Cow Manure Compost Promotes Maize Growth and Ameliorates Soil Quality in Saline-Alkali Soil: Role of Fertilizer Addition Rate and Application Depth

Shuyan Li, Zhijun Liu, Jiao Li, Zhanwei Liu, Xuhan Gu and Lianhui Shi ()
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Shuyan Li: National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Zhijun Liu: National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Jiao Li: National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Zhanwei Liu: National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Xuhan Gu: National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Lianhui Shi: National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-11

Abstract: Soil salinization and alkalization is a global problem restricting agricultural production. This study compared different fertilizer regimes (addition rate and application depth) on maize growth and soil quality in saline-alkali soil. Cow manure compost was applied with addition rates of 6, 12, 18 and 24 t·ha −1 , and application depths of 5 and 20 cm, along with 0.6 t·ha −1 mineral fertilizer, and compared to a control treatment with only mineral fertilizer application. Results indicated that cow manure compost application could promote maize growth and ameliorate soil quality in saline-alkali soil. Increasing cow manure compost addition rate alleviated soil salinity better than alkalinity, while increasing compost application depth could reduce soil alkalinity more effectively than soil salt content. Moreover, increasing cow manure compost addition rate improved soil organic matter and soil nutrient content, thus promoting shoot growth and maize yield. However, increasing cow manure compost application depth could boost root growth, and further absorbed more nutrients to promote maize yield. Cow manure compost application increased maize yield by 6.0% to 28.4% with a maximum yield of 8.14 t·ha −1 in a treatment with compost addition rate of 24 t·ha −1 and application depth of 20 cm. Comprehensive evolution of soil quality, maize growth and maize yield, cow manure compost addition rate of 24 t·ha −1 and application depth of 20 cm along with 0.6 t·ha −1 mineral fertilizer application is suggested for use in saline-alkali soil.

Keywords: compost addition rate; compost application depth; maize growth; soil quality; saline-alkali soil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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