Abstract
Fruit and vegetable wastes (FVW) having a high C: N ratio, if applied as such to agricultural soils may affect the availability of N to crops due to soil N immobilization during their decomposition. Composted organic wastes having narrow C: N ratio are highly regarded for their effectiveness for improving crop yields. Pot and field experiments were conducted on a sandy clay loam soil to compare the effectiveness of raw and composted FVW for improving growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The composted FVW was enriched with 44 kg N (25% of full dose of N fertilizer) while the same amount of N was directly applied to soil in case of raw organic waste application. Composted or raw organic waste materials were tested @ 300-500 kg ha-1. Recommended rates of P and K were applied to all treatments. Results of both pot and field trials revealed a superiority of N-enriched composted organic material over the raw organic waste supplemented with N fertilizer and caused significant improvement in growth, yield and nutrient uptakes of maize. Results imply that organic waste could be composted into value added soil amendment by enriching/blending it with N to enhance efficiency of N fertilizer. Moreover, composting of organic wastes using this technology could also reduce their potential hazard to the environment
R. Ahmad1, A. Khalid2 , , M. Arshad2 , , Z.A. Zahir2 , M. Naveed2. (2006) Effect of raw (un-composted) and composted organic waste material on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.), The Journal Soil & Environment , Volume 25, Issue 2.
-
Views
318 -
Downloads
32
