Supplementation of Manure Compost with Trichoderma asperellum Improves the Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Edible Amaranth under Field Conditions

Ruei-Teng Lyu and Cheng-Hua Huang
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Ruei-Teng Lyu: Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., South Dist., Taichung City 402, Taiwan
Cheng-Hua Huang: Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., South Dist., Taichung City 402, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: Manure composts can improve soil health and crop production, but their application with Trichoderma species has not been well evaluated in amaranth cultivation. This study aimed to determine the effects of manure compost (MC) and MC supplemented with Trichoderma asperellum CHF 78 (MC+CHF 78) on the yield and nutrient uptake of amaranth, as well as on soil properties, under field conditions. Four fertilization treatments, including a control without fertilization, chemical fertilization (CF), MC, and MC+CHF 78, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications in the experimental field. MC and MC+CHF 78 significantly increased the yield of amaranth by 96.2–102% in comparison with CF. In addition, MC and MC+CHF 78 significantly increased the soil pH, soil organic matter, soil available P and exchangeable K, and soil microbial activity compared with those in the control and CF treatments. However, only amaranth plants applied with MC+CHF 78 showed a significantly greater P uptake than those with the control and CF treatments, which may be attributed to the phosphate-solubilizing ability of T . asperellum CHF 78. In conclusion, manure compost fortified with T . asperellum CHF 78 can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers for amaranth cultivation.

Keywords: soil fertility; organic farming; chemical fertilizer; soil microbial activity (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 references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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