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 %r 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 o{maize (Zea mays L.). The composted FVW was enriched with 44 kg N (25% of full dose ofN
fertilizer) while the same amount ofN was directly applied to soil in case of raw organic waste application. Composted or raw organic waste materials were tested @ 300-500 kg ha '. 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
{ertilizer 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 ofN fertilizer. Moreover, composting of organic wastes using this technology could also reduce their potential hazard to the environmen
R. Ahmad, A. Khalid’,, M. Arshad’, , Z.A. Zahir , M. Naveed’. (2007) Effect of raw (un-composted) and composted organic waste material on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.), The Journal Soil & Environment , Volume 26, Issue 2.
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