Nutrient availability and maize (Zea mays) growth in soil amended with organic manures

Organic manures help to improve soil physical, chemical and biological properties thus improve nutrient availability to crops. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects (if any) of different sources of organic manures on soil physico-chemical properties and growth of maize. Organic manures viz. farm yard manure, poultry manure and pressmud were added in soil filled earthen pots at10 t ha-1. Four seeds of maize (cv Nilam) were sown in each pot. Six days after emergence, plants were thinned to have two plants per pot. Results revealed that organic matter content, phosphorus and potassium bioavailability in soil and their uptake by plants were increased by organic manure application irrespective of the source. Likewise organic manure substantially improved the plant height, leaf area and shoot and root fresh and dry weights. Similarly shoot phosphorus and potassium contents were also improved by the application of organic manures. This improved growth was mainly due to increased soil nutrient availability and uptake by plants. Comparing different sources, phosphorus and potassium concentration in plants were maximum in poultry manure treatment and farm yard manure, respectively. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers.