Use of Organic Compost Containing Waste from Small Ruminants in Corn Production

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Composting is a useful way of transforming livestock waste into organic fertilizer, which is proven to increase soil nutrient levels, and thus crop yield. Remains from production and slaughter of small ruminants can become a source of important elements for plant growth, such as N, after microorganism-driven decomposition.The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of this compost on soil fertility and on the nutritional status and yield of the corn crop. The experiment was conducted in a Haplic Luvisol in a randomized block design with six treatments and five application rates of the organic compound in Mg ha -1 : 3 (half the standard rate), 6 (standard rate), 9 (one and a half times the standard rate), 12 (twice the standard rate), and 24 (four times the standard rate) and an additional treatment with mineral fertilizers (110, 50 e 30 kg ha -1 of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O, respectively), with four blocks. Evaluations were performed for two harvests of rainfed crops, measuring soil fertility, nutritional status, and grain yield. The compost increased P, K, Na and Zn values in the 0.00-0.20 m layer in relation of mineral fertilization in 616, 21, 114 and 90 % with rate 24 Mg ha -1 in second crop. Leaf N, Mg, and S contents, relative chlorophyll content, and the productivity of corn kernels increased in 27, 32, 36, 20 e 85 %, respectively, of low rate (3 Mg ha -1 ) to high rate (24 Mg ha -1 ) with of application of the compost. Corn yield was higher with application of organic compost in rate of 24 Mg ha -1 than mineral fertilizer combination in second crop.

Soil fertility and nutritional status of elephant grass fertilized with organic compost from small ruminant production and slaughter systems

“…In the same layer, Souza et al (2016) observed increases in phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc contents in soil under corn fertilized with organic compost from animal production waste. In an evaluation of different soluble P sources in sorghum, however, the agronomic efficiency of the same organic compost studied here was not better than that of triple superphosphate or monoammonium phosphate (Souza et al, 2019b).…”

“…Composting has come into use in many regions around the world, for being considered a reasonable option for the destination of dead animals, for contributing to meeting the increasing demand for organic fertilizers, at low production costs and with a high economic return for animal husbandry (Misselbrook et al, 2012). The number of poultry and pig farms using composting in Brazil has increased in the last few years, and researchers have investigated this form of treatment of remains of dead animals from cattle (Otenio et al, 2010), fish (Araújo et al, 2011), and sheep and goat farming (Souza et al, 2016). Most livestock farms have areas destined for forage fields, where elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is frequently planted in Brazil because of its high dry matter yield, acceptability, forage quality, photosynthetic efficiency, and good response to nitrogen and phosphate fertilization (Pereira et al, 2010).…”

Green Fertilization With Residues of Leguminous Trees for Cultivating Maize in Degraded Soil

“…All residues positively affected SDM and TDM, showing the potential of these species to promote maize development, since the dry matter is an important parameter for evaluating plant development. This effect of leguminous trees on the increase in maize biomass may result from a synchronized release of N in the soil, causing greater absorption by plants, since the residues were not incorporated, thus favoring a slower decomposition (SOUZA et al, 2016).…”

“…The experiment was carried out from August to October 2012 in the facilities of a seedlings nursery located in Sobral municipality, Ceará State, Brazil, located at 3° 41' S and 40° 20' W, altitude of 69 m. The climate is BShw (hot semiarid) according to the Köppen classification system, with the rainy season lasting from January to June. The average annual temperature is 28 °C and average historical rainfall is 759 mm yr -1 (SOUZA et al, 2016).…”

Effects of slaughter house wastes on soil properties and cocoyam corm yield in Abakaliki, Nigeria

“…Studies have shown that application of slaughter house wastes on soils improve physical and chemical properties and yield of crops. de-Souza et al (2016) discovered that application of livestock wastes on soil enhanced nutrients status of soil and improved crop yields. Carneiro et al (2013) showed that besides other nutrients; N was a major macronutrient common in slaughter house wastes.…”