Journal of Horticulture
Open Access
ISSN: 2376-0354
ISSN: 2376-0354
Federal University of Ceara, Brazil
Research Article
Compost and Nutrient Dynamics under Irrigation and Shadowing for Horticulture in Northeast Brazil
Author(s): Janine Colares Gadelha*, Francisco Alisson da Silva Xavier, Maria Eugênia Ortiz Escobar, Robert John Gilkes and Teógenes Senna de Oliveira
Purpose: Determine the decomposition of compost under two levels of shading (total and none) and central pivot and sprinkler irrigation.
Methods: Litter boxes were made with a 4mm mesh base, and PVC sides and filled with compost. Boxes were recovered after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months. Amounts of remaining compost and nutrients were measured and decomposition rates and half-life values were calculated. Soil under the litter boxes was analyzed before and after removing boxes, for nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) and organic carbon.
Results: Compost was lost quickly over time. Losses were faster under central pivot than sprinkler irrigation. Total shade caused higher rates of decomposition than without shade. Half-life values varied from 0.12 to 1.02 years. Losses of nutrients were substantial, with P and K.. View More»