Influence of compost Amendments on the germination and Growth performance of Zea mays L.

Abstract

Maize is a highly consumed staple food in developing countries and the demand is predicted to double in the coming years. Therefore, there is a need to improve production through the use of compost amendments for sustainability. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of three compost amendments (lemon peels, vegetable waste, and cooked food waste) on the germination and growth of maize (Zea mays). The results showed that the application of 17% (116 t/ha) of vegetable waste or lemon peel composts supported maximum maize growth. However, vegetable waste compost had the highest potassium content, which supported maximum root growth and biomass yield. Although the addition of 17% cooked food waste compost resulted in excess nitrogen supply, reducing its application to 7% (50t/ha) supplied the required level for maize germination.