The Effect of Organic Solid Waste Compost on Soil Properties, Growth, and Yield of Swiss Chard Crop ( < em > Beta vulgaris < /em > L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of food waste compost (FWC) and leaf yard compost (LYC) at different application rates on the soil properties, growth, and yield responses of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). Food waste, leaf and yard waste, and animal dung were collected and composted in a heap-composting method. The produced organic amendments were applied to soil at an application rate of 5, 10, and 15 t/ha, respectively. Two harvesting times were considered, and at each leaf harvesting time, plant growth parameters (height, leaf number, leaf area, and fresh weight) were analyzed; after the second harvesting time, soil properties were analyzed. Results indicated that increasing rates of FWC significantly (p < 0.001) increased the plant height, leaf area, and fresh yield of Swiss chard. The application of 15 t/ha of FWC also increased SOC, TN, available P, and CEC. Food waste was recycled through composting as a soil amendment to improve soil properties and the yield of Swiss chard.PMID:37908492 | PMC:PMC10615583 | DOI:10.1155/2023/6175746
Source: The Scientific World Journal - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: research