Effects of compost application on soil fertility of a Luvisol from Gödöllő (Hungary)

Abstract

The effect of compost application on the chemical soil properties, which are important for soil fertility, was analysed. Pot experiments were set up before and after incubation of soil mixed with compost. Four treatments include 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 m/m % compost mixed to soil were used; each treatment was repeated four times. Compost was from plant residues, and soil (Luvisol) from agricultural land of Gödöllő. Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was seeded in the pots. The pots were set up at standard 20°C in a climate room, irrigated daily to 60% of field capacity, and cut after three and four weeks. During the incubation monthly, the hot water percolation-soluble C and N content was analysed. After cutting the ryegrass, plant weight was measured and N, P and K content of plants was analysed. Soils with higher compost ratio show a higher C, N P and K content. The plant analysis for both the not incubated and soils incubated with different compost portions show the following differences: fresh and dry plant weight and N, P and K content of the treatment with 10 m/m % compost increased significantly. Hot-water-soluble N content increased continuously during the six months of incubation, while C content decreased.

Keywords:

• soil organic matter
• compost
• nitrogen mineralization
• soil fertility
• Luvisol