Final Report Appropriate Composting Technology Project PSF 2006

FINAL REPORT
(2003-2006)
APPROPRIATE COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY

FOR RICE-WHEAT SYSTEM IN NORMAL AND
SALT-AFFECTED SOILS
Conducted under
PAKISTAN SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Grant No. (R&D/P-SSRI/AGRI. 161)
Compiled by
DR. NAZIR HUSSAIN

(Agricultural Chemist / Principal Investigator)
Dr. Ghulam Sarwar

Mr. Abdul Rasul Naseem
Government of Punjab, Agricultural Department

Soil Salinity Research Institute, (SSRI)
Pindi Bhattian (Punjab) Pakistan
July, 2006
FINAL REPORT
(2003-2006)
APPROPRIATE COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY

FOR RICE-WHEAT SYSTEM IN NORMAL AND
SALT-AFFECTED SOILS
Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Islamabad,

July, 2006
Ways to Contacts:
DR. NAZIR HUSSAIN

(Agricultural Chemist / Principal Investigator)

Phone No: 0547-531573, 531376
Fax No: 0547-531576
E-mail: alp_project2003@yahoo.com / dr_nazirssri@yahoo.com
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CONTENTS
Sr. No. Titles and subtitles Page
1 Summary 7
2 Detailed Report 10
2.1 Project Title 10
2.2 Report Period 10
2.3 Introduction 10
2.4 Experimental Procedures 14
2.5 Results 17
2.6 Discussion 20
2.7 Conclusions 33
2.8 Need for additional research 34
2.9 Publications 35
2.10 Ph.D. Degrees 35
2.11 List of Scientists 35-36
2.12 Bibliography 37
2.13 Tables(1-40) 40-68
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LIST OF TABLES
Sr. # Title of tables Page
1 Analysis of Different Organic Materials Used in Various Experiments 40
2 Original soil analysis of pot and field experiments 41
3 Nutrient Supplementation to first rice crop (2003) through Compost in 42

Normal Soils (field experiment)
4 Nutrient Supplementation to first wheat crop (2003-04) through Compost 42

in Normal Soils (field experiment)
5 Nutrient Supplementation to second rice crop (2004) through Compost in 43


7 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after first 44

rice crop (field experiment)
8 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after 44

first wheat crop (field experiment)

second rice crop (field experiment)
10 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation 45

after second wheat crop (field experiment)
11 Nutrient Supplementation to first rice crop (2003) through Compost in Norm 46

Soils (pot experiment)
12 Nutrient Supplementation to first wheat crop (2003-04) through Compost 46

in Normal Soils (pot experiment)

Normal Soils (pot experiment)
14 Nutrient Supplementation to second wheat crop (2004-05) through 47
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Compost in Normal Soils (pot experiment)

rice crop (pot experiment)

wheat crop (pot experiment)

second rice crop (pot experiment)
18 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation 49

after second wheat crop (pot experiment)
19 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and Yield 50

Parameters of first Rice crop (2003) in Saline Sodic Soil (Field Experiment)
20 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and Yield 50

Parameters of first wheat crop (2003-04) in Saline Sodic Soil (Field
Experiment)
21 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and 51

yield Parameters of Second Rice crop (2004) in Saline Sodic Soil (Field
Experiment)
22 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and 51

yield Parameters of second wheat crop (2004-05) in Saline Sodic Soil (Field
Experiment)
23 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Chemical 52

Properties of Saline Sodic Soil after first Rice crop (Field Experiment)
24 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Chemical Properties 53

of Saline Sodic Soil after first wheat crop(Field Experiment)

of Saline Sodic Soil after Second Rice crop (Field Experiment)

of Saline Sodic Soil after Second wheat crop (Field Experiment)
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27 Effect of compost and other organic materials on yield and yield 56
parameters of first rice crop (2003) on normal soil (pot experiment)

parameters of first wheat crop (2003-04) on normal soil (pot experiment)

parameters of second rice crop (2004) on normal soil (pot experiment)

parameters of second wheat crop (2004-05) on normal soil (pot experiment)
31 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics 60

of normal soil after first rice crop (pot experiment)
32 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics of 61

normal soil after first wheat crop (pot experiment)
33 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics of 62

normal soil after second rice crop (pot experiment)
34 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics 63

of normal soil after second wheat crop (pot experiment)
35 Effect of compost on rice nursery (2004) grown in the field for 64

transplantation
36 Effect of compost on rice nursery (2005) grown in the field for 64

transplantation
37 Effect of compost on nutrient concentration of rice nursery (2004) grown 65

in the field for transplantation
38 Effect of compost on nutrient concentration of rice nursery (2005) grown 66

in the field for transplantation
39 Economics parameters of experiment, “Comparative efficiency of chemical 67

fertilizers and compost in normal soil”
40 Economics parameters of experiment, “Reclamation of salt affected soils” 68
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SUMMARY
The soils of Pakistan are low in organic matter due to which over all fertility
status is not higher enough to give the good yield of different crops. Among the causes of
low organic matter are high temperature, low rainfall and removal of almost all the crop
residues except the roots. The mechanical harvesting and threshing of crops, especially rice
and wheat have aggravated the situation. Burning of rice and wheat straw has become a
popular practice among farmers. To ensure the good productivity of crops, the organic
matter contents have definitely to be raised. But after the introduction of chemical
fertilizers, the conventional sources of organic matter like farmyard manure (FYM) and the
green manure have almost been left gradually. Resultantly, the organic matter status of
Pakistan soils has already reached the bare minimum.
The present project was planned and approved by Pakistan Science Foundation
to standardize the composting technology and assess its usefulness in enhancing fertility
status and reclamation of salt-affected soils resulting in more crop yields. The project was
approved for 3 years with a total cost of Rs.3, 75,615/-. Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi
Bhattian and University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany collaborated to accomplish this
work. Soil Salinity Research Institute implemented this project while the University was
playing only the guiding role, if and when needed.
Rice and wheat straw were composted successfully in constructed pits of 4x4x4 feet.
Chopped material was piled in 5 cm layers alternated with thin layer (2 cm) of farmyard
manure and incubated at moisture of 40-50 %. Well-rotten compost was, thus, prepared in
60-70 days. Five experiments on rice as well as wheat were conducted to assess the
usefulness of the produced compost. Three experiments were carried out in the field and
two in the Wire house. The themes of these experiments were to assess the level of compost
with or without chemical fertilizers, comparison of compost with FYM and Sesbania green
manure. The efficiency of compost in reclamation of salt-affected soils was also evaluated.
The salient results of different experiments are as under:
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2. Comparative efficiency of chemical fertilizers and compost in
normal soil (Pot and field experiments)
Maximum plant height, number of fertile tillers, total biomass and grain
yield of paddy as well as wheat were significantly increased when chemical
fertilizer or compost was added in normal soil. Maximum paddy yield was
recorded with the addition of 20 t. ha-1 compost while the highest yield of wheat
was recorded with the combined application of compost (10 t. ha-1) and chemical
fertilizers at the half rates. Soil pH and SAR decreased significantly while ECe
was increased slightly. Addition of compost enhanced the organic matter
content, available phosphorus and potassium level of the soil.
3. Reclamation of salt affected soils
Compost proved greatly helpful in increasing the yield of rice and wheat
crops in saline sodic soils. Plant height, total biomass and grain yield of paddy as
well as wheat significantly enhanced when either compost or gypsum was
applied. A significant effect of compost alone or its combination with gypsum in
decreasing soil pH, ECe and SAR was recorded. Similarly, an increase in organic
matter, phosphorus and potassium was noticed in all the treatments when
compared with control. The reclamative effect of compost alone or in
combination with gypsum was found to be very clear. The salinity parameters
reduced significantly and brought within permissible limits.
4. Comparison of different sources of organic material

The yield components (maximum plant height and number of fertile
tillers), total biomass and yield of paddy during both the years were maximized
when compost was applied in combination with ½ doze chemical fertilizers.
Other combinations (Sesbania green manure, FYM alone as well as combination
with fertilizer) remained significantly inferior. Soil pH and SAR were decreased
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significantly when different organic materials were applied alone or in
combination with chemical fertilizers. An increase in organic matter, available
phosphorus and water soluble potassium contents of the soil was noticed after
the harvest of four crops in all the treatments when compared with control.
5. Use of compost in rice nursery raising

Average height of rice nursery when measured at the age of transplanting
was affected positively with the use of compost and urea fertilizer. The fresh and
oven dry weight of rice nursery was also significantly greater in these treatments
when compared with control. Chemical analysis of plant samples revealed that
addition of compost enhanced the concentration of total phosphorus, total
potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.
Conclusions:
It can be concluded that composting of crop residues in rice-wheat
cropping system is very useful practice, which can easily be adopted instead of
burning. This will not only ensure high yields but also improve the fertility
status of the soil on long term basis. Decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers to
half can also decrease the cost of crop production. The compost can also be
utilized for reclamation of salt-affected soils in combination with gypsum. These
practices are environmental friendly and will help to decrease the pollution.
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3. DETAILED REPORT
i) Project Title Appropriate Composting technology for
rice wheat system in normal and salt-
affected soils.
ii) Report Period Three years (June 1, 2003 to May 31, 2006)
iii) Introduction
Pakistan spreads over an area of 79.61 million hectares (M ha), however, only
about one-fourth of this area supports the population of 145 million. The country is the
sixth biggest nation of the world in terms of population (ANONYMOUS, 2003).
According to projections at the present growth rate, population will be 201 million in
the year 2010 and the requirement of different commodities will be doubled. The annual
growth rate of 1.9 %, forces the over-exploitation of the natural resources of the country
(ANONYMOUS, 2005). Land is the major non-renewable resource and faces the biggest
threat of degradation. Land resources of the country are degrading at an alarming rate
and causing environmental problems. Almost 70 % of the total area of the country falls
under arid and semi-arid regions while in irrigated belt salinity is threatening about 5
M ha.
Because of continued cultivation, the soils of Pakistan are becoming low and
deficient in organic matter contents. According to Nizami and Khan (1989) Pakistani
soils exhibit poor aggregate stability and are low in iron and aluminum contents. Out of
33, 7714 samples analyzed in the Punjab, 96% of the samples were in the poor to
medium range of organic matter and only 4% exhibited a moderate to adequate level.
Micronutrient deficiency such as zinc is widespread in all rainfed areas (Rafique et al.,
1990). Cultivation of high yielding crop varieties and multiple cropping is depleting the
fertility of soils at a rapid pace. The soils that were once well supplied with available
nutrients are now gradually becoming deficient (Zia et al. 1994). A decline of crop
yields under continuous cultivation is due to loss of soil organic matter including other
factors (Juo et al. 1995). Ponnamperuma (1984) reported an increase of 0.4 t ha-1paddy
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due to rice straw incorporation over burning or removal. This increase was per season
and enhanced with time as a result of fertility build up. To ensure the good productivity
of crops, the organic matter content has definitely to be increased.
Organic matter is regarded as a very important parameter of soil productivity. It

has number of important roles to play in soils, both in their physical structure and as a
medium for biological activity. Organic matter makes its greatest contribution to soil
productivity. It provides nutrients to the soil, improves its water holding capacity, and
helps the soil to maintain good tilth and thereby better aeration for germinating seeds
and plant root development (Zia et al., 1993). Use of compost can be beneficial to
improve organic matter status. Compost is rich source of nutrients with high organic
matter content. Physical and chemical properties of soil can be improved by using
compost, which will ultimately increase crop yields. Depletion of nutrients and poor
organic matter contents of Pakistani soils can only be replenished by applying compost
to these soils. So use of compost is the need of the time (Sarwar, 2005).
Compost prepared from crop residues, leaves, grass chippings, plant stalks,
wines, weeds, twigs and branches are very good alternative which proved useful in
many countries of the world. Use of compost has not only been adopted to enhance soil
organic matter and enrich it in different nutrients but also to control the environmental
pollution from debris. In Pakistan, this field remained ignored and no systematic study
was conducted to standardize the composting technology. Raw manure use has often
been associated with imbalances in soil fertility (Kuepper, 2003) because it is often rich
in specific nutrients like phosphate or potash. In contrast an effective composting
process converts waste raw products into humus, which is relatively stable, and
chemically active organic fraction found in fertile soils. Good compost is a ‘safe”
fertilizer which is low in soluble salts and does not “burn” plants. Smiciklas et al. (2002)
reported significantly higher yield of corn due to application of mature compost as
compared to raw or same un-composted material.
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Soil salinity and sodicity are among the major constraints of present agriculture
in Pakistan. According to estimates 6.6 M ha are affected from salinity/sodicity to
various degrees in Pakistan (Khan, 1998). The area affected from slight to moderate
problem is 1.83 M ha (Anonymous, 2003) which can be rehabilitated by using compost
and other organic materials. Moreno et al. (1996) amended a calcareous soil (pH 8.77)
with sewage-sludge compost. Hileman et al. (1980) noted a significant drop in Na level
of salt-affected soil after application of compost. Zaka et al. (2003) noticed a significant
decrease in ECe, pH and SAR of salt-affected soil (ECe =10.18–13.1 dSm-1, pH = 9.54-9.92
and SAR = 72.2-78.3) due to application of organic amendments which was attributed to
the formation of organic acids and resultant mobilization of native Ca. Physical
properties of a saline-sodic soil like bulk density, porosity, void ratio, water
permeability and hydraulic conductivity were significantly improved when FYM(10tha-
1) was applied in combination with chemical amendments (Hussain et. al. 2001). Thus,
application of organic materials including compost can prove very useful in
rehabilitation of salt-affected soils to the original potential along with significant
improvement in physical conditions.
According to the experiments of Sarwar (2005), the grain yield and yield
components (plant height, number of fertile tillers and 1000 grain weight) of rice and
wheat increased significantly with the application of different organic materials but
compost proved the most superior in this regard. The combination of compost with
chemical fertilizer further enhanced the biomass and grain yield of both crops. The soil
pHs was lowered and SAR decreased due to acidic effect of compost and other organic
materials, formation of acids, release of Ca and leaching of Na. These effects were more
pronounced in saline sodic soils. There was a slight increase in ECe of normal soil.
However, ECe of saline sodic soil decreased due to the leaching of salts as a result of
improved soil physical conditions. The available amount of all the major plant nutrients
(N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and organic matter increased in the soil. Therefore, plant uptake of
these nutrients also increased when compost and other organic materials were applied.
The effect of combination of compost and chemical fertilizers was also positive. Thus,
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systematic investigations were required to formulate recommendations for the farmers
regarding composting of crop residues and application in their soils for the increased
and sustainable crop production through improved soil fertility and a decrease in soil
salinity/sodicity.
Keeping in view the prevailing situation (nominal quantity of organic matter
status, low fertility and high salt content in the soils of Pakistan), it was direly needed
that the use of organic matter be enhanced. The best alternative is the compost prepared
from different waste materials, especially rice and wheat straw in the rice-wheat
cropping system. The project, “Appropriate Composting Technology for rice-wheat system in
normal and salt-affected soils”, was planned to standardize the composting technology and
assess its usefulness in enhancing fertility status and reclamation of salt-affected soils
resulting in more crop yields. The Pakistan Science Foundation approved this project
for 3 years. Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian and University of. Kassel,
Witzenhausen, Germany collaborated to accomplish this work. Soil Salinity Research
Institute, Pindi Bhattian implemented the Project while the University performed the
guiding role only, if and when needed. The specific objectives of this project were as
under: -
¾ To standardize composting technologies for different organic material and

kitchen waste.
¾ To assess the effects of compost on crop yield enhancement and soil

fertility improvement.
¾ To evaluate the probable impact of compost on reclamation of salt-

affected soils.
¾ To recommend an economical and practically adoptable technology for

dissemination amongst farmers.
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EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
A) Method for Compost production
The hot method of composting was used for production of compost. In

this method constructed pits of 1.25x1.25x1.25 meter size (total volume 1.95 m3) were
used to accelerate the decomposition process so as to kill most of the weed seeds and
pathogens. The residues of crops (rice and wheat) and wastes (tree leaves, flower, wines
and grasses) were chopped and piled in the pits. A layer of animal manure 3-5 cm thick
was spread on the top of the piled material in order to initiate and enhance the
decomposition process. The piled material was kept at different moisture levels (30, 40,
50, 60 & 70 %). The materials were turned weekly. Urea and sugar solutions were
sprayed twice. Microbial inoculation (Effective microbes = EM) was also tested. About
one ton compost was, thus, prepared before the start of two seasons (Rabi and Kharif).
B. Use of Compost
The use of compost for nutrient supplementation in rice-wheat cropping

system as well as reclamation of salt-affected soils was investigated after compost
preparation. The treatment details of these studies are as under: -
i). Comparative efficiency of chemical fertilizers and compost
T1 Control
T2 Recommended dose of NPK fertilizer
(Rice N-P-K = 100-70-70 Kg.ha-1)
(Wheat N-P-K = 140-110-70 Kg.ha-1)
T3 Compost @ 20 t ha-1
T4 Half recommended dose of fertilizer + compost @ 10 t ha-1
T5 Compost @ 10 t ha-1 + straight fertilizers so as to make total
N, P & K equal to recommended dose (T2)
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This experiment was conducted in wire house as well as field in a permanent layout for
two years on rice-wheat cropping system. Yield of crops were recorded at maturity and
soil was analyzed for ECe, pHs and SAR.
ii). Comparison of different sources of organic material
T1 Control
T2 Sesbania green manure @ 1.0% of soil weight (150 g.pot-1)
T3 FYM @ 1.0% soil weight (150 g.pot-1)
T4 Compost @ 1.0% of soil weight (150 g.pot-1)
T5 Half recommended dose of N, P & K + Sesbania green
manure @ 0.5% of soil weight (75 g.pot-1)
T6 Half recommended dose of N, P & K + FYM @ 0.5 of soil
weight (75 g.pot-1)
T7 Half recommended dose of N, P & K + compost @ 0.5 of soil
weight (75 g.pot-1)
T8 Recommended dose of N, P & K fertilizer
T9 Half recommended dose of N, P & K fertilizer
The layout design of this pot experiment was completely randomized with
three replications. Rice and Wheat crops data were recorded at maturity and soil was
analyzed for ECe, pHs, and SAR continuously for two years.
iii) Reclamation of salt affected soils
T1 Control
T2 Gypsum @ 100% of soil gypsum requirement (3.50 t.ha-1)
T3 Compost @ 24 t.ha-1
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T4 Compost @ 24 t.ha-1 + Gypsum @ 100% G.R
Compost and gypsum were applied to a salt-affected soil (Table 2). Tube- well water
was applied (3 irrigations) for leaching of salts. Rice and wheat crops were grown in
sequence for two years. Crop data were recorded at maturity and soil was analyzed
after harvesting of crop. The recorded data were put to statistical analysis.
iv) Use of compost in rice nursery raising

In order to obtain healthy rice nursery with ample nutrient uptake, the
following experiment was conducted in RBC design with 3 replications for consecutive
two years.
T1 Conventional method: Covering the spreaded seed with silt or soil
T2 Covering the spreaded seed with compost @ 1000 kg ha-1
T3 Covering the spreaded seed with well rotten farm yard manure @
1000 kg ha-1
T4 Covering the spreaded seed with soil but application of nitrogen

@ 50 kg ha-1 after10-15 days
The uniform quantity of seed was spreaded per sq. feet. Average height,
fresh and oven dry weight of rice nursery was recorded. The samples of rice nursery
harvested at the age of 35-40 days were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu
concentrations.
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V) RESULTS
A) Composting technology
It was observed that:
¾ Excessive moisture (> 60%) or dryness (moisture less than 40%) delayed the
process of compost production by 10-15 days. The maintenance of 40-60%
moisture completed the process within 60-70 days.
¾ The application of urea @ 1% enhanced the process by 7-10 days
¾ The application of microbial inoculum (EM) fastened the process by 10-15

days. One liter of EM (obtained from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad)
was applied after its 10 times dilution.
The analysis of compost and its comparison with farmyard manure as well as Sesbania
green manure indicated that EC & pH of compost was more than Sesbania but lesser
than FYM (Table 1). Organic carbon and total N was maximum in compost. However,
potash was the minimum in this organic product.
B) Use of compost
1) Nutrient supplementation
i) Comparative efficiency of compost and fertilizer
This experiment was conducted for two years in pot as well as field and
results of both these experiments indicated the same trend of improvement in yield and
its components as well as soil parameters. The data indicated that maximum plant
height, number of fertile tillers, total biomass and grain yield of paddy as well as wheat
were significantly increased when chemical fertilizer or compost was added in normal
soil (Table 3, 4, 5 & 6). Maximum yield of paddy was recorded with the addition of 20 t.
ha-1 compost while the highest yield of wheat was recorded with the combined
application of compost (10 t. ha-1) and chemical fertilizers at the half rates (T4). The
application of fertilizer alone proved inferior treatment. The results of pot experiment
were some what different from the field conditions (Table 11, 12, 13 & 14). The paddy
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and wheat grain yield was found to be significantly more in treatments of compost
alone (T3) or its combination with fertilizer at half rate (T4). However, control remained
at the bottom in field as well as pot experiment in respect of paddy and wheat grain
yield.
The analysis data of field (Table 7, 8, 9 & 10) and pot (Table 15, 16, 17 & 18)
experiments indicated that soil pH and SAR decreased significantly while ECe was
increased slightly. The differences among various treatments were significant when
examined statistically. However, the use of chemical fertilizer alone (T2) remained at
par with control for pH and ECe of the soil. The application of compost alone @ 20 t. ha-1
(T3) lowered the soil pH to the maximum level in contrast to the electrical conductivity
of the soil that approached the highest value in this treatment. Use of chemical fertilizer
alone (T2) remained inferior to compost in this regard. Addition of compost to the soil
enhanced the organic matter content, available phosphorus and potassium level in the
soil. The above findings were almost similar in soil samples collected after the harvest
of rice as well as wheat both in pot and field experiments.
ii) Reclamation of salt-affected soils

Data (Table 19, 20, 21 & 22) indicated that compost proved greatly helpful in
increasing the yield of rice and wheat crops even in salt-affected soils. Plant height, total
biomass and grain yield of paddy as well as wheat significantly enhanced when either
compost (T3) or gypsum (T2) was applied. Both of these treatments were superior to
control. Combined application of gypsum and compost (T4 & T5) was assessed as the
best treatments for paddy yield whereas maximum wheat grain yield of second crop
was recorded with the application of gypsum @ 50 % G.R. along with compost @ 24 t.
ha-1 (T6). Decreasing the addition (T6 & T7) of gypsum or compost to the half level also
decreased the efficiency of these treatments.
A significant effect of compost alone or its combination with gypsum in
decreasing soil pH, ECe and SAR was recorded (Table 23, 24, 25 & 26). Similarly, an
increase in organic matter, phosphorus and potassium was noticed in all the treatments
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when compared with control. The best treatment was combination of gypsum @ 100 GR
and compost @ 24 t.ha-1 (T4). After the harvest of rice crop, the salinity parameters were
brought almost within the permissible limits. Further soil improvement was observed
after the first wheat crop. The pH values became statistically similar in all the
treatments except control after rice harvesting but differences still existed in respect of
soil SAR. Although, the differences for soil EC among treatments were significant when
compared with control but the last four treatments (T4 to T7) were noticed as non-
significant among themselves after the harvest of rice. The combination of gypsum and
compost both at the higher level (T4) remained as the best treatment even at the end of
second year of experimentation (after both rice as well as wheat crops). The differences
among various treatments for organic matter, phosphorus and potassium also remained
significant in soil samples analyzed after four crops.
iii) Comparison of different sources of organic material

The yield components (maximum plant height and number of fertile tillers),
total biomass and yield of paddy for the both years were found to be maximum when
compost was applied in combination with ½ doze chemical fertilizers (Table 27 & 29).
Other combinations (Sesbania green manure as well as fertilizer alone remained
significantly inferior. Compost alone proved superior to Sesbania green manure and
FYM. Control produced the minimum biomass and paddy yield. In case of subsequent
wheat, compost alone as well as its combination with chemical fertilizer at the ½
recommended rate was observed as the best treatments (Table 28 & 30). The combined
effect of Sesbania and fertilizer was also found to be superior to rest of the treatments.
The usefulness of FYM was less than other organic materials.
Like the previous experiments, soil pH and SAR were decreased significantly
when different organic material were applied alone or in combination with chemical
fertilizers (Table 31, 32, 33 & 34) when these parameters were evaluated after rice and
wheat harvesting . The highest decrease was recorded in case of compost as compared
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to other organic sources. Chemical fertilizers at recommended or half recommended
levels were assessed as the inferior treatments. However, both of these treatments were
still better than control in respect of soil chemical characteristics of soil. There was slight
increase in EC of the soil with the application of organic amendments. An increase in
organic matter, available phosphorus and water soluble potassium contents of the soil
was noticed after the harvest of four crops in all the treatments when compared with
control. The differences among various treatments remained significant statistically.
iv) Use of compost in rice nursery raising

It was noted from the data (Table 35 & 36) that average height of rice nursery
when measured at the age of transplanting was affected significantly with the use of
compost and urea fertilizer. The fresh and oven dry weight of rice nursery was also
significantly greater in these treatments when compared with control. The treatment of
FYM proved inferior to compost and urea but remained superior to control. Chemical
analysis of plant samples of rice nursery revealed that although highest concentration of
total nitrogen was observed in T4 receiving urea fertilizer but treatment of compost (T2)
followed it (Table 37 & 38). The concentration of total phosphorus, total potassium,
calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper was found maximum in T2, followed by T4. The
differences among various treatments when compared with control remained
significant statistically.
VI Discussion
The project data collected during pot and field experimentation clearly indicated
that composting of crop residues along with other farm wastes is not only possible but
its subsequent application also significantly improved the yields of rice and wheat in
normal as well as salt-affected soils. The compost proved superior to Sesbania green
manure and farmyard manure in terms of crop yields as well as soil improvement. The
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increase in crop yields occurred mainly due to decrease in soil pH and SAR coupled
with improvement in nutrient supplying capacity of soil.
Soil pH:
Soil pH is the single soil characteristic which elucidates an overall picture of the
medium for plant growth including nutrient supply trend, fate of added nutrients,
salinity/sodicity status and soil aeration, soil mineralogy and ultimate weather
conditions of the region. The pH is alkaline in many areas of Pakistan that are included
in arid and semi-arid zones. The numerical values are always more than 8.00 even in
normal soil while pH of sodic soils may approach 10.00. Hence, a decrease in soil pH
due to any land management strategy is always appreciable and result in ultimate
conversion of soil medium towards favourable one and net translation into increased
yields. Application of compost in particular and other organic materials (FYM and
Sesbania green manure) in general reduced the soil pH significantly in pot and field
experiments conducted on normal and saline sodic soils.
The production of organic acids (amino acid, glycine, cystein and humic acid)
during mineralization (amminization, ammonification and nitrification) of organic
materials by heterotrophs and autotrophs would have caused a decrease in soil pH. The
pH of an acidic soil is controlled by H, Fe and Al ions while that of alkaline soils is
driven by Ca and Mg (Brady, 1990) and Na is in controlling position when the soil is
sodic as well. The possible reactions resulting a net decrease in pH of the soils can be
visualized as under:
-- Ca2+
-- Ca2+ -- H+
Micelle
-- - -- Ca2+ + 2H -- Mg2+ + 2Ca (1)
Micelle
-- Mg2+ -----H+
(Normal alkaline soil)
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The released Ca will increase the Ca concentration of the soil solution resulting in
decrease of soil SAR. It may also precipitate as CaCO3 in calcareous soils.
--H+
-- Na+ ---H+
Micelle -- Na+ + 2H Micelle --- + 2Na (2)
-- Na+ ----Na +
-- Ca2+ --Ca2+
(Sodic or Saline-Sodic Soil)

The Na ion such released may be leached down into the deep profile because all the
sodium salts (Even Na2CO3) are highly soluble.
Electrical conductivity of soil:

Electrical conductivity (EC) is a soil parameter that indicates indirectly the total
concentration of soluble salts and is a direct measurement of salinity. Salinity is a
problem of arid and semi-arid regions in the world. This is particular problem of
irrigated agriculture in such areas. The critical limit of this soil character is 4.0 dS.m-1
above which plants face constraints of water uptake due to physiological unavailability,
osmotic effects due to decrease of water potential and restricted nutrient uptake that
may be due to specific ion effect. The results of present research investigations
regarding ECe indicated two different trends in normal and salt-affected soils. A trend
of general increase in EC of normal soil was observed in pot as well as field experiments
after rice and wheat crops. Application of organic materials particularly caused an
increase of this soil parameter. The decomposition of organic materials releases acids or
acid forming compounds which react with the sparingly soluble salts already present in
the soil and either convert them into soluble salts or at least increase their solubility.
Hence, the EC of soil was increased. e.g., CaCO3 ever present in the soils of arid and
- 22 -
semi-arid regions may be converted to CaHCO3 or ever to Na2CO3 which are more
soluble forms. However, the quantum of increase will depend how much quantity of
the acids or acid forming substances was produced which will in turn rely upon the
amount of the organic materials applied. The other factors to be taken into
consideration are the removal of soluble salts from the soil eco-system. If the physical
properties, especially hydraulic conductivity, of the soil are good and the system is
open as in case of field experiments, the effect of increase in soil EC will partially be
mitigated.
However, when the experimental soil was saline sodic, the effect of different
treatments on soil EC totally changed. A net decrease in EC of the field soil was
observed. The EC of such soils was already beyond the critical limit of 4.0 dS.m-1. The
main reason for this decrease in soil EC which can be suggested with logic is the
leaching of soluble salts into the lower profile. There are clear reports in the literature
(Tandon, 2000) that physical properties (hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and total
porosity) of salt-affected soils greatly improved when organic materials in the shape of
manure or compost are applied. Physical properties of soil like bulk density, porosity,
void ratio, water permeability and hydraulic conductivity were significantly improved
when FYM (10 t ha-1) was applied in combination with chemical amendments resulting
in enhanced rice and wheat yields in sodic soil (Hussain et al., 2001). Other organic
materials like rice straw, wheat straw, rice husk and chopped salt grass also improved
these physical properties of a saline sodic soil (Hussain et. al., 1998). Soil organic matter
encourages granulation, increases cation exchange capacity (CEC) and is responsible for
up to 90 % adsorbing power of the soils.
Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of soil:

Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) is yard stick used to measure the sodicity of a
soil. Sodicity is the accumulation of sodium ion in excessive quantities which hinder
plant growth directly or through the impairment of physical soil conditions. A clear
decrease in SAR of the normal as well as salt-affected soil was recorded in different pot
- 23 -
and field experiments after wheat as well as rice crops. Studies of Sarwar (2005) and
Zaka et al. (2003) also indicated the same trend of decrease in soil SAR with the use of
FYM, rice straw and Sesbania green manure. They attributed this reduction in SAR of
the soil with organic materials due to the release of organic acids causing mobilization
of native calcium present as CaCO3 in the soil.
The values of SAR become shorter either due to an increase in divalent cations
(Ca + Mg) or decrease in monovalent cation (Na). The measured values of cations
indicated that Na decreased while Ca + Mg increased after the application of different
organic materials. The chemical reactions proposed under discussion on soil pH further
elaborates how a net increase in Ca + Mg and decrease in Na in the soil solution
occurred (Equation 1 & 2). The acid or acid forming substances expelled Na or Ca + Mg
from the clay micelle, the hydrogen ion taking their place. Sodium salts being readily
water soluble left the soil system and went into the lower depths of soil profile. The
divalent cations (Ca + Mg) increased the net concentration of the soil solution.
However, a part of these would have also precipitated with carbonates (CO3) and
bicarbonates (HCO3) present in the soil.
Soil Organic Matter:
Organic matter is regarded as the ultimate source of nutrients and microbial

activity in the soil. It is the deciding factor in soil structure, water holding capacity,
infiltration rate, aeration and porosity of the soil. Thus, if only one soil parameter of
productivity is to be considered that may be organic matter. During these studies,
different sources of organic matter at variable rates were tried for their efficiency. It was
observed that every rate of all organic materials resulted in an increase of soil organic
matter status in the pot as well as field experiments of normal and salt-affected soils.
Compost proved superior to FYM and Sesbania green manure. A combination of
compost and chemical fertilizer proved further helpful in increasing the organic matter
level of the soil. Similar results are also obtained by earlier workers (Sarwar, 2005;
- 24 -
Smiciklas et al. 2002; Kumazawa, 1984; Sarwar et al. 2003; Ahmad et al. 1996; Parr and
Hornick, 1994; Hileman, 1980; Pattanayak et al. 2001; Singh et al. 2001; and Selvakumari
et al. 2000).
The reason for the increase in organic matter status in all treatments of field and
pot experiments is very clear. Application of organic matter resulted in overall increase
of the soil organic matter level. The status of organic matter in the soil had a
relationship with the quantity applied. Comparatively more biomass production in
different treatments also contributed more crop residues to the soil that caused an
improvement of organic matter status of the soil.
Available Phosphorus:
Phosphorus is second major element for plant growth. It is an integral part of
adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP); the two compounds
involved in almost all energy transformations in plants. It is also essential part of DNA,
which is the seat of genetic inheritance in plants. Perhaps the availability of this nutrient
is the most dynamic in the soil. Beside other factors, its availability is controlled by soil
pH, clay content, calcareousness and organic matter percentage of the soil. The ideal pH
for maximum availability of phosphorus ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. BRADY (1990)
represented variable soil pH effects on availability of phosphorus by the following
equation:
H2PO4- H2O + HPO42- H2O + PO43- (3)

H+ H+
(Very acid solutions) (Very alkaline solutions)
All the experimental soils were alkaline having pH more than 8.0. As described earlier,
there was a significant decrease in soil pH of all experimental soils. Hence, an increase
in availability of phosphorus was especially observed. An increase in organic matter
content of the soil further favoured availability of soil phosphorus. The overall
conclusions drawn from these data are that organic materials contributed more than
- 25 -
chemical fertilizer in building up the phosphorus status of the soil. The compost proved
superior to FYM and Sesbania green manure. When chemical fertilizer containing
soluble Ca (H2PO4) 2.H2O is added to the soil, even those of relatively high pH, the Ca
(H2PO4) 2.H2O in fertilizer granules attracts water from the soil resulting in the
following reaction:
Ca (H2PO4) 2.H2O + H2O CaHPO4.H2O + H3PO4 (4)
But the availability of phosphorus is also affected by the presence of CaCO3 in the
calcareous soils. The process indicated in the above equation is reverted and fixation
process starts. Then the equation, which demonstrates the reaction, will be as under:
Ca (H2PO4) 2.H2O + 2 CaCO3 Ca3 (PO4) 2 + 2CO2 + 2H2O (5)
This equation indicates the process in operation at pH 8.0 or above. Thus, the available
phosphorus starts becoming unavailable. When an organic source of nutrition is
applied, the bond of phosphorus compounds with CaCO3 is broken and the operation
of above equation is either delayed or terminated. Resultantly, phosphorus is kept at
higher amounts in the available form.
Earlier scientists also investigated the availability of phosphorus in the soil by
using various organic materials and their findings supported the above results.
According to Parma and Sharma (2002) and Hileman et al. (1980) the available
phosphorus status of the soil improved with the use of organic materials in the form of
compost and FYM. Pattanayak et al. (2001) noted that the available level of phosphorus
in the soil increased with the use of green manures. Similarly, Selvakumari et al. (2000)
and Sarwar (2005) observed significant increase in available P content in the soil with
the use of organic and inorganic manures over control. The same trend of improvement
in availability of phosphorus in the soil was recorded by Verma et al. (2002), Singh et al.
(2002) and Swarup and Yaduvanshi (2000).
- 26 -
Water Soluble Potassium:
Potassium plays many essential roles in plants. It is an activator of many
enzymes responsible for plant processes; energy metabolism, starch synthesis, nitrate
reduction and sugar degradation. It helps in regulating the opening and closing of
stomata of leaves. In the present studies, water soluble potassium (as assessed after the
harvest of rice and wheat crops) increased when compost was applied in combination
with chemical fertilizer. This trend was noticeable in normal as well as salt-affected
soils.
Potash is found in different forms; readily available/water soluble, exchangeable
and fixed as part of clay micelle. All the forms are in a balance with each other. A shift
in one form triggers similar changes in other forms automatically. When the acid or
acids forming compounds are added in the form of organic materials to the soil, these
also affect potassium availability. The effect is positive resulting in more availability of
K to the plants. The hydrogen ion released from organic materials exchange with K
from exchange site or set free from the fixed site of the clay micelle. Thus, the overall
status of soil regarding availability of potassium content is improved. The increase
observed in different treatments of both studies is thus explainable with this hypothesis.
The probable equation proposed for K release will be as under:
-- K+ --Ca2+
-- K+ + 2H Micelle --H+ +2K (6)
Micelle
--Mg2+ --H+
-- Ca2+ -- Mg2+
Research conducted by other scientists proved the above hypothesis. Sarwar (2005),
Selvakumari et al. (2000), Swarup and Yaduvanshi (2000), Singh et al. (2001),
Khoshgoftarmanesh and Kalbasi (2002), Verma et al. (2002) and Singh et al. (2002) also
reported that continuous use of chemical fertilizers, FYM, compost and green manure
enhanced the potassium status in the soil.
- 27 -
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION of PLANTS:
The chemical composition of plants is a translation of the conditions under which
they complete their life cycle fully or a part of it. The chemical composition is a net
summary of all the changes either positive or negative, which were faced by the plants.
The nutrient uptake is directly or indirectly affected by many factors like total
concentration as well as available quantity of different nutrients, root development,
aeration, water potential, climatic conditions and other related soil parameters. Beside
all these, the presence of a nutrient in available form for the plant has to play the
deciding role. The fertility status of Pakistani soils is very low. Application of nutrients
in readily available form rapidly enhances the availability of that nutrient in the soil but
all is neither taken up by plants nor remain permanently in available form. The
dynamic processes are continuously in operation in the soil or accelerated and a major
part of the applied nutrients is rapidly converted into unavailable forms. Some fraction
of it may be permanently fixed but when organic materials are applied, the overall
fertility status of the soil is built up, the total reserve of nutrients is increased and a
stage for enhanced availability is set up.
The present studies were investigated to evaluate the possibilities of replenishing
the nutrient pool in the soil. It was observed that major nutrients uptake by rice
nursery was significantly increased when organic matter in different forms (compost
and FYM) was applied to the soil. The concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn in
rice nursery improved appreciably. Compost proved superior to FYM and chemical
fertilizer. The application of chemical fertilizer in the form of urea was better than
compost only for the nitrogen but remained inferior for all other nutrients. It has been
observed in earlier section on soil parameters that organic matter, nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium contents of soil significantly enhanced due to different
treatments of experiments, especially, when organic matter was added alone or along
with chemical fertilizer. This increased availability of N, P and K, that resulted in more
uptakes of these nutrients by the plants. The pH of the soil also indicated a positive
change i.e. a shift towards neutrality. This positive change enhanced the solubility of
- 28 -
different nutrients especially phosphorus in the soil. The form of phosphorus ion may
have converted from PO43- to HPO42- or even H2PO- for short periods, which resulted
in increased concentration of phosphorus in the plants. Similarly, production of
hydrogen ions during decomposition of organic materials would have helped the
release of K from exchange site or from the fixed pool. The solubility of many nutrient
salts increases in the acidic medium like compost, which may have resulted in more
availability of nutrients for the plants. The good physical conditions of the soil resulted
from improved relative properties like water holding capacity, infiltration rate,
porosity, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and ability against sudden temperature
changes favoured root growth. The more root volume enhanced nutrient uptake. The
presence of K in appropriate quantities catalyzed the metabolism processes (activator
of dozens of enzymes responsible for plant processes; energy metabolism, starch
synthesis, nitrate reduction and sugar degradation). It helps in regulating the opening
and closing of stomata of leaves and resulted in higher concentration of other
nutrients.
The application of organic materials changed the status of secondary elements in
the soil. The water soluble forms of Ca + Mg in soil significantly increased which
resulted in higher uptake of these two nutrients by the plants. There is always a direct
relationship between the soil concentration of nutrients and its quantity taken by the
plants. The reasons for more availability of Ca + Mg have already been discussed in
soil section. These exchange reactions enhanced due to the release of hydrogen ion
from the decomposition of organic materials that resulted in more availability of Ca &
Mg for plants.
The observations of Mahmood et al. (1983) supported some of the above
presented logics. They argued that the phenolic compounds particularly the humic
compounds of compost enhanced the uptake of nutrients due to higher nutrient
content of the substrates like compost. The solubilization of soil K in the presence of
humus matter of compost was regarded as another cause of more nutrient uptake.
Kumazawa (1984) reported that immobilization and mineralization of N in the soil
- 29 -
could be regulated by the addition of organic matter to improve N uptake by rice.
Similarly, Kumaraswamy (2000) claimed higher uptake of nutrients by plants. Tomar
et al. (1984) observed that increased solubility of rock phosphate in calcareous soil due
to the application of cattle dung. Tiwari et al. (2000) noticed faster rate of
mineralization and greater utilization of nutrients through the use of green manure in
combination with chemical fertilizer. Other scientists (Sarwar et al. 2003, Dixit and
Gupta 2000, Selvakumari et al. 2000 and Sarwar 2005) also observed increased uptake
of N, P and K by various plants when inorganic and organic sources of nutrients in the
form of chemical fertilizer, FYM, green manure and compost were applied to the soil.
Similarly, the findings of Singh et al. 2002, Pattanayak et al. 2001, Tabassam et al. 2002
and Yaduvanshi, 2001 were again in the same direction of enhanced N, P and K
nutrients uptake by plants. Pattanayak et al. (2001) reported that N, P, K, Ca and Mg
uptake was the highest in the treatments receiving green manuring of
dhancha(Sesbania) with SSP + URP source of phosphorus and the lowest in no green
manuring treatment with URP source.
Crop yields:
Result of application of various inorganic and organic amendments, activities of
different natural processes taking place in the soil, efficiency of various physical and
manual operations as well as physical, chemical and biological changes appear in the
form of yield of crops. Thus, yield is the ultimate task of farming for increase in income.
The yield and different yield parameters of rice and wheat crops increased significantly
with the use of chemical fertilizer alone or in combination with various organic
materials applied in the form of Sesbania green manure, FYM and compost in all field
and pot experiments. Different yield parameters including maximum plant height,
number of fertile tillers plant-1 and total biomass were affected positively in these
treatments. The improvement in these parameters of yield contributed towards increase
in yield of rice and wheat crops. The use of compost proved superior to FYM and
Sesbania green manure when applied alone or in combination with chemical fertilizer.
- 30 -
The improvement in grain yields of rice as well as wheat crops followed a sequence of
processes. Addition of different organic materials like Sesbania green manure, FYM and
compost enhanced the organic matter percentage of the soil that has been regarded a
key factor determining soil fertility and productivity. This increase in organic matter
content in the soil improved the physical properties (bulk density, hydraulic
conductivity, water permeability, total porosity, void ratio and infiltration rate etc.) of
the soil. The betterment in physical properties of soil reduced the soil pH as various
acids or acid forming compounds were released from the addition of organic materials.
This reduction in soil pH increased the availability of soil nutrients for the plants and
resultantly more uptake of various nutrients by the plants was noticed. The enhanced
uptake of K by rice and wheat improved the metabolic activities in the plants. As a
result of all above processes, various yield components (maximum plant height and
number of fertile tillers plant-1) of rice as well as wheat crops were positively affected
and ultimately these components contributed towards increase in grain yields of these
crops.
In case of salt-affected soils, the reclamation of these soils occurred and as a
result of reclamation process, Na+ salt present on the exchange site leached down and
H+ occupied its place lowering soil pH. Hence, better physical conditions for plant
growth were created. Moreover, application of different organic materials improved the
physical properties of these soils permitting more leaching of excessive salts.
Findings of other scientists also favoured these hypotheses. Sarwar (2005) observed that
grain yield and yield components (plant height, number of fertile tillers and 1000 grain
weight) of rice and wheat increased significantly with the application of different
organic materials but compost proved the most superior in this regard. The
combination of compost with chemical fertilizer further enhanced the biomass and
grain yield of both crops. Zaka et al. (2003) observed significant increase in rice and
wheat yields with the use of FYM, rice straw and Sesbania. Singh et al. (2001) noted an
increase in grain yield of rice with the use of FYM and green manure in combination
with mineral fertilizer. They also observed the significant residual effect of FYM and
- 31 -
green manure on the grain yield of wheat. Tiwari et al. (2001) claimed that to achieve
the highest grain production of rice under saline sodic soil conditions, the use of FYM
will be more profitable probably by increasing the cynobacterial N fixation. They also
noted the carry over effect of FYM applied to the rice crop on the grain production of
succeeding wheat crop.
Economic Feasibility:
Economic feasibility is the final yard stick of an evolved technology if it is to be
recommended to the farmers for adoptation. Technically good techniques are found
sometimes economically unfeasible that becomes a major constraint for its
popularization. Hence, economics of field experiments was also calculated. Data
indicated that 42.7% more net income was realized when compost alone was applied in
the rice-wheat cropping system (Table 39). The increase in net income over control was
9.3% for chemical fertilizer application at the recommended doses. The combination of
fertilizer and compost at half levels economically proved a little bit inferior to compost
alone with a net increase of 41.7 % over control. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was
computed as 0.36, 3.54, and 2.19 for fertilizer, compost and combination. Application of
compost at half level + NPK to bring the nutrients equal to recommended dose of
fertilizer revealed maximum BCR but decreased the net income that remained 28.9 %.
In reclamation experiment the conventional application of gypsum indicated maximum
BCR of 23.2 followed by combination of gypsum (100 % requirement) and compost (12 t
ha-1). However, maximum net income was obtained with full doses of gypsum and
compost where increase over control was 138.01 % (Table 40). The most feasible
treatment adjudged through combined parameters of increase in net income and CBR
was combined application of gypsum (100% requirement) and compost (12 t ha-1).
- 32 -
vii) Conclusions
The following conclusions can be drawn from the results obtained from different
experimentations.
1. Chopped crop residues of rice wheat cropping system can be composted

easily by piling in cemented pits of 4 x 4 x 4 feet with layers of animal manure
and incubating the material at 40-60 % moisture. Excessive dryness or
moisture delayed/stopped the process of decomposition.
2. Combined application of compost (10 t.ha-1) and chemical fertilizer at the half
recommended level proved as the best strategy to obtain maximum yield of
rice and wheat crops. Thus, farmers can save half of the expenditure incurred
on application of chemical fertilizer.
3. Combined addition of gypsum and compost increased the yield of crops even
in salt-affected soils. However, compost alone could also suffice.
4. An enhancement in fertility status of normal and salt affected soils and a

decrease in salinity/sodicity parameters are possible due to application of
compost. Compost clearly decreased soil pH and SAR.
5. An improvement in rice nursery was observed when compost (1000 Kg.ha-1)

was applied instead of covering the seeds with soil or Farm Yard Manure
(conventional method).Urea application, coupled with conventional method,
also proved useful.
Evolution of Technologies
Three technologies were evolved through research studies of this project.
1. Technology for composting of crop and plant residues at small scale level
under prevailing conditions of rice zone.
2. Technology for partial substitution of chemical fertilizers through compost in

rice-wheat system for sustained crop production in normal soil. The
technology envisages application of fertilizers at half level with combination
of compost prepared from crop residues available at farm. The technology
will help in reduction of cost of production and solving pollution problem
occurring through burning of rice and wheat straw after harvesting of crops
with combine harvester.
- 33 -
3. Alternate Technology for reclamation of saline sodic soils through which
application of gypsum can be substituted partially or fully through compost
prepared from crop residues from normal soil. This technology can help the
farmers for reclamation of salt-affected soils with the material available at
farm and they have neither to spend money on conventional amendments
nor to transport it to the farm gate.
These technologies will be got registered as patents with the concerned organization.
In this regard help of PSF will be sought.
Recommendations for the farmers
1. The residues of rice-wheat cropping system should not be burnt in the fields
after harvesting but be composted through chopping, piling in pits and
incubation.
2. The prepared compost should be used for substitution of fertilizer to the half
level for crop production in normal soil. This will help in cutting cost of
inputs to almost half.
3. The combined application of gypsum and compost both at half levels can
help in reclamation and restoration of fertility saline sodic soils.
Recommendations for future research
Following are the fields in which further research is required:
1. Usefulness and probabilities of using compost in other cropping systems like

wheat- summer fodder, cotton-wheat and sugarcane etc.
2. Benefits of compost when applied in lesser quantities.
3. Uses of composts for high valued crops like vegetables, fruit and nursery
plants.
4. Evolution of technology for large scale production of compost at farm level.
5. Development of mechanical devices for large scale production of compost at

farm level.
- 34 -
B) Publications
The results of the experiments conducted under this project are very much
encouraging and are of farmers’ interest. These are under process for
publication in different journals of international repute.
C) Ph.D. degrees
Dr. Ghulam Sarwar (Co-P.I./P.I.) conducted major part of his Ph.D. research
at Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian , as part of this project,
under supervision of Dr. Nazir Hussain (Ex. P.I.) and Professor Dr.
Schmeisky. He defended his thesis at University of Kassel, Germany and was
awarded Ph.D. Degree by that university. Copy of his dissertation is being
submitted separately.
D) List of Scientists
1) Dr. Nazir Hussain, Agricultural Chemist / Ex. Principal Investigator

(From 01-06-2003 to 20-03-2005) of the Project, Soil Salinity Research Institute,
Pindi Bhattian.
2) Dr. Ghulam Sarwar, Research Officer / Ex. P.I. (From 21-03-2005 to 31-08-2005)
of the Project, Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian.
3) Mr. Abdul Rasul Naseem, Assistant Agri. Chemist / P.I. of the Project
(From 01-09-2005 to 31-05-2006), Soil Salinity Research Institute, Pindi Bhattian.
4) Professor Dr. H. Schmeisky, Chairman, Department of Landscape

Ecology and Nature Conservation, University Of Kassel, Germany (Ph.D.
Supervisor).
5) Mr. Nisar Mahmood-ul-Hassan, Director, Soil Salinity Research Institute,

Pindi Bhattian.
6) Mr. Amar Iqbal Saqab, Assistant Research Officer, Soil Salinity Research
Institute, Pindi Bhattian.
- 35 -
Dr. Nazir Hussain
Agri. Chemist/ Principal Investigator
Mr. Abdul Rasul Naseem Dr. Ghulam Sarwar

Assistant Agri. Chemist / Co-PI Research Officer / Co-PI
Mr. Khalid Mahmood

Assistant Agri. Chemist Mr. Muhammad Anwar
Assistant Agri. Chemist
- 36 -
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Zia, M. S., M.I. Nizami and M. Salim. 1994. Problems of soil

degradation in Pakistan. In. The collection of land degradation data.
Report of the expert consultation on the Asian network on problem soils.
RAPA Publication: 1994/3. Regional office for Asia and the Pacific. Food
and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Bangkok. Thailand.
Pp. 179-202.
- 39 -
Table 1: Analysis of Different Organic Materials Used in Various Experiments
Sr. Determinations Unit FYM Sesbania Compost

No.
1 pH (1:1) - 8.05 6.60 7.67
2 EC (1:1) dS.m-1 12.78 5.92 6.31
3 Organic matter % 40.36 46.86 48.15
4 Organic carbon % 23.47 27.24 28.00
5 Total nitrogen % 1.80 1.90 2.10
6 C/N ratio - 13.04 14.33 13.33
7 Calcium g.kg-1 12.4 15.5 18.6
8 Magnesium g.kg-1 4.7 5.3 6.6
9 Potassium g.kg-1 14.3 40.5 13.3
10 Available g.kg-1 7.0 11.5 14.8

Phosphorus
11 Chlorides g.kg-1 4.48 4.21 5.35
- 40 -
Table 2: Original Soil Analysis of Pot and Field Experiments
Sr. Determinations Unit Normal soil Salt-affected
No. (saline sodic)
soil
1 Saturation percentage % 38.95 42.29
2 pHs - 8.15 8.63
3 ECe dS.m-1 2.35 4.95
4 CO3-2 m molc L-1 Nil 2.50
5 HCO3-1 m molc L-1 7.00 13.50
6 Cl-1 m molc L-1 4.15 14.00
7 SO4-2 m molc L-1 12.35 19.50
8 Ca+2 + Mg+2 m molc L-1 8.60 9.05
9 Na+1 m molc L-1 14.90 40.45
10 SAR (m mol L-1)1/2 7.20 18.99
11 Gypsum requirement t.acre-1 Nil 3.50

(GR)
12 Sand % 60.00 56.00
13 Silt % 20.00 20.00
14 Clay % 20.00 24.00
15 Textural class - Sandy clay Sandy clay

loam loam
16 Organic carbon % 0.20 0.12
17 Organic matter % 0.35 0.20
18 Total Nitrogen % 0.02 0.01
- 41 -
Table 3 Nutrient Supplementation to first rice crop (2003) through Compost in
Treatments Max. Plant No. of fertile Total Grain yield

Height (cm) tillers/plant. biomass (t ha-1)
(t ha-1)
T1-Control 117.3 20.0 D 12.54 C 2.41 C
T2-Recommended 124.0 25.3 B 14.22 AB 3.00 A

dose of NPK
T3-Compost 129.3 29.3 A 14.92 A 3.09 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4- ½ Recommended 121.3 23.3 C 13.75 AB 2.89 A
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10 t.ha -1
T5-Compost 119.5 NS 22.8 C 13.00 B 2.65 B

@ 10 t.ha-1 +
Straight fertilizer
Table 4 Nutrient Supplementation to first wheat crop (2003-04) through

Compost in Normal Soils (field experiment)
Treatments Max. Plant No. of fertile Total Grain yield

(t ha-1)
Control 99.25 6.35 C 7.95 C 2.69 C
Recommended dose of 106.75 7.28 B 11.24 B 4.20 B

NPK
Compost @ 20 t ha-1 107.50 8.05 A 12.63 AB 4.59 AB
½ Recommended dose 108.25 8.93 A 14.25 A 5.00 A
of NPK +Compost @
10 t ha-1
Compost @ 10 t ha-1 + 106.25 NS 7.50 B 11.33 B 4.27 B
Straight fertilizer
- 42 -
Table 5 Nutrient Supplementation to second rice crop (2004) through Compost
in Normal Soils (field experiment)
Treatments Max. Plant No. of fertile Total Paddy yield

(t ha-1)
T1-Control 115.5 B 18.25 C 7.94 E 1.82 E
T2-Recommended 118.5 B 20.50 BC 9.75 D 2.80 D

dose of NPK
T3-Compost @ 20 t.ha-1 125.8 A 27.50 A 13.80 A 3.79 A
T4- ½ Recommended 119.0 B 22. 75 B 13.50 B 3.63 B
dose of NPK +
T5-Compost @ 10 t.ha-1 117.5 B 19.00 C 12.22 C 2.99 C

+ Straight fertilizer
Table 6 Nutrient Supplementation to second wheat crop (2004-05) through

Compost in Normal Soils (field experiment)
Treatments Max. Plant No. of fertile Total Wheat Grain

Height (cm) tillers/plant. biomass yield
(t ha-1) (t ha-1)
T1-Control 98.00 C 6.15 C 8.31 E 2.66 E
T2-Recommended 104.25 B 6.82 BC 11.31 D 3.47 D

dose of NPK
T3-Compost @ 20 t.ha-1 106.50 AB 7.75 AB 12.31 B 3.90 B
T4- ½ Recommended 107.00 A 8.50 A 12.89 A 4.76 A
dose of NPK +
T5-Compost @ 10 t.ha-1 104.50 B 7.20 ABC 11.55 C 3.63 C

- 43 -
Table 7 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after
first rice crop (field experiment)
Treatments pHs ECe SAR Organic Phosphor Potash
(dSm-1) matter us (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.17 A 2.43 14.85 A 0.49 C 4.14 D 19.0 D
T2- 8.15 A 2.55 13.42 A 0.74 B 9.85 C 36.0 C

Recommended
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 7.71 B 3.64 3.71 B 1.16 A 13.73 B 55.0 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 7.85 B 3.48 4.05 B 1.06 A 16.60 A 44.0 B
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 7.95 B 3.63 NS 5.86 B 0.94 A 9.40 C 38.0 C
@ 10 t.ha-1 +
Straight
fertilizer

first wheat crop (field experiment)
Treatments pHs ECe SAR Organic Phospho Potash
(dSm-1) matter rus (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.20 A 2.50 13.46 A 0.61 B 5.53 C 22.0 C
T2- 8.18 A 2.52 13.25 A 0.83 B 10.56 B 39.0 BC

Recommended
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 7.65 B 3.72 4.52 B 1.23 A 16.24 A 61.0 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 7.85 B 3.19 5.19 B 1.17 A 17.76 A 53.0 A
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 7.86 B 3.26 NS 5.62 B 0.97 A 12.35 B 42.0 AB
@ 10 t.ha-1 +
Straight fertilizer
- 44 -
second rice crop (field experiment)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.21 A 2.54 C 14.25 A 0.55 C 5.30 E 20.0 D
T2- 8.19 A 2.58 C 13.75 B 0.85 B 10.00 38.5 C

Recommended D
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 7.68 C 3.70 A 5.50 E 1.20 A 14.55 B 58.6 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 7.97 B 3.50 AB 6.35 D 1.10 A 16.90 A 50.0 B
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 8.00 B 3.45 B 7.20 BC 0.95 B 10.75 C 37.0 C
@ 10 t.ha-1 +
Straight fertilizer

second wheat crop (field experiment)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.25 A 2.46 D 14.10 A 0.53 D 5.26 E 18.60 E
T2- 8.17 B 2.53 CD 13.70 B 0.80 C 10.19 D 37.30 D

Recommended
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 7.92 D 3.18 A 6.15 E 1.18 A 15.00 B 57.70 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 8.03 C 2.76 B 7.20 D 1.11 A 16.35 A 51.50 B
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 8.03 C 2.63 C 8.35 C 0.93 B 11.45 C 40.25 C
@ 10 t.ha-1 +
Straight fertilizer
- 45 -
Table 11 Nutrient Supplementation to first rice crop (2003) through Compost in
Normal Soils (pot experiment)

Height (cm) tillers/plant. biomass (g pot-1)
(g pot-1)
T1-Control 83.75 3.17 C 17.87 C 3.59 D
T2-Recommended 99.25 9.67 B 48.74 B 11.63 C

dose of NPK
T3-Compost @ 20 t.ha-1 101.75 16.92 A 76.16 A 18.53 A
T4- ½ Recommended 103.25 18.83 A 91.46 A 20.86 A
dose of NPK +
T5-Compost @ 10 t.ha-1 100.00 16.33 A 64.00 AB 14.96 B

+Straight fertilizer NS
Table 12 Nutrient Supplementation to first wheat crop (2003-04) through


(g pot-1) (g pot-1)
T1-Control 69.50 3.50 B 22.04 B 11.15 B
T2-Recommended 73.0 4.91 A 43.85 A 25.26 A

dose of NPK
T3-Compost @ 20 t.ha-1 76.50 5.75 A 48.17 A 29.25 A
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10 t.ha-1
T5-Compost @ 10 t.ha-1 75.25 5.08 A 47.71 A 27.95 A
+ Straight fertilizer NS
- 46 -
Table 13 Nutrient Supplementation to second rice crop (2004) through Compost
in Normal Soils (pot experiment)

Height (cm) tillers/plant. biomass (g pot-1)
(g pot-1)
T1-Control 85.5 D 4.0 D 15.17 E 3.25 E
T2-Recommended 98.5 B 10.5 C 44.87 D 10.85 D

dose of NPK
T3-Compost @ 20 t.ha-1 103.0 A 15.5 B 70.66 B 16.80 B
T4- ½ Recommended 104.5 A 17.8 A 94.56 A 21.00 A
dose of NPK +
T5-Compost @ 10 t.ha-1 92.5 C 14.0 B 60.35 C 13.65 C

Table 14 Nutrient Supplementation to second wheat crop (2004-05) through


(g pot-1) (g pot-1)
T1-Control 81.00 2.75 C 15.95 E 3.21 E
T2-Recommended 93.50 9.25 B 42.49 D 10.36 D

dose of NPK
T3-Compost @ 20 t.ha-1 102.25 15.50 A 78.20 B 18.75 B
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10 t.ha-1
T5-Compost @ 10 t.ha-1 99.50 14.75 A 60.64 C 12.78 C
NS
- 47 -
first rice crop (pot experiment)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.42 A 2.62 13.80 0.21 C 5.26 C 22.0 C
T2- 8.37 B 2.60 12.35 0.43 B 12.76 B 33.0 B

Recommended
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 8.26 B 3.05 10.42 0.89 A 16.29 A 58.0 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 8.32 B 2.85 11.76 0.74 A 10.35 B 54.0 A
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 8.35 B 2.91 11.90 NS 0.76 A 10.20 B 53.0 A
@ 10 t.ha-1 + NS
Straight
fertilizer

first wheat crop (pot experiment)
(dSm )-1 matter us (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.45 A 2.60 13.65 A 0.25 C 5.52 C 24.0 C
T2- 8.23 B 2.57 10.09 B 0.51 B 14.67 AB 35.0 B

Recommended
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 8.09 B 3.26 7.65 B 0.93 A 18.12 A 62.0 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 8.18 B 2.89 8.25 B 0.86 A 11.62 B 60.0 A
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 8.20 B 2.75 8.87 B 0.80 A 11.05 B 58.0 A
@ 10 t.ha-1 + NS
Straight
fertilizer
- 48 -
second rice crop (pot experiment)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.44 A 2.65 C 14.00 A 0.24 C 5.35 D 23.0 E
T2- 8.40 A 2.61 C 13.25 B 0.45 B 13.20 B 36.0 D

Recommended
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 8.20 C 3.18 A 8.48 E 0.90 A 17.00 A 60.0 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 8.28 BC 3.00 AB 10.50 D 0.88 A 10.65 C 55.0 B
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 8.30 B 2.85 B 11.00 C 0.75 A 10.70 C 50.0 C
@ 10 t.ha-1 +
Straight
fertilizer

second wheat crop (pot experiment)
(dSm )-1 matter rus (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.44 A 2.65 C 14.15 A 0.23 D 5.30 D 23.8 E
T2- 8.40 AB 2.61 C 13.53 A 0.41 C 14.00 B 37.0 D

Recommended
dose of NPK
T3-Compost 8.24 C 3.12 A 11.24 C 0.87 A 17.30 A 58.7 A
@ 20 t.ha-1
T4-½ 8.36 B 2.92 B 12.62 B 0.82 A 11.00 C 56.4 B
Recommended
dose of NPK +
Compost @ 10
t.ha-1
T5-Compost 8.34 B 2.95 B 12.00 BC 0.73 B 11.21 C 54.2 C
@ 10 t.ha-1 +
Straight
fertilizer
- 49 -
Table-19: Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and Yield
Parameters of first Rice crop (2003) in Saline Sodic Soil (Field
Experiment)
Treatments Maximum plant Total biomass Rice grain yield
height (cm) (t. ha-1) (t. ha-1)
T1-Control 84.50 D 6.80 F 1.00 D

T2-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 93.50 C 11.60 E 2.26 C
T3-Compost @ 24 t ha-1 98.50 C 12.45 E 2.53 C
T4-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 125.50 A 20.31 A 3.85 A
+Compost @ 24 t ha-1
T5-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 122.00 A 18.78 B 3.60 A
+ Compost @ 12 t ha-1
T6-Gypsum @ 50 % G.R. 114.25 B 14.95 C 3.09 B
T7-Gypsum @ 50 % G.R. 100.00 C 13.83 D 2.58 C
Table 20: Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and Yield
Parameters of first wheat crop (2003-04) in Saline Sodic Soil (Field
Experiment)
Treatments Maximum No. of fertile Total Grain yield
plant height tillers / plant biomass of of wheat
(cm) wheat (t.ha-1)
T1-Control 99.25 B 6.35 D 7.37 E 2.13 E
T2-Gypsum @ 100 % 105.00 AB 7.78 C 9.97 CD 3.28 D
G.R.
T3-Compost @ 24 t ha- 107.50 A 7.90 C 8.62 DE 3.38 CD
1
T4-Gypsum @ 100 % 110.50 A 9.35 A 11.96 AB 4.75 A

G.R. +Compost @ 24 t
ha-1
T5-Gypsum @ 100 % 108.25 A 8.35 BC 11.23 ABC 4.08 B
G.R. + Compost @ 12
t ha-1
T6-Gypsum @ 50 % 108.00 A 8.93 AB 12.89 A 3.91 B
G.R.+ Compost @ 24 t
ha-1
T7-Gypsum @ 50 % 106.00 A 8.05 C 10.07 BCD 3.77 BC
G.R. + Compost @ 12 t
ha-1
- 50 -
Table 21: Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and
yield Parameters of Second Rice crop (2004) in Saline Sodic Soil
(Field Experiment)
Maximum plant Total biomass Paddy yield
Treatments height (cm) (t. ha-1) (t. ha-1)
T1-Control 87.00 G 7.41 D 1.38 D
T2-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 97.75 F 14.47 C 4.13 C
T3-Compost @ 24 t ha-1 105.50 E 15.22 B 4.36 C
T4-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 137.50 A 16.87 A 5.46 A

T5-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 128.25 B 16.71 A 5.35 A
T6-Gypsum @ 50 % G.R. 120.50 C 16.38 A 4.97 AB
T7-Gypsum @ 50 % G.R. 110.50 D 15.53 B 4.46 BC
Table 22: Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and
yield Parameters of second wheat crop (2004-05) in Saline Sodic
Soil (Field Experiment)
Maximum plant Total biomass Wheat grain
Treatments height (cm) (t. ha-1) yield
(t. ha-1)
T1-Control 97.69 D 5.13 F 1.28 G
T2-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 103.00 C 6.36 E 1.65 F
T3-Compost @ 24 t ha-1 104.00 BC 6.60 E 1.98 E
T4-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 107.90 A 9.36 B 2.76 B

T5-Gypsum @ 100 % G.R. 105.00 B 8.61 C 2.57 C
T6-Gypsum @ 50 % G.R. 105.50 B 10.04 A 3.78 A
T7-Gypsum @ 50 % G.R. 103.50 C 7.89 D 2.22 D
- 51 -
Table 23: Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Chemical
Properties of Saline Sodic Soil after first Rice crop (Field Experiment)

(dS m-1) (mmol. L-1)1/2
matter rus (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.80 6.85 A 32.8 A 0.55 C 4.72 C 29.0 C
T2-Gypsum @ 8.40 4.62 B 16.8 B 0.70 B 13.04 B 40.0 B

100 % G.R.
T3-Compost 8.30 4.05 C 13.4 CD 0.88 A 16.18 AB 56.0 A

@ 24 t ha-1
T4-Gypsum @ 8.20 3.91 C 10.3 E 0.99 A 27.55 A 72.0 A

100 % G.R.
+Compost @
24 t ha-1
T5-Gypsum @ 8.30 4.15 C 12.5 D 0.86 A 18.35 AB 45.0 B
100 % G.R.
+ Compost @
12 t ha-1
T6-Gypsum @ 8.40 4.10 C 14.3 C 0.92 A 21.18 A 60.0 A
50 % G.R.
+ Compost @
24 t ha-1
T7-Gypsum @ 8.20 3.85 C 14.9 C 0.80 AB 13.51 B 43.0 B
50 % G.R.
+ Compost @ N.S.
12 t ha-1
- 52 -
Properties of Saline Sodic Soil after first wheat (Field Experiment)

(dS.m-1) (mmol.L- matter rus (ppm)
1)1/2
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.65 A 6.39 A 22.63 A 0.65 C 6.04 C 33.0 E
T2-Gypsum 8.29 BC 3.97 B 12.47 B 0.73 C 17.21 B 45.0 DE

@ 100 % G.R.
T3-Compost 8.20 D 3.94 B 11.53 B 1.05 AB 23.58 A 63.0 BC
@ 24 t ha-1
T4-Gypsum 8.06 E 1.76 C 9.54 B 1.30 A 31.39 A 77.0 A
@ 100 % G.R.
+ Compost
@ 24 t ha-1
T5-Gypsum 8.19 D 1.89 C 11.07 B 1.14 AB 22.65 A 50.0 CD
@ 100 % G.R.
+ Compost
@ 12 t ha-1
T6-Gypsum 8.32 B 3.71 B 10.62 B 1.13 AB 26.30 A 69.0 B
@ 50 % G.R.
+ Compost @
24 t ha-1
T7-Gypsum 8.23 CD 3.57 B 11.29 B 0.96 B 16.66 B 48.0 D
@ 50 % G.R.
+ Compost @
12 t ha-1
- 53 -
Properties of Saline Sodic Soil after Second Rice crop (Field
Experiment)
pHs ECe SAR Organic Phosph Potash

Treatments (dS. m-1) (mmol. L-1)1/2
matter orus (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.75 A 6.73 A 32.0 A 0.53 D 4.29 G 30.0 E
T2-Gypsum @ 8.44 B 4.50 B 16.2 B 0.74 C 12.84 F 41.5 D

100 % G.R.
T3-Compost @ 8.36 B 4.14 C 13.8 C 0.85 BC 16.35 D 54.6 B
24 t ha-1
T4-Gypsum @ 8.25 B 4.00 C 11.5 D 1.00 A 26.75 A 70.8 A
100 % G.R.
+Compost @ 24
t ha-1
T5-Gypsum @ 8.33 B 4.10 C 13.0 CD 0.84 BC 17.50 C 47.2 C
100 % G.R.
+ Compost @ 12
t ha-1
T6-Gypsum @ 50 8.42 B 4.05 C 14.6 C 0.95 AB 20.45 B 58.6 B
% G.R.
+ Compost @ 24
t ha-1
T7-Gypsum @ 50 8.35 B 3.92 C 13.8 C 0.78 C 14.20 E 45.5 CD
% G.R.
+ Compost @ 12
t ha-1
- 54 -
Properties of Saline Sodic Soil after Second wheat crop (Field
Experiment)
pHs ECe SAR Organic Phospho Potash

Treatments (dS. m-1) (mmol. L-1)1/2
matter rus (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.71 A 6.35 A 25.15 A 0.56 D 4.40 F 31.5 F
T2-Gypsum 8.46 B 3.88 B 14.50 B 0.75 C 12.97 E 43.0 E

@ 100 % G.R.
T3-Compost 8.34 C 3.75 B 12.42 D 0.89 BC 17.00 C 55.0 C
@ 24 t ha-1
T4-Gypsum 8.22 D 2.45 D 10.48 E 1.10 A 27.15 A 72.0 A
@ 100 % G.R.
+Compost
@ 24 t ha-1
T5-Gypsum 8.30 C 2.91 C 13.71 BC 0.90 BC 18.00 C 48.10 D
@ 100 % G.R.
+ Compost
@ 12 t ha-1
T6-Gypsum 8.32 C 2.52 D 12.95 CD 1.00 AB 21.10 B 59.0 B
@ 50 % G.R.
+ Compost
@ 24 t ha-1
T7-Gypsum 8.37 C 2.39 D 13.50 BC 0.82 C 14.60 D 46.3 D
@ 50 % G.R.
+ Compost
@ 12 t ha-1
- 55 -
Table 27: Effect of compost and other organic materials on yield and yield
parameters of first rice crop (2003) on normal soil (pot experiment)
Maximum No. of Total Rice grain

Treatments plant height fertile biomass yield / pot
(cm) tillers / / pot (gm) (gm)
plant
T1- Control 91.25 E 4.50 G 21.18 I 5.71 G
T2- Green manure @ 1.0 % 95.50 D 6.50 F 36.90 H 9.18 F

soil weight
T3- Farmyard manure @ 96.50 D 6.17 F 39.84 G 9.57 F

1.0 % soil weight
T4- Compost @ 1.0 % soil 102.00 BC 8.50 E 63.43 E 15.48 D
weight
T5- Green manure 100.50 C 18.33 B 69.06 D 16.23 D
@ 1.0 % soil weight + rec.
½ fertilizer
T6- Farmyard manure @ 100.50 C 16.75 C 80.23 C 18.32 C
1.0 % soil weight + rec. ½
fertilizer
T7- Compost @ 1.0 % soil 105.50 A 21.08 A 120.56 A 23.63 A
weight + rec. ½ fertilizer
T8- Rec. NPK fertilizer 103.25 B 9.33 E 100.75 B 21.75 B
T9- Half rec. NPK fertilizer 100.25 C 10.92 D 42.09 F 11.45 E
- 56 -
parameters of first wheat crop (2003-04) on normal soil (pot experiment)
Maximum No. of Total Wheat grain

Treatments plant height fertile biomass/pot yield/pot
(cm) tillers/plant (g) (g)
T1- Control 67.50 3.55 D 21.19 C 11.00 D
T2- Green manure @ 1.0 70.25 3.85 CD 40.25 B 21.26 C

% soil weight
T3- Farmyard manure @ 70.00 4.00 CD 35.50 B 20.41 C

1.0 % soil weight
T4- Compost @ 1.0 % 73.25 5.00 ABC 45.75 AB 28.59 A

soil weight
T5- Green manure 75.20 6.20 A 48.00A 28.60 A
@ 1.0 % soil weight +
rec. ½ fertilizer
T6- Farmyard manure @ 75.00 6.00 AB 38.75 B 23.25 BC
1.0 % soil weight + rec.
½ fertilizer
T7- Compost @ 1.0 % 78.00 6.15 A 48.50 A 27.16 A
soil weight + rec. ½
fertilizer
T8- Rec. NPK fertilizer 72.50 4.80 BC 44.00 AB 22.00 B
T9- Half rec. NPK 71.00 4.67 CD 40.00 B 20.25 C

fertilizer NS
- 57 -
parameters of second rice crop (2004) on normal soil (pot experiment)
Maximum No. of Total Paddy yield

Treatments plant height fertile biomass (g pot-1)
(cm) tillers / (g pot-1)
plant
T1-Control 58.25 E 12.7 E 30.2 H 7.5 G
T2-Green manure @ 1.0 % 87.25 D 17.7 D 59.5 G 14.0 F

soil weight
T3-Farmyard manure @ 93.00 C 17.7 D 59.8 G 14.5 F

1.0 % soil weight
T4-Compost @ 1.0 % soil 103.00 AB 18.7 BC 75.5 E 18.2 D

weight
T5-Green manure @ 1.0 % 102.50 AB 18.7 BC 110.4 D 22.0 C
fertilizer
T6-Farmyard manure @ 102.00 AB 19.3 B 115.0 C 22.5 C
fertilizer
T7-Compost @ 1.0 % soil 106.25 A 20.3 A 145.6 A 35.4 A
T8-Rec. NPK fertilizer 100.00 B 18.0 CD 125.7 B 30.5 B
T9-Half rec. NPK fertilizer 98.75 B 17.3 D 70.0 F 16.8 E
- 58 -
parameters of second wheat crop (2004-05) on normal soil (pot
experiment)
Maximum No. of Total Wheat grain

Treatments plant height fertile biomass yield
(cm) tillers / (g pot-1) (g pot-1)
plant
T1-Control 65.00 B 3.25 C 19.25 H 9.50 G
T2-Green manure @ 1.0 % 68.50 AB 3.70 C 36.50 F 20.25 D

soil weight
T3-Farmyard manure @ 69.00 AB 3.85 C 32.00 G 18.75 E

1.0 % soil weight
T4-Compost @ 1.0 % soil 71.75 AB 4.65 B 41.75 C 25.00 A

weight
T5-Green manure @ 1.0 % 74.00 AB 5.90 A 43.50 B 24.25 B
fertilizer
T6-Farmyard manure @ 73.50 AB 5.75 A 36.50 F 21.50 C
fertilizer
T7-Compost @ 1.0 % soil 75.25 A 5.80 A 45.00 A 25.25 A
T8-Rec. NPK fertilizer 71.00 AB 4.60 B 40.75 D 20.15 D
T9-Half rec. NPK fertilizer 70.50 AB 4.50 B 37.25 E 18.20 F
- 59 -
Table 31: Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical
characteristics of normal soil after first rice crop (pot experiment)

(dS. m-1) (mmol. L- matter us (ppm)
1)1/2
(%) (ppm)
T1- Control 8.49 A 2.46 D 12.66 A 0.19 C 5.18 E 21.0 C
T2- Green 8.40 B 2.52 D 10.28 B 0.66 A 9.40 D 34.0 B

manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
T3- Farmyard 8.33 B 2.80 C 8.12 C 0.68 A 9.81 D 39.0 B

manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
T4- Compost 8.15 C 2.76 C 6.34 D 0.73 A 10.96 CD 45.0 B

@ 1.0 % soil
weight
T5- Green 8.39 B 2.46 D 10.07 B 0.75 A 15.37 AB 54.0 A
manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
+ rec. ½
fertilizer
T6- Farmyard 8.32 B 2.90 BC 10.16 B 0.76 A 18.73 A 55.0 A
manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
+ rec. ½
fertilizer
T7- Compost 8.19 C 2.71 C 6.13 D 0.81 A 19.45 A 62.0 A
@ 1.0 % soil
weight + rec.
½ fertilizer
T8- Rec. NPK 8.05 D 3.01 AB 4.00 E 0.41 B 14.40 BC 36.0 B

fertilizer
T9- Half rec. 8.02 D 3.18 A 4.79 DE 0.28 BC 8.85 DE 28.0 BC

NPK fertilizer
- 60 -
characteristics of normal soil after first wheat crop (pot experiment)

(dS m-1) (mmol. L-1)1/2 matter us (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1- Control 8.50 A 2.50 13.25 A 0.23 B 5.56 C 22.0 E
T2- Green 8.21 B 2.72 10.00 BC 0.85 A 10.65 B 37.0 CD

manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
T3- Farmyard 8.23 B 2.85 8.87 C 0.90 A 11.25 B 40.0 BC
manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
T4- Compost 7.85 C 3.00 5.45 D 0.80 A 16.48 A 48.0 B
@ 1.0 % soil
weight
T5- Green 8.19 B 2.75 10.10 BC 0.89 A 20.60 A 57.0 A
manure
@ 1.0 % soil
weight + rec.
½ fertilizer
T6- Farmyard 8.20 B 2.87 9.00 C 0.92 A 21.50 A 58.0 A
manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
+ rec. ½
fertilizer
T7- Compost 7.86 C 3.05 5.70 D 0.86 A 15.25 B 65.0 A
@ 1.0 % soil
weight + rec.
½ fertilizer
T8- Rec. NPK 8.45 A 2.67 11.19 AB 0.47 B 9.30 B 38.0 CD
fertilizer
T9- Half rec. 8.46 A 2.60 12.00 AB 0.35 B 6.78 C 31.0 D
NPK fertilizer NS
- 61 -
characteristics of normal soil after second rice crop (pot experiment)

(dS. m-1) (mmol. L- matter us (ppm)
1)1/2
(%) (ppm)
T1- Control 8.50 A 2.48 C 13.0 A 0.20 E 5.2 G 20.0 F
T2- Green 8.45 AB 2.55 BC 11.2 B 0.60 C 9.5 F 33.0 E

manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
T3- Farmyard 8.36 AB 2.75 A 10.8 B 0.65 C 9.7 F 40.0 D
manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
T4- Compost 8.14 C 2.80 A 8.5 D 0.75 B 11.4 E 48.0 C
@ 1.0 % soil
weight
T5- Green 8.44 AB 2.50 C 9.6 C 0.78 B 15.5 C 52.0 BC
manure
@ 1.0 % soil
weight + rec.
½ fertilizer
T6- Farmyard 8.30 B 2.67 AB 9.0 CD 0.80 B 18.2 B 57.0 B
manure @ 1.0
% soil weight
+ rec. ½
fertilizer
T7- Compost 8.10 C 2.74 A 6.7 E 0.89 A 20.0 A 65.0 A
@ 1.0 % soil
weight + rec.
½ fertilizer
T8- Rec. NPK 8.40 AB 2.45 C 12.5 A 0.37 D 14.1 D 35.0 DE
fertilizer
T9- Half rec. 8.44 AB 2.44 C 12.8 A 0.25 E 9.0 F 30.0 E
NPK fertilizer
- 62 -
characteristics of normal soil after second wheat crop (pot experiment)
(dS m-1) (mmol. L-1)1/2 matter us (ppm)
(%) (ppm)
T1-Control 8.52 A 2.55 G 13.75 A 0.22 G 5.32 H 20.5 I
T2-Green 8.32 C 2.78 DEF 11.25 C 0.64 E 9.59 G 35.0 G

manure @
1.0 % soil
weight
T3- 8.35 BC 2.93 CD 9.15 E 0.70 D 10.00 F 41.0 E
Farmyard
manure @
1.0 % soil
weight
T4-Compost 8.00 D 3.10 AB 6.50 G 0.79 C 11.82 E 50.0 D
@ 1.0 % soil
weight
T5-Green 8.25 C 2.90 CDE 10.80 CD 0.81 BC 16.35 C 52.5 C
manure
@ 1.0 % soil
weight +
rec. ½
fertilizer
T6- 8.30 C 3.00 BC 10.45 D 0.85 AB 18.80 B 57.3 B
Farmyard
manure @
1.0 % soil
weight +
rec. ½
fertilizer
T7-Compost 8.05 D 3.19 A 7.10 F 0.90 A 21.00 A 66.0 A
@ 1.0 % soil
weight +
rec. ½
fertilizer
T8-Rec. 8.47 AB 2.76 EF 12.20 B 0.40 F 15.08 D 36.8 F

NPK
fertilizer
T9-Half rec. 8.49 A 2.64 FG 12.45 B 0.27 G 9.50 G 30.0 H

NPK
fertilizer
- 63 -
Table 35: Effect of compost on rice nursery (2004) grown in the field for
transplantation
Average height Fresh weight (g)of Oven dry weight
Treatments (cm)of rice nursery rice nursery/m2 (g)of rice
plants nursery/m2
T1- Conventional
method covering the 26.33 B 424.53 B 84.58 B
spreaded seed with
silt or soil
T2- Covering the
spreaded seed with 28.33 A 604.73 A 125.67 A
compost @ 1000
Kg.ha-1
T3- Covering the
spreaded seed with 26.33 B 380.97 C 88.35 B
well rotten FYM @
1000 Kg.ha-1
T4- Covering the
spreaded seed with 27.67 AB 429.50 B 91.10 B
soil but application of
nitrogen @ 50 Kg.ha-1
after 10-15 days
Table 36: Effect of compost on rice nursery (2005) grown in the field for
transplantation
Average height Fresh weight (g)of Oven dry weight
Treatments (cm)of rice rice nursery/m2 (g)of rice
nursery plants nursery/m2
T1- Conventional 24.33 B 384.70 C 79.63 D
method covering the
spreaded seed with silt
or soil
T2- Covering the 30.00 A 528.38 A 104.24 A
spreaded seed with
compost @ 1000 Kg.ha-1
T3- Covering the 25.67 B 413.21 C 84.45 C
spreaded seed with well
rotten FYM @ 1000
Kg.ha-1
T4- Covering the 29.33 A 468.70 B 86.99 B
spreaded seed with soil
but application of
nitrogen @ 50 Kg.ha-1
after 10-15 days
- 64 -
Table 37: Effect of compost on nutrient concentration of rice nursery (2004)
grown in the field for transplantation
Treatments Total Total Total Calcium Magnesium Zinc Copper

Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium
(%) (ppm)
T1-
Convention 0.98 D 0.1196 B 1.345 C 0.220 D 0.408 D 50.0 B 56.67 C
al method
covering
the
spreaded
seed with
silt or soil
T2-
Covering 1.38 B 0.1541 A 1.696 A 0.490 A 0.590 A 66.67 80.0 A
the A
spreaded
seed with
compost @
1000 Kg.ha-
1
T3-
Covering 1.15 C 0.1333 AB 1.462 B 0.273 C 0.493 C 56.67 70.0 B
the B
spreaded
seed with
well rotten
FYM @
1000 Kg.ha-
1
T4-
Covering 1.50 A 0.1396 AB 1.604 A 0.402 B 0.529 B 50.0 B 60.0 C
the
spreaded
seed with
soil but
application
of nitrogen
@ 50 Kg.ha-
1 after 10-15
days
- 65 -
Table 38: Effect of compost on nutrient concentration of rice nursery (2005)
grown in the field for transplantation
Treatments Total Total Total Calcium Magnesiu Zinc Copper

Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium m
(%) (ppm)
T1-
Convention 1.12 C 0.1365 C 1.279 C 0.194 D 0.288 C 56.67 56.67 B
al method
covering
the
spreaded
seed with
silt or soil
T2-
Covering 1.43 AB 0.1676 A 1.671 A 0.354 A 0.486 A 63.33 70.00 A
the
spreaded
seed with
compost @
1000 Kg.ha-
1
T3-
Covering 1.30 B 0.1439 BC 1.387 BC 0.232 C 0.374 B 60.00 70.00 A
the
spreaded
seed with
well rotten
FYM @
1000 Kg.ha-
1
T4-
Covering 1.55 A 0.1570 AB 1.487 B 0.284 B 0.458 A 60.00 60.00 B
the
spreaded N.S.
seed with
soil but
application
of nitrogen
@ 50 Kg.ha-
1 after 10-15
days
- 66 -
Table 39: Economics parameters of experiment, “Comparative efficiency of
chemical fertilizers and compost in normal soil”
Parameters
# T1 T2 T3 T4 T5
1 Variable cost of --- 43080 20000 31540 13400
treatments
2 Yield:
a Rice grains 4.23 5.8 6.88 6.52 5.64
b Rice straw 16.25 17.17 21.84 20.73 19.58
c Wheat grains 5.35 7.67 8.49 9.76 7.90
d Wheat straw 10.19 14.88 16.45 17.38 14.98
3 Income:
a Rice grains 52875 72500 86000 81500 70500
b Rice straw 24375 27255 32760 31095 29370
c Wheat grains 55506 79576 88084 101260 81962
d Wheat straw 32730 44640 49350 52140 44940
4
Gross Income 165486 223971 256194 265995 226772
5 Net Income 165486 180891 236194 234455 213372

6 Net Income over control --- 15405 70708 68969 47886
7 Percent increase over --- 9.3 42.7 41.7 28.9
control
8 Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) --- 0.36 3.54 2.19 3.57
- 67 -
Table 40: Economics parameters of experiment, “Reclamation of salt affected
soils”
Parameters
# T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7
1 Variable cost of --- 3500 12000 15500 9500 13750 7750
treatments
2 Yield:
a Rice grains 2.38 6.40 6.90 9.32 8.96 8.06 7.04
b Rice straw 11.83 19.68 20.78 27.87 26.54 23.28 22.32
c Wheat grains 3.41 4.93 5.36 7.51 6.65 7.69 5.99
d Wheat straw 9.09 11.40 9.86 13.81 13.19 15.24 11.97
3 Income:
a Rice grains 29750 80000 86250 116500 112000 100750 88000
b Rice straw 17745 29520 31170 41805 39810 34920 33480
c Wheat grains 35379 51149 55610 77916 68994 79784 62146
d Wheat straw 27270 34200 29580 41430 39570 45720 35910
4
Gross Income 110144 194869 202880 277651 260374 261174 219536
5 Net Income 110144 191369 190880 262151 250874 247424 211786

6 Net Income over control --- 81225 80736 152007 140730 137280 101624
7 Percent increase over --- 73.74 73.30 138.01 127.77 124.64 92.26
control
8 Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) --- 23.21 6.73 9.81 14.81 9.98 13.11
- 68 -

Final Report Appropriate Composting Technology Project PSF 2006

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FINAL REPORT

APPROPRIATE COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY

DR. NAZIR HUSSAIN

Dr. Ghulam Sarwar

Government of Punjab, Agricultural Department

APPROPRIATE COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY

Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Islamabad,

DR. NAZIR HUSSAIN

Soil Salinity Research Institute, (SSRI)

Sr. No. Titles and subtitles Page

2.1 Project Title 10

2.2 Report Period 10

2.4 Experimental Procedures 14

2.8 Need for additional research 34

2.10 Ph.D. Degrees 35

2.11 List of Scientists 35-36

2.13 Tables(1-40) 40-68

1 Analysis of Different Organic Materials Used in Various Experiments 40

2 Original soil analysis of pot and field experiments 41

3 Nutrient Supplementation to first rice crop (2003) through Compost in 42

4 Nutrient Supplementation to first wheat crop (2003-04) through Compost 42

5 Nutrient Supplementation to second rice crop (2004) through Compost in 43

6 Nutrient Supplementation to second rice crop (2004) through Compost in 43

7 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after first 44

8 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after 44

9 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after 45

10 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation 45

11 Nutrient Supplementation to first rice crop (2003) through Compost in Norm 46

12 Nutrient Supplementation to first wheat crop (2003-04) through Compost 46

13 Nutrient Supplementation to second rice crop (2004) through Compost in 47

14 Nutrient Supplementation to second wheat crop (2004-05) through 47

15 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after first 48

16 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after first 48

17 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation after 49

18 Effect of compost on soil properties in nutrient supplementation 49

19 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and Yield 50

20 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and Yield 50

21 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and 51

22 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Yield and 51

23 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Chemical 52

24 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Chemical Properties 53

25 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Chemical Properties 54

26 Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Gypsum on Chemical Properties 55

28 Effect of compost and other organic materials on yield and yield 57

29 Effect of compost and other organic materials on yield and yield 58

30 Effect of compost and other organic materials on yield and yield 59

31 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics 60

32 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics of 61

33 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics of 62

34 Effect of compost and other organic materials on chemical characteristics 63

35 Effect of compost on rice nursery (2004) grown in the field for 64

36 Effect of compost on rice nursery (2005) grown in the field for 64

37 Effect of compost on nutrient concentration of rice nursery (2004) grown 65

38 Effect of compost on nutrient concentration of rice nursery (2005) grown 66

39 Economics parameters of experiment, “Comparative efficiency of chemical 67

40 Economics parameters of experiment, “Reclamation of salt affected soils” 68

3. Reclamation of salt affected soils

4. Comparison of different sources of organic material

5. Use of compost in rice nursery raising

Organic matter is regarded as a very important parameter of soil productivity. It

¾ To standardize composting technologies for different organic material and

¾ To assess the effects of compost on crop yield enhancement and soil

¾ To evaluate the probable impact of compost on reclamation of salt-

¾ To recommend an economical and practically adoptable technology for