On-Spot Application of Plant and Animal Residues: Effects on Soil Quality, Strawberry Growth, and Photosynthetic Performance

Abstract

Purpose Organic residues can improve crop performance, but most studies have focused on their application with a decomposition period in the field. This delay in farming can be problematic for growers. Methods We investigated the on-spot application of plant and animal residues on strawberry plants' morphological and photosynthetic performance in a greenhouse setting. We used a completely randomized design with seven treatments, including three plant residues, three animal residues, and a control replicated three times. Data was collected on soil physicochemical and biological parameters, strawberry growth parameters and chlorophyll parameters. Results Our results showed that applying organic residues significantly improved the soil’s chemical properties. Wheat straw had more organic matter (5.4%), sheep manure had more N (212.1 mg 100g^-1), vermicompost had more K, P, Zn and Cu content. Soil enzyme activities were significantly modulated with the highest urease activity in hazelnut husk, glucosidase activity was highest at tea waste and hazelnut husk, while phosphatase activity was observed more in sheep manure. Wheat straw had the best soil quality index, while physicochemical properties contributed the most to soil quality. Sheep manure had the highest fresh (34.1g) and dry (6.2g) biomass and number of leaves (7). Strawberry height was highest at cow manure (34.2 cm), while chlorophyll content was highest at the control (3.34mg/g). Conclusions These findings suggest that the on-spot application of organic residues could be an effective strategy for improving crop performance; nonetheless, results also revealed the need for a decomposition period for effective nutrient release and plant utilization.