Soil fertilization capacity of chicken wastes compost over production parameters in strawberry crops

GISELA SEIMANDI; VERÓNICA RUIZ; JUAN NICOLIER; SILVIA DEL CARMEN IMHOFF; MARCOS DERITA

Conferencia; Plant productivity and food safety: Soil science, Microbiology, Agricultural Genetics and Food quality"; 2022

The agricultural increase and livestock activities is associated with a greater demand for crop inputs (synthetic fertilizers), and more production of livestock wastes (such as effluents, chicken breeding, and feedlots breeding). These activities cause an impact on the chemical and physical properties of the soil due to fertilizer waste accumulation, and environmental health. Thus, it is necessary to look for alternatives to reduce synthetic fertilizers and, at the same time, find a way to treat livestock waste in an environmentally sustainable manner. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the soil fertilization capacity of an organic fertilizer (Compost Tea) from chicken rearing chambers on productive parameters in strawberry crops. Strawberry plants cv ´Sensacion´ were selected and planted in pots with a soil classified as Hapludalf, Coronda series. Three treatments were established, in quadruplicate: (Cwater) 100% Coronda soil and irrigation with distilled water; (Cfert) 100% Coronda soil with synthetic fertilizer and irrigation with distilled water; and (Tea) 100% Coronda soil and irrigation with a Compost Tea solution (proportion 40 mL/10 L of distilled water). 100 mL of the correspondent treatments were applied every 10 days, being 13 the total number of applications. Chemical and physical analysis of the Compost Tea were carried out. Once the first fruit was ripened, the number of fruits, and the accumulated weight (g) per pot were counted. Moreover, firmness (%), total soluble solids-TSS (%Brix at 20°C), and pH were measured. Chemical and physical analysis of the Compost Tea showed normal values of pH and electrical conductivity, and the absence of nitrogen in the form of ammonium. Regarding the productive parameters of the strawberry plants, it was observed that the yield during the first months of the crop was higher for the Cfert and Tea treatments, while in the final months the yield was higher for the Cwater treatment. On the other hand, SST and pH values were similar between the Cfert and Tea treatments, and higher than the Cwater treatment, although no significant differences were seen. Firmness was higher in Cwater, but only showed significant differences with respect to Cfert, not respect to Tea. In conclusion, Compost Tea could be a sustainable alternative for soil fertilization for two reasons: firstly, it Will reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers without altering the organoleptic properties of the fruits and; in addition, it would add value to a livestock waste that, if not treated, might generate environmental pollution.