Impact of Organic Compost Prepared From Different Plant-Based Residues on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth Performance of Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek

Abstract

Abstract The investigation was aimed to study the physio-chemical characteristics and evaluation of the quality of three different organic composts (Plant compost, Coir pith compost and Vermi compost) made by local and standard preparations. All the organic composts were prepared from different feedstocks/raw materials. All the physiochemical parameters and mineral analysis of the compost samples were done using standard methodologies. An early seedling growth performance study was also carried out using Vigna radiata seeds in respective compost samples to find out the maturity and quality of the composts as a growth substrate and for wider application in agriculture. All the organic composts had variations in their physiochemical characters and growth performance of seedlings in the treatments. Except for standard plant compost, where no germination was seen, all the other composts exhibited germination. No higher levels of heavy metals were identified in any of the samples. The outputs of the present study could be due to elevated pH and electrical conductivity of the compost, and also maybe of the allelopathic potential of the compost since it is plant-based compost. Therefore, before advocating any organic compost into fields, physiochemical characteristics and quality of the composts should be ensured so that it won’t affect the soil quality undesirably and also the plant nutrition.