Saturday, 15 July 2006
162-19

Effect of Pre-Treated and Enriched Coirdust Compost on the Yield and Uptake of Major and Micronutrients by Corn Crop.

Anand H.S.1, Suseela Devi L.2, and Pardhasaradhi V1. (1) Advinus Therapeutics Private Limited, Plot No.s:21 and 22, Phase II,, Peenya Industrial Area,, Bangalore, 560 058, India, (2) Univ of Agricultrural Sciences, Dept of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, G.K.V.K., Bangalore, 560 064, India

The sustainable food production depends largely on the soil fertility and proper utilization of natural resources. Most developing countries depend on their agricultural lands for fodder and fuel in addition to their food requirements. Soil fertility has been the major constraint in food production in terms of maintenance of soil organic matter. High temperature and low biomass availability for turnover in the tropical countries like India would force us to look for alternative sources. It should envisage ploughing back every bit of organic carbon to the soil to slow down soil degradation and improve the soil health. A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of different composts prepared by using coirdust with and without pre-treatment and enrichment. Coirdust composts, synthesized by pretreating coirdust lime, combination of acid and lime and enriched with additives like rock phosphate and zinc sulphate, were used. Higher root and shoot weights were recorded in corn plants, which received higher quantities of compost, irrespective of additive used for enrichment. Further, plants that received enriched and pre-treated composts recorded significantly higher biomass compared to those, which had been supplied with only inorganic fertilizers. Application of rock phosphate to the soil through compost resulted in significant increase in uptake of phosphorus by corn crop, compared to direct application of rock phosphate to the soil. Application of enriched and pre-treated composts also resulted in increase in soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, zinc and other micronutrients content. Composted coirdust presents a cheaper and high organic carbon source for the maintenance of high organic matter contents which is so endearing property of the soil accounting for its sustenance.

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