Effect of municipal solid waste compost on soil properties of maize in maize-blackgram cropping system

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 and 2023 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal to assess the effect of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) on post-harvest soil properties in maize. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (0%, 75%, and 100% RDF) as main plots and five levels of MSWC (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 t ha-1) as sub plots. The pooled data of two years indicated that bulk density and soil organic carbon did not differ significantly due to inorganic fertilizer application and municipal solid waste compost. Water holding capacity showed significant influence with MSWC application. The highest water holding capacity of 46.4% was recorded with MSWC @ 15 t ha-1. Soil pH showed a marginal decline with increasing MSWC levels, while electrical conductivity remained unaffected. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium exhibited significant responses to the application of inorganic fertilizers, MSWC, and their interaction. The highest pooled values were observed with 100% RDF combined with MSWC @ 15 t ha-1 recording 162.42 kg ha⁻¹ available nitrogen, 58 kg ha-1 available phosphorus, and 370 kg ha-1 available potassium. These findings indicate that integrated application of RDF and MSWC enhances soil nutrient availability and water retention, supporting improved nutrient and moisture management in maize cultivation.