Effect of Mineral Enriched Compost on Soil Physical Parameters

Two years field experiments were conducted at the Indian Institute of Rice Research Farm, Hyderabad, to compare the performance of field fortified poultry manure applications on physical dynamics of soil. Continuous application of MEC treatments resulted in decline in the pH of the soil in all the treatments from the initial levels of 8.07. Analysis of post harvest soils of MEC for physical parameters revealed that plots treated with inorganic fertilizer alone had an adverse effect on bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, void ratio and available water after harvest of crop. The values of bulk density ranged from 1.2 to 1.35 g/cc with a mean value of 1.3g/cc. Similar trends were noticed in terms of water holding capacity and percentage porosity values. The lowest bulk density (1.17g/cc) was observed in case of control plots whereas maximum (1.35 g/cc) was observed in case of NPK treated plots.