This study evaluated aerated teas produced from compost and vermicompost (using cattle manure, elephant grass, and castor bean cake) applied to maize. Two growth chamber experiments assessed initial development under irrigation and water deficit to identify the most effective tea and concentration. Subsequently, a greenhouse pot experiment evaluated the best treatment under different application modes (soil, foliar, or soil + foliar). Results showed that Mixed Vermicompost Tea (MVT) at a 1:10 dilution outperformed other extracts, promoting greater biomass under both water conditions. In the greenhouse, the combined application (soil + foliar) was the most effective. Notably, MVT acted as a root architecture modulator. Under irrigated conditions, it increased both fine and thick roots. However, under water deficit, it prioritized the proliferation of fine roots (< 2 mm) over thick ones, facilitating a dehydration avoidance strategy through improved soil exploration. Additionally, MVT reduced non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) upon rehydration, indicating faster photoprotective recovery. These findings suggest that MVT serves as a viable bioinput, enhancing maize resilience primarily through morphological plasticity rather than direct nutritional supply.
Composting provides an effective solution for managing agro-industrial organic waste by reducing its environmental impact and producing fertilizers suitable for vegetable production. This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical properties of six composts produced from neem (Azadirachta indica) fruit processing residues (shells, pulp, and depulping sludge) composted alone or in co-composting with cattle dung and to evaluate their effects on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under greenhouse conditions. An agronomic trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications and eight treatments, including a commercial municipal solid waste-based compost (T7) as a positive control. Physicochemical analysis revealed contrasting nutrient profiles among composts, with total nitrogen ranging from 0.35% (shells only) to 1.12% (sludge + cattle dung) and C/N ratios ranging from 21.2 to 35.3. Co-composting with cattle dung consistently improved nitrogen content and reduced C/N ratios across all substrate types. Agronomic results showed that the compost based on sludge and cattle dung (T4) yielded the best performance, with 18.33 +/- 1.53 fruits per plant and an average fruit weight of 100.83 +/- 1.60 g, significantly outperforming the commercial reference compost on fruit weight, despite comparable fruit counts. These findings demonstrate that composting neem fruit processing residues, particularly when co-composted with cattle dung, can produce quality organic amendments with significant agronomic potential for smallholder vegetable production systems.
Declining soil fertility is a major constraint to wheat production in Tigray, Ethiopia, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. This study evaluated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic nutrient management on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of bread wheat (Shina, HAR-1868) in Laelay Maichew Woreda during the 2019 cropping season. A factorial experiment with four compost levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 t/ha) and three chemical fertilizer rates (0, 50, and 100 kg/ha of urea and DAP) was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil and compost analyses indicated low fertility in the experimental site, with deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, while the compost was rich in nitrogen and organic carbon. Results showed that both chemical and compost fertilizers, individually and in combination, significantly improved wheat phenology, growth parameters, grain and biomass yield, and nutrient uptake. The combined application of 12 t/ha compost and 100 kg/ha chemical fertilizer produced the highest grain yield (46.17 q/ha), above-ground biomass (102.50 q/ha), and nutrient uptake (N: 97.84 kg/ha; P: 5.54 kg/ha), outperforming sole applications. Grain yield was positively correlated with plant height, panicle length, number of tillers, seeds per panicle, biomass, and straw yield, and negatively correlated with days to emergence, heading, and maturity. The study demonstrates that integrated nutrient management using locally available compost and recommended chemical fertilizers can enhance wheat productivity, improve soil fertility, and optimize nutrient use efficiency under Tigray conditions. Adoption of such strategies could contribute to sustainable wheat production and food security in the region.
