Evaluation of Composted Organic Wastes and Farmyard Manure for Improving Fertility of Poor Sandy Soils in Arid Regions

Farmyard manure, an amendment traditionally used for improving the fertility of sandy soils in arid climates, is becoming scarce and expensive. Its shortage makes it necessary to evaluate, at field scale, suitability medium-term performance other cheap, highly available substitutes. A trial was established analyze effects a single application three organic residues on barley yield nutrient uptake selected soil properties after two consecutive harvests. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), sewage sludge (SSC) farmyard manure (FYM) were tested rates 0, 20, 40 60 t ha−1. Adding all amendments increased matter, cation exchange capacity P, Ca, Mg K soil, grain (up 51%), plants’ contents. After second harvest, positive residual effect observed plant 77%) MSWC SSC induced slight increases extractable fractions (BCR protocol) Co, Cu Ni, relative unamended soil. The results demonstrate immediate evaluated as fertilizers agricultural purposes.