Biocompost application for the improvement of soil characteristics and dry matter yield of Lolium perenne (grass)
2003
Sarwar, G. | Hussain, N. | Mujeeb, F. (Soil Salinity Research Inst., Pindi Bhattian (Pakistan)) | Schmeisky, H. | Hassan, G.
A pot experiment was conducted at University of Kassel, Witzenhausen Germany. Three types of soils were used for this purpose. Biocompost is the form of compost prepared from kitchen wastes. This compost was analyzed before application (pH = 7.7 and C: N ratio = 14.2:1). Biocompost was applied to each soil type at 5 and 10% of soil volume. Lolium perenne grass was grown in all the pots. The experiment had four replications. This grass was harvested at the age of one month and was oven dried at 60 degree centigrade. This plant material was then analyzed for organic matter; N, Ca, Mg, K and P contents. Soil samples were also taken from all the pots and analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter, N, C, C/N ratio and mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, P and Cl). All data were analyzed statistically. It was observed that use of biocompost at both the levels (5 and 10%) enhanced the soil pH, EC, organic matter, N and C% with a net decrease in C/N ratio. Organic matter and N percentages in plant material were increased with the application of biocompost. Contents of mineral nutrients in the soil were also increased by the use/addition of biocompost. The resultant improvements in soils, contributed towards significant enhancement in dry matter yield of Lolium perenne grass.
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