Enhancement of soil physico-chemical properties post compost application: Optimization using Response Surface...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Agronomy

Background:

• Compost application is crucial for soil quality and crop production.
• Investigating aquatic and terrestrial composts for soil improvement is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Water Hyacinth Compost (WHC), Hydrilla verticillata Compost (HVC), and Vegetable Waste Compost (VWC) on soil nutrient and engineering properties.
• To determine optimal compost proportions and timeframes for soil improvement.

Main Methods:

• Soil samples were amended with six proportions (5-45%) of WHC, HVC, and VWC.
• Evaluated soil parameters included nutrients (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, TOC, TKN), Bulk Density (BD), water retention, specific gravity, and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) over 120 days.
• Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize physico-chemical properties.

Main Results:

• Increased compost percentage (15-45%) enhanced soil nutrient values.
• 60 days of compost application was sufficient for maximum soil quality improvement.
• Vegetable Waste Compost (VWC) resulted in lower Bulk Density (0.87 g/cm³), higher water retention (45.63%), and higher degree of saturation (77.49%) compared to WHC and HVC.

Conclusions:

• WHC, HVC, and VWC can improve soil nutrient content and physico-chemical properties long-term.
• VWC is particularly effective for restoring degraded soil health due to superior physico-chemical improvements.