Residual Effects of Compost Applied to Sweet Corn Over Two Crop Seasons
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 6, Issue 1 - June 2013
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
This study evaluated two composts, leaf and yard waste (LYW) and biosolids (BS), as soil amendments at three application rates for sweet corn production in Maine during 2010 and 2011. Pre-plant compost application rates of 0, 10, 20 and 40 tons/per acre were applied in 2010. Half of each plot received additional compost in 2011 at the 2010 application rate. Marketable yield, ear length, and plant height data were collected. Compost application increased plant height, ear length and marketable yield compared to no compost application. BS compost produced greater yields in 2010 compared to LYW compost. There was no significant difference between the 10 and 20 or 40 tons/acre in plant height in 2010, indicating no advantages with the 10 tons/acre versus the 20 or 40 tons/acre. However, in 2011, there was a significant difference between 10 and 20 tons/acre in plant height. Yield in both years was greater with increased compost applications but not significantly. These trends suggest that compost has a residual effect on the soil and crop productivity.
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