ON SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND GROWTH RESPONSES OF AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS IN AWKA

A field experiment was conducted at the students’ research farm Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka to determine the effect of Neem-based compost rate on soil physicochemical properties and growth responses of Amaranthus viridis in Awka. Three treatments were used and a control was set out to monitor the effects of the applied treatments. The design was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with 4 replication each. Where beds with 0 t/ha received 0kg of the compost, 3.5 t/ha received 2.1 kg/m² of the compost, 7 t/ha received 4.2 kg/m² of the compost and 10.5 t/ha received 6.3 kg/m² of the compost. The experiment lasted for 6 months and plant data was collected before harvesting. The treatments were applied in an experimental plot of 2m by 2m. The result obtained was subjected to a statistical analysis of variance using GENstat and least significant difference (LSD) to compare the mean. The mean were separated at 5% level of significance. Generally the applied treatments improved soil fertility as there was a significant increase in Moisture content (MC), Field capacity (FC), Plant Available water (PAW), Permanent wilting point (PWP), Bulk density (BD), and Total porosity (TP) of the soil. Also, potential hydrogen ion (pH), Available phosphorus (Av. P), Nitrogen (T.N), Organic carbon (OC), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Exchangeable Acidity (EA), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC), Base Saturation (BS) and exchangeable aluminum (Al3+) were all significantly differed. On the effects of the treatments on growth parameters, T3 (7 t/ha) gave the highest plant height and number of leaves with mean value of 25.8", and 30.9" respectively. The control gave the highest mean leaf width 3.43".

Yetiştirme Ortamına Kompost ve Gübre İlavesinin Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker f.) Bitkisinin Büyüme ve Çiçeklenmesine Etkileri

This study was carried out for two years (2021-2022) in greenhouse conditions. Different rates of compost (0-20% and 40%) and EC levels (EC 750 µS/cm – EC 1100 µS/cm and EC 1450 µS/cm) were added to the growing medium. The best results were obtained from the no compost application (0%) was applied in flower stalk length, flower stalk thickness, flower diameter, branch weight, SPAD value, vase life, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight and yield parameters. When the effect of different fertilization levels was examined, the best results were found at the EC 1100 µS/cm fertilization level in flower stalk length, flower diameter, branch weight, vase life, root length, root dry weight and yield parameters. As a result of combining compost and fertilization applications at different rates, it was observed that 0% compost application had a positive effect on flower stem length, flower stem thickness, flower diameter, branch weight and vase life parameters compared to other applications in growing environments with an EC level of 750 µS/cm. It is the most beneficial in growing environments with 40% compost application at plant height and 1100 µS/cm EC level, 0% compost application at spad value and root length, and EC level 1100 µS/cm, 0% EC level at root wet weight and 1450 µS/cm EC level. good results have been obtained. When the two-year data are compared, it has been determined that the growth and flowering of the gerbera plant is better in the second year with the effect of the development feature and applications. As a result, it has been determined that the increase in the compost ratio in gerbera restricts plant growth in general.

Performance of coriander under organic and chemical nutrient management practice

Coriander is one of the most important spice and fresh leaf vegetable which are used widely across the globe. Organic cultivation of this crop has wide scope as it is short duration and reduces the wastage of fertilizers as well as qualitative production. A field experiment was conducted at School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, RTU Bangalore in order to know the effective application rate of compost for economic production in comparison to chemical fertilizer. The research data reveals that, application of compost at 10t/ha produced significantly superior growth, yield parameters and herbage yield compared to control. But it was on par with RDF treatment. Thus application of compost at10t/ha might be an effective nutritional input in organic cultivation of coriander.

Temporal Stability of Soil Microbial Properties in Responses to Long-Term Application of Compost Obtained from Tannery Sludge

Successive applications of compost obtained from tannery sludge affected the soil microbial biomass and activity. However, the effect of this practice on the temporal stability of soil microbial properties is not known. This study evaluated the temporal stability of microbial biomass, respiration, and enzymes activities in soil with successive applications of compost obtained from tannery sludge. Soil samples (0–10 cm depth) were collected from sites with successive application of compost at the lowest (2.5 ton/ha) and highest (20 ton/ha) rates, including the control (0 ton/ha). Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), respiration, dehydrogenase, and urease activities were evaluated at 0, 30-, 60-, 90-, and 150-days post-application. The soil microbial properties varied as per treatments and sampling time. The principal response curve showed higher variation of soil microbial properties in the treatment having highest rate of compost. This analysis showed dehydrogenase, urease, and MBC as the most responsive parameters. The temporal stability of soil microbial parameters showed highest values at the lowest rate of compost. This study showed that the successive application of compost contributed to a decrease in variation and increase in temporal stability of soil microbial properties at the lowest rate.

Use of Compost in Onion Cultivation under No-Tillage System: Effect on Nutrient Uptake

ABSTRACT The nutrition of onion grown in a no-tillage system with compost requires research to provide alternatives to mineral fertilizers. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of compost rates on the nutrient content in the tissue of onion grown in a no-tillage system. We conducted a field experiment with the following treatments: 0, 10, 20, 30, and 60 Mg ha−1 of compost and mineral fertilization. We applied these treatments in 2018, 2019, and 2020 for onion cultivation. We used a 3 × 6 factorial scheme (year x treatment) and four replications. We evaluated the bulbs and whole plant nutrient contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B. In 2020, nutrient content in the bulb from 10 Mg ha−1 of compost was similar to the mineral fertilizer’s treatment. Therefore, compost can replace mineral fertilizers to supply nutrients to the onion. However, the continuous application of compost requires soil monitoring due to nutrient accumulation.

Growth, Physiology, Weed Abundance and Yield in Rice (&lt;em&gt;Oryza Sativa&lt;/em&gt; L.) Under Three Nutrient Input Systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

A field experiment was conducted to compare the growth, physiology, weed abundance and yield in rice under three input systems; organic, conventional and integrated, during the 2019 <em>Yala </em>season as the second season of a long-term cropping systems trial. The design used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with six (6) replicates for each treatment. The rice variety used in the experiment was Bg 300 and three treatments were based on three input systems such as T1 – Conventional input system (100% Department of Agriculture (DOA) inorganic fertilizer recommendation), T2 – Integrated system (50% of Department of Agriculture (DOA) inorganic fertilizer recommendation+50% of the rate of compost added to organic input system) and T3 – Organic system (No inorganic fertilizers and only compost with the rate of 10000 kg ha -1). At the panicle initiation and harvesting stages, there was a (p&lt;0.05) significant difference (in rice shoot biomass across the three input systems, with the organic system having the lowest values compared to the other two. At panicle initiation, 50 % heading, and harvesting phases, a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in plant height was noted among the three input systems, with the organic system showing the lowest values at all stages. The organic system had the highest weed count at all three crop stages and no significant difference between integrated and conventional systems. The three input systems had a significant difference in final grain yield at 14 percent moisture. At 14% moisture, there was no difference in final grain yield between conventional and reduced systems (4.85 and 4.67 tonnes/ha) with the organic system having the lowest value (2.74 tonnes/ha). Overall results indicate that reducing inorganic fertilizers by 50% with the combination of organic manure as in the integrated system gives similar final grain yields as the conventional system of new improved varieties like Bg 300 in high potential areas like Anuradhapura. Also, organic systems can show low crop growth and yields due to inadequate nutrient supply through organic materials and high weed density during the first year of transition.

Enhancing Common Bean Tolerance to Short-term Droughts at the Reproductive Stage using a Soil Fertility Management Approach

Aims: This study was conducted to enhance the tolerance of common beans to drought events occurring at the reproductive stage, from a soil improvement perspective.&#x0D; Study Design: Split plot completely randomized design was used.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in a screen-house at the Legumes and Oil Seeds Division of CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana, from September 2021 to January 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Municipal Solid Waste Compost and inorganic fertilizer combinations were applied to common beans in a pot experiment. They included control, full rate compost (FRAC), full rate fertilizer (NPK 5:30:30 kg/ha) (FRG), FRG + half rate compost (HRAC) and FRG + FRAC. All soils were maintained at 80% field capacity (FC) from the start of the experiment. At flowering, two groups of plants were water stressed till 40 and 16% FC and returned to 80% FC till physiological maturity, while one group maintained 80% FC throughout study. Forty-five soil samples each and plant data were collected at 3, 7 and 10 weeks after planting. Samples were analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM) and water retention, soil nutrients, crop growth, yield and nutrient uptake. Water and nitrogen use efficiencies (W/NUE) were calculated after harvest.&#x0D; Results: During the growing period, highest soil moisture (6-9 cm3/cm3) was retained by FRG and FRG+HRAC, FRG+FRAC; 20-38% more than FRAC and control but was not influenced by SOM. While FRG influenced the highest yield and WUE, combining it with compost rates reduced yield by 56-84% and WUE by 55-64%. WUE correlated positively with NUE.&#x0D; Conclusion: Antagonistic effect observed with integrating compost with FRG is likely because compost was not properly cured and immobilized soil nitrogen. Farmers can mitigate short-term drought effects on common beans with adequate nutrient supply through fertilizer application; however, fertilizer should only be integrated with compost after compost quality analysis.

Composting from organic municipal solid waste: a sustainable tool for the environment and to improve grape quality

AbstractComposting from organic municipal solid waste (MSW), such as a separate waste collection, is a valid tool for eliminating a considerable amount of waste that would otherwise be destined for landfills and incinerators, thus representing an effective complement to traditional forms of recycling. It allows organic substance to be recovered and reintegrated into the soil, thus preventing erosion phenomena, increasing the biological fertility of the soil and contributing significantly to the restoration of impoverished sites. Modern winegrowing must address the issue of vineyard fertility in the sustainability context. The goal of this study was to assess the advantages of distributing a sustainable product to the vineyard that can achieve vine balance (vegetative and productive equilibrium). In a Vitis vinifera L. Sangiovese cv., vineyard, four soil treatments were applied (three compost rates and a control): municipal solid waste compost (40 tons per hectare – MSW40, 15 tons per hectare – MSW15, 2.5 tons per hectare – MSW2.5), and no compost (CTRL). The vine physiology (leaf gas exchange and water potential) and berry compositions (phenolic and technological maturity) were studied during the 2018–2019 growing seasons in the Sieci area, Italy. The results of this experiment provide some general insights showing that MSW compost options can be expected to reduce water stress, balanced vine performance and provide sustainable recirculation of organic matter. MSW compost is a true agronomic and environmental resource.