Effects of compost on water availability and gas exchange in tomato during drought and recovery

Abstract

Compost can increase soil water availability and nutrient uptake by plants, but it is not clear whether it can also improve the ability of plants to recover after drought stress. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) were grown in sandy soil without compost or with compost either incorporated or mulched. There were two water treatments: (i) plants grown under sufficient water supply throughout the experiment and (ii) plants grown with sufficient water supply until day 33 after which water was withheld until stomatal conductance was close to zero. Compost addition increased water content at both field capacity and permanent wilting point, but only incorporated compost increased total available water. Compost addition increased shoot and root growth under well-watered and drought stressed conditions with a greater effect by incorporated compost. At sufficient water supply, the rates of photosynthesis and transpiration were similar in all treatments. Drought stressed plants with incorporated compost wilted earlier than control plants, whereas mulched compost increased water availability to plants and hence the number of days until wilting. Photosynthesis and transpiration recovered faster in plants grown with incorporated compost compared to other treatments. The rapid recovery of plants after drought with incorporated compost could be due to their greater root length.

Synergistic use of biochar, compost and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria for enhancing cucumber growth under water deficit conditions

“…In our study, the addition of compost further improved plant growth under stress condition. It has been observed that application of compost increased the water content in soil at both field capacity and permanent wilting point . Maintaining high water content in the root environment enables plants to grow better without facing stress problems.…”

“…It has been observed that application of compost increased the water content in soil at both field capacity and permanent wilting point. 46 Maintaining high water content in the root environment enables plants to grow better without facing stress problems. Therefore, in the present study, the application of biochar and compost created a conducive environment for plant growth by improving nutrient and water availability.…”

Composition of different composts and vermicompost and effects of their application rates on growth parameters of pot grown tomato

“…Both composts and vermicomposts are being used in agricultural/horticultural production to improve soil fertility as they significantly enhance soil organic matter content (Nguyen et al, 2012). The application of composts and vermicompost promotes soil aggregation and stabilizes soil structure (Khan and Ishaq, 2011), increases soil water availability and hence plant nutrient uptake (Nguyen et al, 2012).…”

“…The application of composts and vermicompost promotes soil aggregation and stabilizes soil structure (Khan and Ishaq, 2011), increases soil water availability and hence plant nutrient uptake (Nguyen et al, 2012). Vermicompost contains 5 times high N and 7 times higher K and 1.5 time higher Ca than the first 15 cm top soil (Parkin and Berry, 1994).…”

Experimental assessment of sealer bio ceramic wall matching in fi rst and third apical areas by scanning electron microscope

“…By increasing soil organic matter content, composts improve soil physical properties such as structural stability, total porosity and hydraulic conductivity, aggregate formation and water holding capacity. However, the effect of composts on plant available water varies, depending on soil type, the type of compost and application rate (Nguyen et al, 2012).…”