Ratio Of Compost Research Articles

CLOD STRUCTURE AND THE QUALITY OF MORINGA SEEDLINGS (Moringa oleifera LAM.) GROWN IN COMMERCIAL SUBSTRATE AND IN ORGANIC COMPOSTS

ABSTRACT The cultivation of tuberous-root species such as Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) requires well-dimensioned containers and the use of appropriate substrates, since seedlings will be removed from the container before their planting. Sugarcane bagasse, urban waste compost (compost), and vermicompost are promising wastes for substrate composition. The present study aims to assess the quality of moringa grown in substrate produced from sugarcane bagasse associated with compost or vermicompost in different-volume tubes. The study followed a randomized blocks design, at 2x7 factorial arrangement, namely: tubes’ volumes (50 and 240 mL) x seven substrates (commercial substrate; sugarcane bagasse associated with urban waste compost at three different ratios (1:3; 1:1 and 3:1) and sugarcane bagasse associated with vermicompost at ratios 1:3; 1:1 and 3:1). In conclusion, the 240 mL container was the most appropriate one for moringa seedlings’ production. Substrates presenting higher organic compost ratios led to greater shoot and tuberous root growth and to greater nitrogen-use accumulation and efficiency, which was equivalent to that of the commercial substrate. Higher sugarcane bagasse rates in substrate composition made it easier to remove the seedlings from the tubes and led to better physical quality of the clod after seedling removal from the tubes.

Exploring the synergic effect of fly ash and garbage enzymes on biotransformation of organic wastes in in-vessel composting system

The aim of the present work was to study the synergic effect of fly ash (FA) and garbage enzymes (GE) on biotransformation of organic wastes in in-vessel composting system. In-vessel composting of organic waste (household + brown in vessel 1) was performed with fly ash (mixed 5% in vessel 2; 10% in vessel 3; 15% in vessel 4; and 20% in vessel 5) by addition of extra carbon source (5%) and garbage enzyme in a fixed-dose (5%) for 15 days and changes in chemical properties (C: N ratio, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates and macro-elements) were analyzed at maturity. Vessel 5 showed better results in terms of organic matter degradability and C: N ratio (13.68) of mature compost. Principal Component Analysis (PCS) also confirmed vessel 5 as the best performing among other vessels. FTIR analysis indicated a major shift in chemical structure of organic waste due to the composting action.

Correlation Analysis of Bacterial Growth and Heavy Metal Concentration in Composting of Leachate Sludge and Municipal Sludge

The composting is an alternative solution that can be used to this environmental problem to control the increase in waste generation. The unused leachate waste and municipal sewage sludge could be treated and reused it into compost that can be used for any beneficial purpose such as bio-fertilizer for plant growth. The objectives of this study were to analyze the trend of microbial growth and heavy metal concentration in compost from municipal sewage sludge and leachate sludge. The correlation between both parameters also was identified to determine the relationship between both parameters. Four design ratios were prepared to determine which ratio of compost has the most efficient compost in term of microbial growth and heavy metals concentration. The result showed that mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria population were increases in ratio 1, 2 and 3. The compost of ratio 2 and ratio 3 were found to meet the Malaysian standard of organic fertilizer in terms of the heavy metal concentration. There is correlation between bacteria population and heavy metal concentration in both composts. This composting method could be developed and practised by any institutions or treatment plant so that the amount of sludge waste generated could be reduced and help decreased the environmental pollution crisis in this country.

The Effects of Fertilizer Type and Application Time on Soil Properties, Plant Traits, Yield and Quality of Tomato

Compost is considered to be superior fertilizer for soil quality and productivity, and is commonly used with chemical fertilizer. The optimal mixed ratio of compost with chemical fertilizer and the best application time is necessary to know for sustainable agriculture practices and management. Compared to the control treatment, this study comprehensively evaluated the effects of four mixed ratios of compost with chemical fertilizer, two nitrogen application times of chemical fertilizer, and their interaction on the soil properties, plant traits, yield, and quality of tomato plants. The soil properties, plant traits, and yield of tomato with all compost-mixed fertilizers performed better than the treatment without fertilizer. Furthermore, the amounts of available nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, plant weight, and yield in a 30% chemical fertilizer + 70% compost treatments (CF30) were even better than those with pure chemical fertilizer (CF100). No significant effect of nitrogen application time and its interaction with the mixed ratio treatment was detected, and the quality of fruit remained consistent among treatments. This study demonstrated a suitable practical application method for cow manure compost as a nutrient source in tomato crop production under silty loam soil.

Phytostabilization of store‐and‐release cover made with phosphate mine wastes in arid and semiarid climate using wild local plants

AbstractTo limit the generation of acid mine drainage at the Kettara abandoned mine (KAM) located 35 km North‐North West of Marrakech, Morocco, a store‐and‐release (SR) system was constructed. The SR system made of two materials, the cover constituted by phosphate waste (PW) rock and lower layer was the coarse‐grained tailings of KAM. The lower layer restricted water in the interface and the stocked water during wet periods by the PW layer is released during dry ones. The objective of this study is to assess the phytostabilization ability of SR cover using local plants. Seeds of five wild local plants: Atriplex semibaccata R. Br., Peganum harmala L., Asparagus horridus L., Launaea arborescens (Batt.) Murb., and Vicia sativa L., were selected and planted. Pots experiment of phosphate mine wastes (PW) and PW amended with different ratios of compost and commercial peat. These pot experiments were performed in greenhouse conditions. The germination and growth parameters studied were germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), speed of germination (SG), epigeal height, and hypogeal length evolution. Cd, Ni, As, Cu, and Zn concentrations in substrates and in plant fractions were analyzed. The results obtained using 100% PW (PW100) as the highest GP (87.50%) were obtained for A. semibaccata R. Br., followed by V. sativa L. with GP (25.00%). The uppermost MGT results showed that A. semibaccata R. Br. (MGT = 4.39) and L. arborescens (Batt.) Murb. (MGT = 1.91), were the most suitable for the phosphate mine wastes. Concerning SG, the values obtained were 19.07 and 5.11, for A. semibaccata R. Br., and L. arborescens (Batt.) Murb., respectively. Regarding the epigeal and hypogeal length, respectively, the best values were obtained for A. semibaccata R. Br., and V. sativa L., with 40.70 cm and 13.73 cm for epigeal length and 20.97 cm and 82.67 cm for hypogeal length. The results obtained with different ratios of amendments showed that the application of 10% compost and 20% organic fertilizer, showed significantly higher germination index, hypogeal, and epigeal growth for A. semibaccata R. Br., V. sativa L., and L. arborescens (Batt.) Murb. The concentrations of the studied trace elements in selected plant fractions does not exceed domestic animal metal toxicity limits in any trial. The concentrations of these trace elements in plant hypogeal fractions were significantly (p < .05) higher than those of epigeal fractions. The transfer and bio‐concentration factors were <1 in all selected plants. According to these results, we can affirm that A. semibaccata R. Br., as a key species and that V. sativa L. and L. arborescens (Batt.) Murb. are also good candidates for the phytostabilization necessary for the SR cover.

Micronutrient Foliar Spray on Growth Performance of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Fertilizer application is an important source to increase the production in agricultural practices. Among various cultural practices, foliar nutrition is one of the important methods as the spray of micronutrients and fertilizers facilitate easy and quick utilization of nutrients. In this study the plant growth attributes like height, number of root nodules and the chlorophyll content was observed by foliar spraying of 1% Foliar feed spray, 1% Humic acid liquid fertilizer, 2% NPK (20:20:20) and 2% MAP (12:61:00) in three replicate pots containing soil as control and in variable concentration of soil and compost in 2:1, 2:2, 3:1 and 4:1 ratio. The highest plant growth was recorded in spraying of foliar feed spray and MAP (12:61:00). Humic liquid fertilizer and NPK (20:20:20) in control conditions was found to be effective. Highest nodulation was recorded in plants treated with the foliar feed spray and MAP (12:61:00) in different soil and compost ratios. Like that in case of chlorophyll estimation it has been observed that the highest chlorophyll a (0.13 mg/g) content was found in the plants grown in foliar application of NPK fertilizers applied in soil and compost (3:1 ratio) and the highest chlorophyll b (0.22 mg/g) was recorded in the plants grown both in NPK fertilizers and humic acid fertilizer foliar application and the highest carotenoid content (1.608 mg/g) was estimated in foliar application of humic liquid fertilizer in control pots.

Direct regeneration and genetic fidelity analysis of regenerated plants of Andrographis echioides (L.) - An important medicinal plant

There are several studies about the phytochemical investigations and pharmacological activities of Andrographis echioides (L.), but there is scanty information about its in vitro propagation. Hence the present study is undertaken for in vitro micropropagation of Andrographis echioides (L.) through direct organogenesis. Initially, aseptic leaf explants of in vitro seedlings were excised and inoculated on to plant growth regulators (PGR’s) supplemented in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) media. Among the individual and combinations of PGR’s tested, the combination of thidiazuron (TDZ) along with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 0.5 and 0.2 mg/L concentrations respectively, was proved to be best for high frequency (24.48 ± 1.54) of direct shoot regeneration of A. echioides. Rooting of in vitro raised shoots with the highest rooting percent of 90.42 was carried on IAA (1.0 mg/L), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (1.0 mg/L) amended MS media. in vitro plantlets of A. echioides were hardened in poly cups possessing a 1:2 ratio of compost and garden soil. Initially, hardened plantlets were maintained in a greenhouse for four weeks by irrigating with half-strength MS salt solution and later transferred to field conditions with 80 % survivability. Genetically clonal nature of regenerated plantlets was confirmed by carrying polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based molecular analysis using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain (rbcLa) primers.

Utilization of Olive Oil Processing Waste Composts in Organic Tomato Seedling Production

Olive oil byproducts show differences according to the olive oil extraction systems, which are called olive mill solid wastes, olive oil wastewater and olive oil wastewater sludge. Three different kinds of composts, including two-phase and three-phase olive mill solid wastes, and olive oil wastewater sludge were produced with separated dairy manure, poultry manure, and straw. The composts obtained from two-phase and three-phase olive mill solid wastes and olive oil wastewater sludge were named as two-phase, three-phase, and water sludge composts, respectively. They were separately enriched by rock phosphate and potassium salt. These composts were mixed with peat in a ratio of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v). Tomato seeds were sown in all mixtures on 3 February 2016. All the seeds were sown into 2 trays and each plug included 2 replicates. The trays were left in a germination room for 3 days, then moved to a heated greenhouse which is specialized for growing seedlings, and the seedlings were grown there for 3 weeks. The results showed that increasing compost ratios in the growing medium and also the enrichment of the growing medium increased organic matter content, electrical conductivity, and macro and micro nutrient concentrations. The germination period lasted longer with increasing compost ratios. The shoot length was lower at a compost ratio of over 50% excluding water sludge compost, which reacted to over 75%. The highest plant dry weights were obtained in the plants grown on the media with compost ratios of 50%, 25%, and 25% for water sludge compost, enriched two-phase compost, and enriched three-phase compost, respectively. We concluded that the composts obtained from two-phase and three-phase olive mill solid wastes and olive oil waste water sludge can be used without any need of enrichment and a ratio of 25% was found appropriate in most of the measured properties.

Treated Wastewater and Fertigation Applied for Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation Grown in Municipal Solid Waste Compost and Soil Mixtures

Low-fertility soil and the use of brackish water for irrigation act as obstacles and limit crop production. The utilization of municipal solid waste (MSW), compost (C), and treated wastewater (TWW) is receiving attention nowadays not only to overcome the above limitations but also as an efficient way for waste management and reuse of raw materials. In the present study, MSW compost in different ratios (5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%), fertigation and/or irrigation with TWW were studied in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The addition of compost increased organic content, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and mineral content of the growing media, while fertigation and TWW supported the mineral status of the growing media, and this was reflected in the increase of N, K, and Na in tomato leaves. Plants grown in compost-based media with fertigation produced more leaves, compared to the control, while irrigation with TWW did not increase the number of leaves. Plant biomass increased with the application of ≥20% C, fertigation, and/or TWW applications. Plant yield increased in 40% C, while fertigation increased yield in case of lower (5%-10% C) compost ratios, but TWW application did not change the yield. The combination of high C ratios and fertigation and/or TWW decreased tomato fresh weight. Different levels of C did not affect leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, and chlorophyll fluorescence, but, in general, the combination of compost with fertigation and/or TWW affected them negatively. Fruit total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid, firmness, and total phenolics were increased with the high ratios of compost and/or fertigation and TWW applications, but marketability did not. Bacteria (total coliform and Escherichia coli) units increased in growing media subjected to TWW, but lower levels were counted on the fruit, mainly due to splashing or fruit contact with the soil. The results indicate that up to 40% C can be added into the substrate, as increased plant growth and maintained plant yield for greenhouse tomato cultivation is observed, while fertigation and TWW could be used in a controlled manner as alternative means for nutrient and irrigation in vegetables following safety aspects.

Follow the degradation of organic matter during composting of date palm (phoenix dactylifera L) waste by physicochemical properties, UV-visible and FT-IR analysis

ABSTRACTPalm tree waste is considered among the most widespread organic waste in nature and the least exploited in our days. In the Arabic region and the North of Africa, the date palm tree cultivation represents the lion’s share compared to the other trees. But the wastes will stay always represent a risk on the environment due to their limits uses. The composting process is considered the most effective technique to exploiting these wastes and to eliminate environmental pollution. In this work, we prepared four mixtures from date palm waste (DPW) named C1, C2, C3, and C4. The composting process was evaluated through the physicochemical properties like; temperature, pH, electronic conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), C/N ratio, humic substance, UV spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The obtained results showed that the temperature increased up to 40.3°C, 40.8°C, 42.5°C, and 45.7°C, then decreased to 22.7°C, 22.7°C, 21.5°C and 21.2°C at the end of process for C1, C2, C3, and C4, respectively. The final organic compost had a natural soil odour and brown in colour. The C/N ratio of final compost recorded as 20.6, 16.0, 14.9, and 13.8 for C1, C2, C3, and C4, respectively. The loss in organic carbon reached 8.9% (C1), 10.3% (C2), 10.4% (C3) and 10.5% (C4). These results were confirmed by UV-visible and FTIR spectra analysis which showed different absorption bands from one mixture to another, as well as variable absorption ratios at the same compost level.

Quality of compost produced from different types of decomposer substrate and composition of straw

Compost is one of the processes of decomposing organic materials that involves the activity of microorganisms partially. The use of decomposers is very important to accelerate the rate of compost fermentation. The study was aims to evaluate the quality of compost produced from different types of decomposer substrates and straw compositions. This study uses feces from Bali cattle as main material which are maintained in a semi-intensive manner. Two types of decomposer substrate were used, namely (1) animal substrate (AS) and (2) plant substrate (PS). The level of straw applied were (1) 0%, (2) 5% and (3) 10% (from the total of compost). The study was conducted based on a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial pattern. The data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed that differences in the type of decomposer substrate and straw composition had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the pH value, levels of C-organic, N-organic and C/N ratio of compost. The pH value is in the range of 7.40-7.69. The value of C-organic content varies with a range of values 15.29-18.52%. N-organic content is in the range of 0.72 to 0.97% and C / N ratio of 19.00-25.66. The final results of the study showed that the use of animal substrate decomposer and using 10% straw from the from the total of compost showed better compost quality compared to other treatments.

Mixed Composting of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) with Various Organics: An Analysis on Final Macronutrient Content and Physical Properties

Large amounts of palm oil consumption in Malaysia leads to large amounts of by-products such as Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) requiring disposal. Limited treatment methods for these waste products has resulted in interest to use EFB + POME in composting when mixed with different biomass sources for nutrient enhancement. This work is aimed at enhancing the final macronutrient content and physical properties of EFB:POME based fertilizers using various organic waste products as additives to achieve specific initial C/N values. Seven batches of compost were prepared, Compost A (EFB and POME in 1:1 weight ratio); B (fishmeal); C (bonemeal); D (bunch ash) and mixed compost of 1:1 EFB:POME, fishmeal, bonemeal, bunch ash and sawdust in different composition to obtain initial C/N ratios of 35 (E), 42 (F) and 47 (G). The results indicated the composts achieved maturation on day 40 based on stable pH profiles from day 40 to 52. The C/N ratio of the mixed Composts E, F and G were reduced from 35 to 16, 42 to 15 and 47 to 22 respectively. The mixed composts had a porous structure which supports aeration and a high mass yield of 88 to 90% with a maturation moisture content of 55–70%. The final C/N ratios of Compost E and F was lower than 20 which was an indication of maturation, while the C/N of Compost G was slightly above 20 (22.3). All three batches of EFB mixed composts experienced an increase in Nitrogen (+ 18 to 62%), Phosphorus (+ 125 to 906%) and Potassium (+ 262 to 294%) which indicates that blending EFB:POME based fertilizer with various organic waste can improve the physical properties and nutrient quality.

Phytotoxicity of sewage sludge from selected wastewater treatment plants - new opportunities in sewage sludge treatment

Purpose The research was focused on evaluating phytotoxicity of sewage sludge from two selected wastewater treatment plants in Czech Republic. Methods Laboratory experiments were carried out with samples of sewage sludge, which were focused on the evaluation of their phytotoxicity by using the PhytotoxkitTM testing set. Specifically, the inhibitory/stimulating effect was established on the growth of roots from the seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). The chosen proportions of sewage sludge were 10%, 30% and 50%. The test was conducted in three repetitions. Additionally, the research also included a comparison of the effect of compost addition to the sewage sludge and its potentially increased stimulating effect on the growth of roots from the seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). Ratios of compost were 5%, 15%, 25% and 50%. The test was conducted in three repetitions. Results Stimulating effect on the growth of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) was demonstrated only in samples with the sludge proportion of 10%. The results also show that the addition of compost reduced phytotoxicity of sewage sludge in all three tested ratios (5%, 15%, 25% and 50%). Conclusion It was found out that the addition of compost resulted in the decreased phytotoxicity of all tested sewage sludge samples, and hence in their suppressed inhibitory effect.

Effects of incorporation of vermiculite on carbon and nitrogen retention and concentration of other nutrients during composting of cattle manure

A study was carried out to determine the effects of vermiculite inclusion into cattle manure on compost performance and nutrient retention during composting. All compost mixtures passed through the major composting phases and inclusion of vermiculite increased retention of total nitrogen with treatments recording N losses of 27.8, 25.3, 21 and 14.5% for the 0, 10, 20 and 30% vermiculite treatments. Vermiculite inclusion also reduced mineral N (as a percentage of initial nitrogen), NH4+:NO3− ratio and C:N ratio and enhanced the Ca and Mg concentrations of the final cattle manure composts but lowered K concentration. Incorporation of vermiculite in composting of cattle manure reduced the Ca: Mg ratio of final compost to <1. Further work is recommended to determine the availability of nutrients, particularly N, K, Ca and Mg when these co-composts are applied as organic fertilisers.

Rice Straw Composting by Cellulolytic Bacteria Isolate and Its Application on Rice in Acid Sulfate Soils

High acidity in acid sulfate soils due to pyrite oxidation results in increased Al3+ and Fe2+ activity which inhibits the growth of rice plants. The application of organic matter (compost) is one of the technology to manage acid sulfate soil. This study aims to obtain cellulolytic bacterial isolates that are superior in composting and improving rice growth in acid sulfate soil. The experiment carries out in the laboratory and glasshouse of the Indonesian Swampland Agriculture Research Institute (ISARI), Banjarbaru, Indonesia on May-November 2017. The experimental to obtain cellulolytic bacteria and water content that can accelerate composting is arranged by factorial using a complete randomized design with three replication First factor were cellulolytic bacteria application (without application/control, BS 1.6, BS 1.9, BS 2.2 and BS 2.5), while the second factor was water content (50%, 100%, and 150%). The effect of compost application with cellulolytic bacterial to rice growth arranged by factorial completely randomized design with 3 replications. The first factor was cellulolytic bacteria application (without application/control, BS 1.6, BS 1.9, and BS 2.2), while the second factor was composting condition (muddy waterlogged and waterlogged 5 cm depth). The result showed that the ability of cellulolytic bacteria to reduce C/N straw was not different. Only differences in water content affect the reducing C/N ratio of straw. The average C/N ratio of straw compost made with 50%, 100%, and 150% water content is 35.59; 29.71, and 29.21. Application of compost made under muddy waterlogged and inoculated BS1.9 and BS2.2 can increase the number of tillers, while those inoculated BS1.6 and BS1.9 can increase the rice shoot dry weight of Inpara 2. The suggest that cellulolytic bacterial inoculation can improve the quality of compost so that the growth of rice is better.

Impacts on vegetable yields, nutrient contents and soil fertility in a community garden with different compost amendments

This study aimed to test impacts on soil fertility, plant yield, and plant nutrient content when growing vegetables (Arugula and Radish) at different compost treatments rates (10%, 30%, 50% and 70% v/v) and with synthetic fertilizer. The compost used in this study was produced from food wastes in combination of wood chips. The results showed the impacts on vegetable growth and soil fertility varied exceptionally by the compost amendment rate. Specifically, the leafy crop experienced an increased yield with the incremented compost ratio and therefore the highest treatment (70%) generated a harvest several times larger to that of non-treated soil. For the root vegetable, the largest output was observed at a medium treatment rate (50%). Additionally, the applications revealed compost treatments at high percentages generally promoted elements N, P, K, Na, Mn, Zn and Mg within the vegetable contents. On the contrary, a low compost amount (10%) boosted Ca, Al, and Fe levels. In terms of soil fertility enrichment, the compost can improve C, N, K and Zn at medium to high treatment rates (30% to 70%). Particularly, at such amounts, the compost enhanced C and N contents within the ground soil more than the fertilizer application. Based on the gathered outcomes, root vegetables will thrive at 50% compost treatment allowing for the replacement of complete synthetic fertilizer use without significant reduction on yields and nutrients. As for leafy green vegetables, the 70 % compost concentration permits the replacement of more than half the total fertilizer usage.

Foliar application of moringa leaf extract improves the growth of moringa seedlings in winter

Moringa is a multipurpose plant due to enormous benefits but chilling temperature in winter results in various physiological and metabolic disturbances in cells of this plant which leads to vegetative growth inhibition in moringa. To overcome this problem, foliar application of various biostimulants might be viable option. Moringa leaf extract is also getting popularity as bio-stimulant. Therefore, present study was conducted to test the growth of moringa seedling under low temperature regime (12.9–20.1 °C) in response to foliar application of moringa leaf extract, hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid and salicylic acid. Seeds of moringa accessions were collected from concerning locations and seedlings were grown in polythene bags filled with equal ratio of compost, sand, silt and clay. All foliar treatments were applied twice at the age of one and three months of seedlings. Growth and biochemical parameters were recorded by using standard procedures. Foliar application of moringa leaf extract at the rate of 3% significantly improved the number of branches (66%), leaves (52%), leaflets (42%), leaf chlorophyll a (41%) and b (71%) and total chlorophyll (49%) contents, membrane stability index (45%) and leaf phenolic contents (78%) of moringa seedlings as compared to control after first round of treatment application. After second round of foliar application of moringa leaf extract at the rate of 3% significantly increased the number of branches (92%), leaves (141%), leaflets (61%), leaf chlorophyll a (51%) and b (61%), total chlorophyll contents (54%), membrane stability index (60%) and leaf phenolic contents (63%) of moringa seedlings. Vigorous growth of moringa seedlings under low temperature stress ensured the defensive potential of moringa leaf extract against low temperature stress.

Impact of Natural and Synthetic Plant Stimulants on Moringa Seedlings Grown under Low-Temperature Conditions

Low-temperature results in various physiological and metabolic disturbances in cells of plants which are sensitive to low-temperatures. Moringa is getting popularity as a field crop because of its multipurpose usage. There is no information available about effects of low-temperature (14-18°C) on moringa seedlings and its mitigation. Present study was conducted to test the performance of moringa seedling grown in wire house under low-temperature conditions in response to foliar application of moringa leaf extract (3% solution), hydrogen peroxide (5 ml L-1), ascorbic acid (50 mg L-1) and salicylic acid (50 mg L-1). Seeds of six moringa accessions [Local landrace grown at Agronomic Research Area, Z.A Hashmi Hall, Firdous Colony. Exotic landrace grown at Lalazaar Colony, Department of Agronomy and Agronomic Research Area.] were collected and grown in polythene bags filled with equal ratio of compost, sand, silt and clay. All foliar treatments were applied twice; first round at the seedling age one month and second round at the seedling age two months. Foliar application of moringa leaf extract significantly enhanced number of branches (92%) and leaves (39%), leaf total chlorophyll contents (73%), leaf phenolic contents (53%) and membrane stability index (57%) of moringa seedlings compared to control. Healthy and vigorous growth of moringa seedlings with higher concentration of antioxidants ensured the defensive potential of moringa leaf extract against low-temperature condition.

Composition and mineralization of organic compost derived from composting of fruit and vegetable waste

ABSTRACT Fruit and vegetable waste can be used for the production of organic compost, which when mineralized can increase the availability of nitrogen. The objectives of this study were: (a) to produce compost from different ratios of fruit and vegetable waste, rice husk and poultry manure that meets the legislation on organic fertilizers and (b) to assess the mineralization of N in substrates prepared with different ratios of compost. In experiment 1, the following treatments were prepared using (fruit and vegetable residue: rice husk: poultry waste) (v:v): Treatment 1 (2:1:0), T2 (1:1:1), T3 (1.5:1:0) and T4 (1.2:1:0). All the treatments were subjected to composting for 95 days, were subjected to analysis of nutrients, organic carbon, C/N, CEC/C, pH and moisture content. The composts were compared in regards to the parameters required by legislation. In experiment 2, the treatments consisted of eight blends of agricultural peat, carbonized rice husk and organic compost pre-selected from experiment 1. The NO3 --N and NH+ 4-N contents were analyzed in the substrate at time zero and at 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 days after incubation. Compost (C2) met the parameters required by legislation and the use of 40% in the substrate composition promoted the mineralization of N.

Impact of Natural and Synthetic Plant Stimulants on Moringa Seedlings Grown under Low-Temperature Conditions

Low-temperature results in various physiological and metabolic disturbances in cells of plants which are sensitive to low-temperatures. Moringa is getting popularity as a field crop because of its multipurpose usage. There is no information available about effects of low-temperature (14-18°C) on moringa seedlings and its mitigation. Present study was conducted to test the performance of moringa seedling grown in wire house under low-temperature conditions in response to foliar application of moringa leaf extract (3% solution), hydrogen peroxide (5 ml L-1), ascorbic acid (50 mg L-1) and salicylic acid (50 mg L-1). Seeds of six moringa accessions [Local landrace grown at Agronomic Research Area, Z.A Hashmi Hall, Firdous Colony. Exotic landrace grown at Lalazaar Colony, Department of Agronomy and Agronomic Research Area.] were collected and grown in polythene bags filled with equal ratio of compost, sand, silt and clay. All foliar treatments were applied twice; first round at the seedling age one month and second round at the seedling age two months. Foliar application of moringa leaf extract significantly enhanced number of branches (92%) and leaves (39%), leaf total chlorophyll contents (73%), leaf phenolic contents (53%) and membrane stability index (57%) of moringa seedlings compared to control. Healthy and vigorous growth of moringa seedlings with higher concentration of antioxidants ensured the defensive potential of moringa leaf extract against low-temperature condition.