Exploration of Agronomic Efficacy and Drought Amelioration Ability of Municipal Solid-Waste-Derived Co-Compost on Lettuce and Maize

Rowland Maganizo Kamanga (), Isaiah Matuntha, Grace Chawanda, Ndaziona Mtaya Phiri, Taonga Chasweka, Chisomo Dzimbiri, Joab Stevens, Mathews Msimuko, Mvuyeni Nyasulu, Hastings Chiwasa, Abel Sefasi, Vincent Mgoli Mwale and Joseph Gregory Chimungu
Additional contact information
Rowland Maganizo Kamanga: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Isaiah Matuntha: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Grace Chawanda: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Ndaziona Mtaya Phiri: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Taonga Chasweka: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Chisomo Dzimbiri: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Joab Stevens: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Mathews Msimuko: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Mvuyeni Nyasulu: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Hastings Chiwasa: Agricultural Extension and Development Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Abel Sefasi: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Vincent Mgoli Mwale: Horticulture Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Joseph Gregory Chimungu: Crop and Soil Sciences Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-22

Abstract: Organic soil amendments, such as composts, mitigate the negative impacts on the environment that are caused by poor waste management practices. However, in the sub-Saharan African region, and Malawi in particular, studies investigating the agronomical efficacy and their ability to ameliorate drought stress when used as a soil amendment are minimal. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sewage sludge and municipal solid waste (MSW) co-compost to ameliorate drought stress and improve crop productivity. Three experiments were conducted (i) to determine optimal application rate for co-compost, (ii) to evaluate yield response of maize and lettuce to co-compost application under contrasting soils, and (iii) to assess the effect of co-compost under water-limited conditions. Our results indicate that an application rate of 350 g co-compost per station was the most effective. This rate is 50% and 37% lower than the currently recommended rate for applying conventional compost to green vegetables and maize, respectively. In addition, under drought conditions, the co-compost application enhanced growth in lettuce, with less wilting, increased biomass and yield, approximately 130% greater leaf yield, and a 138% improvement in root growth. Furthermore, the relative root mass ratio (RRMR) was enhanced with the co-compost application by 103% under drought stress. This suggests that the co-compost amendment resulted in a greater allocation of biomass to the roots, which is a crucial morphological attribute for adapting to drought conditions. The concentration of K in the leaves and roots of plants treated with co-compost was significantly increased by 44% and 61%, respectively, under drought conditions, which may have contributed to osmotic adjustment, resulting in a significant increase in leaf relative water content (RWC) by a magnitude of 11 times. Therefore, in light of the rising inorganic fertilizer costs and the limited availability of water resources, these results demonstrate the potential of MSW and sludge co-composting in ameliorating the drastic effects of water- and nutrient-deficient conditions and optimizing growth and yield under these constraining environments.

Keywords: compost; co-compost; drought; soil amendment; municipal solid waste; sludge; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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