The effect of composted municipal waste, sheep manure, and urea nitrogen on the growth and chemical composition of two rapeseed cultivars

ABSTRACT

Oil cultivars of Brassica napus L. were grown to compare the effects of composted municipal waste (CMW) and sheep manure (SM) to field soil (C0). To each soil group, one of three levels of urea nitrogen fertilizer (N) was added. SM grown plants had higher N than those grown in CMW with the Sarigol cultivar having a higher N content than the RGS cultivar. Field soil plants grown in control soil had lowest N levels. Organic amendments increased N content of both cultivars. SM grown plants produced more siliques, a higher seed yield, and greater 100 seed weight compared to those grown in CMW. Control soil plants had the lowest number of siliques, seed yield, and 100 seed weight. CMW-treated plants contained slightly more metals than SM plants. Field soil plants had the lowest metal levels. CMW and SM application had potential to improve the growth and chemical composition without adding urea.

KEYWORDS:

• Brassica napus L
• compost
• micronutrients
• organic amendments
• organic matter
• sustainable agriculture

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Heinz Muller-Scharer and J. Forrest Meekins for assistance with manuscript preparation.