Effects of on-farm composted seed spices residues on coriander, nutritional parameters and seasonal carbon offset by the crop and soil

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out with seven treatments from three types (coriander, fennel and mixture of these two and others) of vermi-composts (vc) and its two doses (5 and 10t) of vc were compared with control taking coriander (Ajmer coriander-1) as a test crop for three years. First year on lower fertile soil and last two years on medium fertile soil belongs to Subgroup Typic Haplustepts and sandy loam in texture. Results revealed that plant height and primary branches were only higher with 10t vermi-compost of mixed residue (vc-mix). Secondary branches and yield parameters were higher with10t vc of each types as well as 5t of mixed vc. Seed yield of last two years was remarkably higher with each type of 10t vc and 5t of mixed. Per cent yield increased with 10t and 5t mixed vc was 48.7 and 36.4, respectively, whereas 5t each of coriander and fennel vc gave 15.4% higher yield on medium fertile soil. In contrast to it, yield was only 2-5% higher on lower fertile soil with these vermi-composts over the control. Uptake of nutrients by coriander was more with 10t vc over 5t and control. Availability of N and K in soil enhanced with 10t vc, however P and Zn were at par with either level and types of vc, while more over control. Availability of Cu, Fe and Mn was improved with 10t either types of vc or 5t mixed vc. Biological carbon sequestration was higher with each level and types of vc over control, whereas soil organic carbon (SOC) was higher only with 10t vc. Net biological and soil carbon enhanced by vc was ranged from 0.34 to 0.41 and 0.27 to 1.38t ha–1, whereas total offset ranged from 0.61 to 1.79t ha–1. Irrespective of treatments, all the soil and plant parameters were more with mixed vc followed by coriander vc except K availability in soil which was more with fennel vc. Based on the above findings it can be concluded that coriander responded well to vc only on medium soil fertility.