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Research Paper | Botany | India | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023 | Rating: 5.8 / 10
Findings of the Effect of Compost on Above and Below Ground Biomass of Raphanus Sativus cv Pusa Chetki
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effect of compost on above and below ground biomass of Raphanus sativus (radish), specifically the cultivar Pusa chetki. Pot culture experiments were conducted using air-dried garden soil and seeds of the radish cultivar. Municipal compost was added to the soil in different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% on a weight basis), while control pots contained soil without compost. The plants were grown under natural environmental conditions, and data on biomass were recorded after 45 days. The results showed that the maximum above and below ground biomass of radish plants was observed when grown in soil with a 15% compost concentration. In the control group, the biomass was 180 g/plant and 195 g/plant, which increased to 215 g/plant and 225 g/plant, respectively, at the 15% compost level. However, when the compost concentration was increased to 20%, both above and below ground biomass were inhibited. These results were significantly different from the control. The findings indicate that compost concentrations between 5% and 15% were beneficial for the above and below ground biomass of Raphanus sativus cv Pusa chetki, compared to the control. Only the 20% compost level exhibited inhibitory effects. It is suggested that the inhibitory effect of higher compost levels may be due to the presence of trace metals, such as Pb, Zn, and Cu, which were reported in previous studies. These trace metals might negatively affect soil fertility and the growth of soil microbes, resulting in reduced biomass values for radish plants.
Keywords: Compost, above and below ground biomass, Raphanus sativus, Cultivar Pusa chetki, Pot culture experiment
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,
Pages: 1241 - 1243