Effect of Solid Waste Slurry from Biogas Plant on Soil Parameters and Yield of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

Aims: To determine the effect of Solid Waste (MSW) slurry from biogas plant on soil micro-parameters and yield of spinach.

Study Design: A completely randomized design was used in this study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the field laboratory of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh during Rabi-1 season (October-December, 2012).

Methodology: Different combination of MSW and regular fertilizer was applied to experimental fields and effect of MSW on soil micro-parameters and yield of spinach was determined.

Results: Application of MSW slurry showed significant effect on soil moisture, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and available sulphur in post plant soil except soil pH over control. For ensuring of organic farming, improving soil parameters and soil health, 20 ton/ha slurry + 50% of the recommended fertilizer dose was found the best. Application of MSW slurry had significant positive effect on plant height, leaves per plant and individual plant weight over control. Rate of photosynthesis did not vary significantly due to the application of MSW slurry.

Conclusion: MSW slurry showed a positive impact on growth and yield contributing characters of spinach and soil microenvironment which help improving the fertility status of soil.