Research Articles
Evaluation of phytotoxicity of composts produced from spent mushroom substrate using seed germination bioassay of Raphunus sativus L.
Authors:
S. R. Amarasinghe ,
University of Ruhuna, Kamburupitiya, 81100, LK
About S. R.
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture
W. M. C. S. Jayaweera
University of Ruhuna, Kamburupitiya, 81100, LK
About W. M. C. S.
Department of Biosystem Technology, Faculty of Technology
Abstract
present study, a seed germination test was conducted to evaluate the possible phytotoxic effect of SMS compost. Aqueous extracts from compost produced by SMS, amending different N sources (green leaves and urea) with and without an inoculum as 25%, 50%, and 100% were tested against seed germination of radish (Raphanus sativus L). According to the results, the lowest Germination index (GI%) was observed in 100% compost aqueous extractions while the highest GI% was observed in 25% compost aqueous extracts. GI% of inoculated compost has positive significant correlations with both relative seed germination (RSG%) and relative root growth (RRG%) [r=0.600, p=0.05 and r=0.965, p=0.01, respectively]. The regression of GI% and EC values in inoculated (r2=0.7064) and non-inoculated (r2=0.6009) extracts showed negative linear relationship. Moreover, the EC was significantly correlated with all extractable tested ions except Cu2+ and Ni2+ in inoculated treatments. pH values in all aqueous extracts recorded in the range of 6.27 to 8.08. Extractable elements Cu2+ (r=0.645, p=0.01) and Zn2+ (r=0.577, p=0.05) had positive correlation with pH. The water extractable NH4+ concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the inoculated SMS compost amended with urea and it was significantly lower (p<0.05) in non-inoculated SMS compost amended with Tithonia and inoculated SMS compost without amendments. Further, the inoculated SMS compost extracts showed higher performance in GI% and RRG% than non-inoculated SMS. Therefore, SMS can be recycled as compost integrating nitrogenous materials and inoculum to use safely as a soil amendment on seed germination.
How to Cite:
Amarasinghe, S.R. and Jayaweera, W.M.C.S., 2022. Evaluation of phytotoxicity of composts produced from spent mushroom substrate using seed germination bioassay of Raphunus sativus L.. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension, 25(4), pp.354–368. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tare.v25i4.5601
Published on
29 Dec 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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