EXPLOITATION OF EM.1-TREATED BLEND OF ORGANIC RESOURCES AND HUMIC ACID FOR ORGANIC BERSEEM (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) PRODUCTION

Abstract

A field trial was conducted to evaluate blends of organic resources and humic acids, in order to enhance organic berseem forage production. The objective of this study was to compare an EM.1 (effective microorganisms)-treated blend of organic resources with an untreated blend of organic resources, and thereby evaluate the usefulness of humic acid as an organic fertilizer. The two types of blends,each with 4 application levels(0, 15, 30, and 45 t·ha −1 ), and humic acid (4 application levels: 0, 15, 30, and 45 kg·ha −1 ) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement (blend types were the main plot factor and humic acid a sub-plot factor). Except for the difference in EM.1 inoculation, both blends were prepared by co-composting cow manure, poultry manure, and kitchen waste (2:1:1 ratio by volume, respectively). The differences among treatments with respect to fresh and dry yield, as well as mineral composition were recorded. The blend treated with effective microorganisms was found to be a more effective fertilizer than the untreated blend. Additionally, heavier application of both types of organic resource blends and humic acid enhanced both fresh and dry yields, and improved the mineral composition of the crop. These findings are valuable for organic growers and it may open a new avenue for researchers worldwide.

Organic Alfalfa Production Using Different EM.1 Composts

“…Superiority of yield parameters and mineral composition of alfalfa in plots with EM.1 composts (PMEM.1 over PMplain and CMEM.1 over CMplain) are thought to be attributed to various qualities of EM.1. Precisely, the microbial species included in EM.1, are thought to result in rapid degradation that may help in timely liberation of essential nutrients from the compost, subsequently fulfilling the nutrient demand of crop when needed (Shalaby, 2011;Bell et al, 2013;Boga et al, 2014;Daur et al, 2015). In addition, compost analysis (Table 3) showed that EM.1 lowered the pH of the compost, which subsequently resulted in favorable soil pH, enhancing nutrient uptake and composition of the crop.…”

Influence of Composted Municipal Sludge on Efficiency of Primary Nutrients in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Temperate Himalayas

“…Rathod et al, (2013) stated that the beneficial effect of organic manures on nutrient availability was probably due to the solubilization of native nutrients by organic acids released during microbial decomposition of organic materials. Daur et al, (2015) showed that increasing levels of organic manure and humic acid enhanced nutrient uptake in berseem. The results are also in agreement with the findings of Mitchell et al, (1978), Paulraj and Sree Ramulu (1994), Christodoulakis and Margaris (1996), Aggelides and Londra (2000), Mahdy et al, (2007) and N , Dayegamiye (2009).…”

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on Performance of Clitoria Grown in Stressed Environment

“…4,9,14 It is to be mentioned that poultry manure contained three folds nutrients compared to cow manures. 15 It is well documented that organic manures have great beneficial effects on soil physical and chemical properties plus supplying nutrients to plants. 9,10,14 This was especially true in case of the studied site where the soil is poor and known for low productivity.…”