Soil properties and productivity of maize and bean in the organic system with use of different sources of organic manures

Abstract

The effect of different organic fertilizers on common bean and corn yields, and nutrient status in soil, has been investigated in a field experiment conducted by the Research Center for Family Farms-Cepaf, in the State of Santa Catarina, in no-till organic system. Solid manure (broiler litter, swine composted manure, cattle composted manure and chicken composted manure) at 5 and 10t ha-1, dry weight, and liquid swine manure at 30 and 60m3 ha-1 were broadcasted to the soil surface to common bean and corn, respectively. Soil samples were taken at the depth of 0-5, 5-10 and 10-20cm, 9 years after the experiment began. Broiler litter and organic compost had a better performance on common bean grain yield and liquid swine manure on corn yield. Soil surface (0-5cm) organic matter, exchangeable P, K, Zn, Ca, Mg and cation exchange capacity increased with organic fertilizer applications. Those soil property changes were greater for solid manure and compost applications, reflecting the differences in application amounts.