International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture (Jan 2024)
The effect of compost on growth and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris plants grown under saline soil
Abstract
Purpose The effect of a novel organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) compost, as a partial alternative to mineral fertilizers, on soil characteristics, growth, physio-biochemical attributes, Cd2? and NO3 - concentrations, and yields of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants grown under salt stress was investigated. Methods Six organic and mineral materials were well mixed with water and composted in a polyvinyl house in a concrete trench of size 4 9 5 9 2m (W 9 L 9 D), respectively. The moisture content was maintained at 50â60% throughout the active composting period by frequent checking. The mixture was turned at 7-day intervals for about 2 months to maintain porosity. This OMF compost was applied for the tested saline soil at 10, 20 and 30 ton ha-1 while reducing the recommended NPK to 50%. In addition,100% NPK was applied as a control to achieve the purpose of this study. Growth characteristics, quantitative and qualitative yield, Cd2? and NO3 - concentrations, and physio-biochemical attributes in common bean plants were assessed. Results Addition of OMF compost improved the soil chemical and physical properties. Application of OMF compost at a rate of 20 ton h-1 , as an alternative to 50% of the recommended dose of mineral-NPK fertilizers, significantly decreased the concentrations of Cd2? and NO3 - in plant leaves, pods and seeds, showing the same growth characteristics, and pod and seed yields compared to the control (100% of mineral-NPK fertilizers). This treatment also improved all determined physio-biochemical attributes and tested soil characteristics compared to the control. Conclusion The benefit of this OMF compost, as a partial alternative to chemical fertilizers, demonstrated the validity and possibility of sustainable agronomic performance of common bean using locally available recycled organic materials for manufacturing the studied OMF.
Keywords