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EVALUATION OF COMPOSTED ORGANIC WASTE ENRICHED WITH NITROGEN AND L-TRYPTOPHAN FOR IMPROVING GROWTH AND YIELD OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Z.A. ZAHIR*, M. NAVEED, M.I. ZAFAR, H.S. REHMAN, M. ARSHAD AND M. KHALID

Abstract: Organic waste materials are being used in huge amounts (tons ha^-1) for improving soil health and crop yields. Recycling of organic wastes enriched with nitrogen and L-tryptophan (L-TRP) could convert organic waste material into a useful soil amendment, which may be effective even when added in substantially small amounts (kg ha^-1). Organic waste material of fruits and vegetables was collected and subjected to composting in a locally fabricated mechanical unit. The composted material was enriched with N (120 g kg^-1 compost) and L-tryptophan (10 mg kg^-1 compost) to convert it into a value added organic fertilizer. Effectiveness of the compost enriched with N alone and with N plus L-TRP was compared by applying different rates (300, 400 and 500 kg ha^-1) to wheat in two year field study. The P and K fertilizers were applied as basal treatment in all plots, thus control consisted of P and K fertilizers only. Results of field experiments revealed that application of N & L-TRP-enriched compost @ 500 kg ha^-1 was as effective as full dose of N fertilizer in improving growth and yield of wheat, saving 30% N fertilizer. It significantly improved the yield of wheat by 64% during first year and by 73% during second year compared with control. Similarly, N, P & K contents of the wheat plants were significantly improved upon application of N & L-TRP-enriched compost @ 500 kg ha^-1 compared with control. The technology bears its promise not only to improve crop yield on sustainable basis but also reduce dependence on chemical fertilizer as well as huge piles of organic wastes causing environmental pollution.

Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan