article · Agronomy
This research assesses the use of organic compost as an alternative to chemical fertilisers for improving soil quality and crop yields under greenhouse conditions. Focusing on sweet basil grown in nutrient-poor sandy loam soil characteristic of arid and semi-arid zones, trials tested six different compost application rates. The findings reveal that an application rate of 30 tonnes per hectare delivered the most significant enhancements in soil structure, nutrient levels, and plant growth metrics. Soil organic matter reached 13.71 percent, while sweet basil plants exhibited improved shoot length of 42 centimetres, higher seed weight, and an essential oil content of 0.83 percent. Furthermore, heavy metal concentrations remained within acceptable thresholds. The results highlight the potential of high-rate compost additions to enhance horticultural output while advancing circular economy practices through organic waste utilisation.
Sandy soils in arid regions struggle to retain moisture and essential nutrients, driving heavy reliance on synthetic fertilisers. Demonstrating that organic waste compost can substantially improve soil fertility, crop yields, and essential oil production offers a practical path toward sustainable horticulture. It provides a viable method to regenerate poor soils while reducing dependence on chemical inputs and supporting circular waste recycling.
The findings are relevant to greenhouse growers, commercial herb producers, and organic compost manufacturers operating in arid or semi-arid environments. The research provides applied, tested dosing recommendations for sweet basil cultivation in sandy loam substrates. Being tested at greenhouse trial scale, the approach appears relatively near to practical adoption for protected horticulture, though validation across diverse crops and field environments may be necessary prior to wider commercial roll-out.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
This study investigates the effectiveness of organic compost as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for improving soil health and enhancing crop productivity under greenhouse conditions. The experiment focused on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), an aromatic herb highly sensitive to soil fertility and structure, cultivated in sandy loam soil—a prevalent substrate in arid and semi-arid regions, often limited by poor water and nutrient retention. Using a randomized complete block design with six compost application rates, this study evaluated the physicochemical, biochemical, and agronomic responses of both soil and plants. The results demonstrated significant improvements across all parameters (p < 0.05), with the 30 t/ha compost treatment yielding the most notable enhancements in soil structure, nutrient content, and plant performance while maintaining acceptable levels of heavy metals. Soil organic matter (SOM) increased to 13.71%, while shoot length (SL), essential oil content (EOC), and the 100-seed weight improved to 42 cm, 0.83%, and 0.32 g, respectively, compared to the control. These finding underscore the benefits of high compost application rates in boosting greenhouse horticultural productivity while promoting sustainable agriculture. Moreover, this study supports the reduction in chemical fertilizer dependency and encourages the adoption of circular economy principles (CEPs) through organic waste recycling.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15051045
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
