Rice straw compositing with two methods and its effect on canola growth
2009
Ibrahim, M.M. | Mahmoud, K.E. | Ghazy, M.A. | El-Saka, S.M.
In Egypt, disposal of rice straw and organic wastes is of great concern as well as improvement of soil properties and plant yields. Compost made of rice straw and animal manure could improve both organic waste recycling and plant growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate two methods, turned and static piles without agitation during the composting process, for composting rice straw and the suitability of the produced compost for the agricultural purposes. In a first experiment at pilot scale, the effects of turning and composting time for turned and static piles on germination index and compost composition were studied Turning did not have a clear effect while it increased costs of composting. Compost stability/ maturity were tested by measuring a absorbance ratio (E4/E6) and seed germination index (G1).The results showed that optical density of water extracts increased with composting time like germination index. Therefore, it can be used for easier quality control In a second experiment in pots, the effect of the turned compost on canola growth was studied. The study demonstrated that the dry weight and relative increase (R1 %) of dry weight of canola plants increased with the application of compost to soil. The application of compost at 10g kg soil had a greater effect on increasing yield It is concluded that composting of rice straw and animal manure by static pile is a low cost technology. Rice straw compost can also increase the plant growth and improve the efficiency of rice straw disposal.
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