Comparative role of animal manure and vegetable waste induced compost for polluted soil restoration and maize growth

Soil amendment with two types of composts: animal manure (AC) and vegetable waste (VC) induced composts have potential to alleviate Cd toxicity to maize in contaminated soil. Therefore, Cd mobility in waste water irrigated soil can be addressed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments AC and VC that eventually reduces its translocation from polluted soil to maize plant tissues. The comparative effectiveness of AC and VC at 3% rate were evaluated on Cd solubility, its accumulation in maize tissues, translocation from root to shoot, chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM). Results revealed that the addition of organic soil amendments significantly minimized Cd mobility and leachability in soil by 58.6% and 47%, respectively in VC-amended soil over control. While, the reduction was observed by 61.7% and 57%, respectively when AC was added at 3% over control. Comparing the control soil, Cd uptake effectively reduced via plants shoots and roots by 50%, 46% respectively when VC was added in polluted soil. However, Cd uptake was decreased in maize shoot and roots by 58% and 52.4% in AC amended soil at 3% rate, respectively. Additionally, NPK contents were significantly improved in polluted soil as well as in plant tissues in both composts amended soil Comparative to control, the addition of composts significantly improved the maize dry biomass and chlorophyll contents at 3% rate. Thus, present study confirmed that the addition of animal manure derived compost (AC) at 3% rate performed well and might be consider the suitable approach relative to vegetable compost for maize growth in polluted soil.     

The Role of Uncomposted Materials,Composts, Manures,and Compost Extracts in Reducing Pest and Disease Incidence and Severity in Sustainable Temperate Agricultural and Horticultural Crop Production—A Review

This review evaluates evidence of the impactof uncomposted plant residues, composts, manures, and liquid preparations made from composts (compost extracts and teas) on pest and disease incidence and severity in agricultural and horticultural crop production. Most reports on pest control using such organic amendments relate to tropical or arid climates. The majority of recent work on the use of organic amendments for prevention and control of diseases relates to container-produced plants, particularly ornamentals. However, there is growing interest in the potential for using composts to prevent and control diseases in temperate agricultural and horticultural field crops and information concerning their use and effectiveness is slowly increasing. The impact of uncomposted plant residues, composts, manures, and compost extracts/teas on pests and diseases is discussed in relation to sustainable temperate field and protected cropping systems. The factors affecting efficacy of such organic amendments in preventing and controlling pests and disease are examined and the mechanisms through which control is achieved are described.     

Phytoremediation of subarctic soil contaminated with diesel fuel

The effects of several plant species, native to northern latitudes, and different soil amendments, on diesel fuel removal from soil were studied. Plant treatments included Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Poplar (Populus deltoides x Wettsteinii), a grass mixture (Red fescue, Fesuca rubra; Smooth meadowgrass, Poa pratensis and Perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne) and a legume mixture (White clover, Trifolium repens and Pea, Pisum sativum). Soil amendments included NPK fertiliser, a compost extract and a microbial enrichment culture. Diesel fuel disappeared more rapidly in the legume treatment than in other plant treatments. The presence of poplar and pine enhanced removal of diesel fuel, but removal under grass was similar to that with no vegetation. Soil amendments did not enhance diesel fuel removal significantly. Grass roots accumulated diesel-range compounds. This study showed that utilisation of selected plants accelerates removal of diesel fuel in soil and may serve as a viable, low-cost remedial technology for diesel-contaminated soils in subarctic regions.     

Long term effects of manure, charcoal and mineral fertilization on crop production and fertility on a highly weathered Central Amazonian upland soil

Application of organic fertilizers and charcoal increase nutrient stocks in the rooting zone of crops, reduce nutrient leaching and thus improve crop production on acid and highly weathered tropical soils. In a field trial near Manaus (Brazil) 15 different amendment combinations based on equal amounts of carbon (C) applied through chicken manure (CM), compost, charcoal, and forest litter were tested during four cropping cycles with rice (Oryza sativa L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in five replicates. CM amendments resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) cumulative crop yield (12.4 Mg ha⁻¹) over four seasons. Most importantly, surface soil pH, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were significantly enhanced by CM. A single compost application produced fourfold more grain yield (P < 0.05) than plots mineral fertilized in split applications. Charcoal significantly improved plant growth and doubled grain production if fertilized with NPK in comparison to the NPK-fertilizer without charcoal (P < 0.05). The higher yields caused a significantly greater nutrient export in charcoal-amended fields, but available nutrients did not decrease to the same extent as on just mineral fertilized plots. Exchangeable soil aluminum (Al) was further reduced if mineral fertilizer was applied with charcoal (from 4.7 to 0 mg kg⁻¹). The resilience of soil organic matter (SOM) in charcoal amended plots (8 and 4% soil C loss, mineral fertilized or not fertilized, respectively) indicates the refractory nature of charcoal in comparison to SOM losses over 20 months in CM (27%), compost amended (27%), and control plots (25% loss).     

Efficiency of different types of biochars to mitigate Cd stress and growth of sunflower (Helianthus; L.) in wastewater irrigated agricultural soil

Cadmium contamination in croplands is recognized one of the major threat, seriously affecting soil health and sustainable agriculture around the globe. Cd mobility in wastewater irrigated soils can be curtailed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments (biochars) that eventually minimizes its translocation from soil to plant. This study explored the possible effects of various types of plants straw biochar as soil amendments on cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability in wastewater degraded soil and its subsequent accumulation in sunflower tissues. The studied biochars including rice straw (RS), wheat straw (WS), acacia (AC) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) to wastewater irrigated soil containing Cd. Sunflower plant was grown as a test plant and Cd accumulation was recorded in its tissues, antioxidant enzymatic activity chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM and Soluble Cd) were also examined. Results revealed that addition of biochar significantly minimized Cd mobility in soil by 53.4%, 44%, 41% and 36% when RS, WS, AC and SB were added at 2% over control. Comparing the control soil, biochar amended soil effectively reduced Cd uptake via plants shoots by 71.7%, 60.6%, 59% and 36.6%, when RS, WS, AC and SB. Among all the biochar, rice husk induced biochar significantly reduced oxidative stress and reduced SOD, POD and CAT activity by 49%, 40.5% and 46.5% respectively over control. In addition, NPK were significantly increased among all the added biochars in soil–plant system as well as improved chlorophyll contents relative to non-bioachar amended soil. Thus, among all the amendments, rice husk and wheat straw biochar performed well and might be considered the suitable approach for sunflower growth in polluted soil.     

Effect of irrigation,plant density and fertilisers on yield and NPK uptake by groundnut

Summary Three levels of irrigation, three plant densities and three fertiliser schedules were tested in 3³ factorial confounded design with two replications in winter on sandy loam soils of Tirupati campus of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University. Pod yield did not vary due to the plant densities and the fertiliser schedules when the crop was sown in optimum time during 1980. When the sowings were delayed, as in 1979, 444000 plants per ha and 60 kg N ha⁻¹, 40 kg P ha⁻¹ and 100 kg K ha⁻¹ was optimum. Scheduling irrigation at 25 or 50% DASM (depletion of available soil moisture) was optimum for the groundnut crop. There was no difference in the uptake of NPK due to irrigations at 25 and 50% DASM in both the years. Low plant density was as effective as high plant density for efficient use of fertilisers. Uptake of NPK by the crop was relatively high at higher fertiliser levels. However, this higher uptake did not contribute to high pod yield, probably due to utilisation of absorbed nutrients for rank vegetative growth.     

The potential of soil amendment with insect exuviae and frass to control the cabbage root fly

Reliable options to control the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum L., are lacking in many countries as restrictions on insecticide use have tightened due to environmental concerns. Although microbial control agents are often considered as a sustainable alternative, their application in agriculture is constrained by inconsistent efficacy owing to low field persistence. To stimulate naturally occurring beneficial microbes, soil amendment with the residual streams of insect production has been suggested as an alternative to synthetic fertilization and a new approach to microbial crop protection. In a set of greenhouse experiments, exuviae and frass of black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens L., house crickets, Acheta domesticus L. and exuviae of mealworms, Tenebrio molitor L., were added to soil from an organically managed field. Exuviae and frass treatments were compared to treatments with synthetic fertilizer. Brussels sprouts, Brassica oleracea L., plants were grown in amended soil for 5 weeks before being infested with cabbage root fly larvae. Insect and plant performance were assessed by recording cabbage root fly survival, biomass and eclosion time and seed germination and plant biomass, respectively. Whereas soil amendment with black soldier fly frass or exuviae reduced cabbage root fly survival and biomass, respectively, amendment with house cricket or mealworm residual streams did not negatively affect root fly performance. Furthermore, seed germination was reduced in soil amended with house cricket exuviae, while amendment with either residual stream derived from black soldier fly larvae or house crickets resulted in lower plant shoot biomass compared with the synthetic fertilizer treatment. Amending soil with black soldier fly residual streams could become a novel and low-cost tool to be integrated in cabbage root fly management programmes, especially where methods currently available are insufficient. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying the effects of insect-derived soil amendments described here should be the focus of future research.     

Effect of compost,nitrogen salts,and NPK fertilizers on methane oxidation potential at different temperatures

The effects of compost, nitrogen salts, and nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) fertilizers on the methane oxidation potential (MOP) of landfill cover soil at various temperatures were assessed. For this, we used batch assays conducted at 5°C, 15°C, and 25°C with microcosms containing landfill cover soil slurries amended with these elements. Results indicated variable impacts dependent on the type of amendment and the incubation temperature. For a given incubation temperature, MOP varied from one compost to another and with the amount of compost added, except for the shrimp/peat compost. With this latter compost, independent of the amount, MOP values remained similar and were significantly higher than those obtained with other composts. Amendment with most of the tested nitrogen salts led to similar improvements in methanotrophic activity, except for urea. MOP with NPK fertilizer addition was amongst the highest in this study; the minimum value obtained with NPK (20–0–20) suggested the importance of P for methanotrophs. MOP generally increased with temperature, and nutrient limitation became less important at higher temperatures. Overall, at each of the three temperatures tested, MOP with NPK fertilizer amendments provided the best results and was comparable to those observed with the addition of the shrimp/peat compost. The results of this study provide the first evidence of the following: (1) compost addition to improve methanotrophic activity in a landfill cover soil should consider the amount and type of compost used and (2) the importance of using NPK fertilizers rather than nitrogen salts, in enhancing this activity, primarily at low temperatures. One can also consider the potential beneficial impact of adding these elements to enhance plant growth, which is an advantage for MOP.     

Tropical soils degraded by slash‐and‐burn cultivation can be recultivated when amended with ashes and compost

In many tropical regions, slash‐and‐burn agriculture is considered as a driver of deforestation; the forest is converted into agricultural land by cutting and burning the trees. However, the fields are abandoned after few years because of yield decrease and weed invasion. Consequently, new surfaces are regularly cleared from the primary forest. We propose a reclamation strategy for abandoned fields allowing and sustaining re‐cultivation. In the dry region of south‐western Madagascar, we tested, according to a split‐plot design, an alternative selective slash‐and‐burn cultivation technique coupled with compost amendment on 30–year‐old abandoned fields. Corn plants (Zea mays L.) were grown on four different types of soil amendments: no amendment (control), compost, ashes (as in traditional slash‐and‐burn cultivation), and compost + ashes additions. Furthermore, two tree cover treatments were applied: 0% tree cover (as in traditional slash‐and‐burn cultivation) and 50% tree cover (selective slash‐and‐burn). Both corn growth and soil fertility parameters were monitored during the growing season 2015 up to final harvest. The amendment compost + ashes strongly increased corn yield, which was multiplied by 4–5 in comparison with ashes or compost alone, reaching 1.5 t/ha compared to 0.25 and 0.35 t/ha for ashes and compost, respectively. On control plots, yield was negligible as expected on these degraded soils. Structural equation modeling evidenced that compost and ashes were complementary fertilizing pathways promoting soil fertility through positive effects on soil moisture, pH, organic matter, and microbial activity. Concerning the tree cover treatment, yield was reduced on shaded plots (50% tree cover) compared to sunny plots (0% tree cover) for all soil amendments, except ashes. To conclude, our results provide empirical evidence on the potential of recultivating tropical degraded soils with compost and ashes. This would help mitigating deforestation of the primary forest by increasing lifespan of agricultural lands.     

Effect of different organic manures/composts on the herbage and essential oil yield of Cymbopogon winterianus and their influence on the native AM population in a marginal alfisol

Four organic amendments: leaf compost (LC), vegetable compost (VC), poultry manure (PM) and sewage sludge (SSL) applied at four doses (40, 80, 100 and 120 tha(-1)) were evaluated for their effect on the herbage yield, essential oil content and inoculum potential (IP) of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on three varieties of Java citronella, Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (Manjusha, Mandakini, and Bio-13). PM applied at 100 t ha(-1) followed by SSL increased the herbage, essential oil content and dry matter yield significantly. Bio-13 performed better and produced the highest herbage, essential oil and dry matter yield. The type and dose of the various organic amendments also significantly influenced the indigenous AMF infectious propagules in soil. Highest number of AMF propagules were recorded in the LC amended plots in all the three varieties. Amongst the varieties, highest native mycorrhizal inoculum was recorded in the Bio-13. Least number of AM infectious propagules were recorded in the Mandakini plants grown in 40 t ha(-1) SSL.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus enhances P acquisition of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a sandy loam soil with long-term inorganic fertilization regime

The P efficiency, crop yield, and response of wheat to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus caledonium were tested in an experimental field with long-term (19 years) fertilizer management. The experiment included five fertilizer treatments: organic amendment (OA), half organic amendment plus half mineral fertilizer (1/2 OM), mineral fertilizer NPK, mineral fertilizer NK, and the control (without fertilization). AMF inoculation responsiveness (MIR) of wheat plants at acquiring P were estimated by comparing plants grown in unsterilized soil inoculated with G. caledonium and in untreated soil containing indigenous AMF. Without AMF inoculation, higher crop yields but lower colonization rates were observed in the NPK and two OA-inputted treatments, and NPK had significantly (P < 0.05) lower impacts on organic C and available P in soils and thereby P acquisition of wheat plants compared with OA and 1/2 OM. G. caledonium inoculation significantly (P < 0.05) increased colonization rates with the NPK and two P-deficient treatments but significantly (P < 0.05) increased vegetative biomass, crop yield, and P acquisition of wheat as well as soil alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, only with the NPK treatment. This gave an MIR of ca. 45% on total P acquisition of wheat plants. There were no other remarkable MIRs. It suggested that the MIR is determined by soil available P status, and rational combination of AMF with chemical NPK fertilizer can compensate for organic amendments by improving P-acquisition efficiency in arable soils.     

Manure application improves both bumblebee flower visitation and crop yield in intensive farmland

Pollinators provide vital ecosystem services across croplands, yet simultaneously they are influenced by agricultural practices. Nevertheless, only a few studies have explored the potential interactions between soil fertilisers and pollinators. The aim of the current study, which was carried out in Poland in 2015, was to investigate the effect of different fertiliser regimes on bumblebee flower visitation rate and seed yield in crops of the field bean (Vicia faba L.). Our results show that the number of bumblebee visits may be affected by the choice of crop fertiliser. We detected differences in bumblebee number between fertiliser treatments. The organic fertiliser (manure) treatment resulted in the highest bumblebee visitation, although this did not differ significantly from NP, no fertiliser and NK treatments. On the other hand, we observed lower numbers of bumblebees on field bean plots treated with N, NPK, and PK inorganic fertilisers. Manure application also boosted plant height and resulted in a high yield similar to other balanced fertilisers (NPK and PK). Therefore, manure was the only fertiliser that resulted in a high field bean yield and at the same time attracted the main pollinators of the crop. Thus, we suggest that appropriate management practices influence both plant growth and also pollination services and we show that modern agriculture can make compromise between effectiveness and nature conservation.     

Effects of crop diversification levels and fertilization regimes on abundance of Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and its parasitization by Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh) in broccoli

1 The effects of intercropping via competition on crop yields, pest [cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae (L.)] abundance, and natural enemy efficacy were studied in the Brassica oleracea L. var. italica system. 2 From May to December 2004, insect populations and yield parameters were monitored in summer and autumn in broccoli monoculture and polyculture systems with or without competition from Brassica spp. (mustard), or Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (buckwheat), with addition of organic (compost) or synthetic fertilizer. 3 Competition from buckwheat and mustard intercrops did not influence pest density on broccoli; rather, aphid pressure decreased and natural enemies of cabbage aphid were enhanced in intercropping treatments, but this varied with the intercropped plant and season (summer vs. autumn). 4 In compost‐fertilized broccoli systems, seasonal parasitization rates of B. brassicae by Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh) increased along with the expected lower aphid pressure compared with synthetically fertilized plants.     

Restoration of Highly Impacted Subalpine Campsites in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Oregon

The effects of intensive recreation impacts and restoration amendments on soil parameters were assessed at four campsites in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, northeastern Oregon. Sites (2,215‐ to 2,300‐m elevation) are characterized by shallow granitic soils, an Abies lasiocarpa/Pinus albicaulis overstory, and a Vaccinium scoparium understory. In fall 1995, plots were established at four campsites on three subalpine lakes in which soils were scarified, compost amended, and planted to native species. In summer 1998, we sampled surface soils (0–15 cm) on undisturbed sites (between and under vegetation) and unamended and compost‐amended campsite soils. Samples were analyzed for total organic C, total N, potentially mineralizable N (PMN), NH₄, soil moisture, microbial biomass, basal 5‐day respiration rates, and microbial community carbon utilization profiles. Unamended campsite soils had significantly lower levels of PMN, microbial biomass, basal respiration, and number of substrates metabolized in carbon utilization profiles. Compost addition elevated all these impacted parameters on campsite soils, although the increase in basal respiration rate was neither statistically significant nor sufficient to approach rates found underneath vegetation on undisturbed soils. Only the number of substrates metabolized in the carbon utilization profiles was significantly higher on compost‐amended soils than on undisturbed soils. Levels of PMN indicate that campsite soils may lack sufficient N for rapid plant regeneration, whereas amended and undisturbed soils contained adequate quantities of available N. This work suggests that compost amendments can ameliorate impacts to soil chemistry and microbial populations caused by camping, without exceeding the N fertility found on undisturbed soils.     

Effects of Ruta graveolens leaves on soil characteristics and on seed germination and early seedling growth of four crop species

Effects of rue (Ruta graveolens) leaves on soil characteristics and on germination and seedling growth of four crop species (radish, zucchini, cauliflower and tomato) were investigated. Soil not previously associated with rue was mulched and amended with its fresh leaves. The objectives of the present study were to determine: (i) the changes in soil chemical characteristics after addition of rue leaves, (ii) the growth responses in soils treated with R. graveolens leaves, and (iii) whether the soil chemistry changes affect plant growth. Results indicate that soil incorporated with rue leaves had higher values of water‐soluble phenolics, electrical conductivity and nitrate, and lower pH values compared to untreated soil. Seed germination of radish and tomato was suppressed in covered and amended soils compared to control soil. Seedling development for all the species was suppressed in incorporated and amended soil, compared to the rue‐free soil. Correlations between soil chemical characteristics, germination and seedling growth of plants are also discussed.     

Bottom‐up effects mediated by an organic soil amendment on the cabbage aphid pests Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae

Earthworm‐produced compost or vermicompost has been shown to increase resistance of plants to a variety of insect pests, but it is still unclear whether this resistance is dose dependent and whether the mechanisms responsible are the same for insect species with differing feeding habits and preferences. Therefore, we tested the effects of plants grown in various vermicompost concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 60%) on the preference and performance of generalist, Myzus persicae L., and specialist, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (both Hemiptera: Aphididae), aphid pests. Preference was evaluated with leaf disk (apterous) and whole plant (alate) choice assays. After 24 h of feeding, there was no significant negative effect on the feeding preference noted for apterae of either species of any of the treatments tested. To the contrary, apterae B. brassicae showed a significant preference for vermicompost treatments over control leaf disks. Alate M. persicae preferred alighting on control plants over vermicompost‐grown plants, but B. brassicae showed no preference toward any of the treatments tested. Both aphid species deposited significantly more nymphs on control plants than on those grown in 20% vermicompost. Furthermore, plants grown in soil amended with 20% vermicompost significantly suppressed mass accumulation, as well as numbers of adults and nymphs of both aphid species compared to controls. These data clearly show that vermicompost soil amendments can significantly influence pest aphid preference and performance on plants and that these effects are not dose dependent, but rather species and morph dependent.     

Mentha spicata and Salvia fruticosa composts as soil amendments in tomato cultivation

Τhe potential use of the aromatic plants Mentha spicata L. (spearmint) and Salvia fruticosa Mill. (sage) as soil amendments was evaluated. For this purpose, tomato seeds were sown in pots that had been filled with composts made from these plants and mixed with soil collected from an organically cultivated tomato field. A 2?×?2?×?4 [two types of fertilizer (synthetic and organic), two types of compost (M. spicata and S. fruticosa) and four compost rates (0%, 2%, 4% and 8%, w/w)] factorial experiment was used; the experiment was conducted twice in a growth chamber and lasted 60 days. At 0, 20, 40 and 60 days, after the establishment of the experiment, the soil bacterial and fungal abundance, the growth of nitrifying bacteria, the number of emerging weeds and the shoot length of tomato plants were measured in all treatments; at the end of the experiment, the above and belowground biomass of tomato plants was also determined. Soil microbial density increased with increasing compost rate of both species; the highest fungal and bacterial densities were recorded at 40 and 60 days, after the establishment of the experiment, respectively. Nitrifying bacteria were present in all treatments and at all sampling times. Both composts had a stimulating effect on tomato growth, which was remarkably pronounced with M. spicata. In contrast, weed emergence was reduced, but only in soils amended with M. spicata. The results suggest that M. spicata compost added at a rate of 4% to 8% is a very promising soil amendment, since it stimulates tomato growth, increases soil bacterial and fungal abundance and inhibits weed emergence. Further research is needed to elucidate the mode of action of M. spicata compost, its effect under field conditions and its possible use in mixed crop, rotational crop or cover crop systems.     

Physico-chemical properties and productivity of a Nigerian Typic-Haplustult amended with fresh and burnt rice-mill wastes

In order to arrest the declining productivity of the soils in the Abakaliki agro-ecological zone of S.E. Nigeria, four levels (12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 Mg ha-1) of fresh (FW) and burnt (BW) rice-mill wastes abundant in the area, and a mixture of the waste + NPK and NPK alone were added to the soil (Typic-Haplustult) to evaluate their immediate and residual effects on the productivity of the soil using maize (Zea mays L.) as a test crop. Results showed a significant reduction in bulk density as well as improvements in total porosity and water stable aggregates (WSA > 0.5 mm) at levels > 12.5 Mg ha-1 of the FW amendments. Although both amendments failed to improve the soil pH, significant improvements in soil C, N and BS were obtained at 37.5 Mg ha-1 and above in both amendments. The highest relative increase (TF) of 135.1% and 102.8% in C and N in the first season and 94.4% and 99.3% in the second season were obtained in the FW at 50.0 Mg ha-1. The highest maize grain yields of 2.74 and 2.66 Mg ha-1 were obtained in the waste + NPK mixtures (FW/BW + NPK) in the first season. The residual yield was highest (1.45 Mg ha-1) in the FW amendment at 50.0 Mg ha-1. The results showed that regular and properly planned applications of these wastes can sustain the productivity of soils in this region.     

Phytoremediation potentials of cowpea (Vigina unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) for hydrocarbon degradation in organic and inorganic manure-amended tropical typic paleustults

A field study on phytoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil was designed to assess the effects of organic manures (poultry droppings and cassava peels) and NPK fertilization on the potentials of cowpea (Vigina unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) to stimulate hydrocarbon degradation in soil. Cowpea and maize crops were established on the hydrocarbon contaminated soil amended with three rates (0, 4, and 8 ton/ha) of the soil amendments, and arranged in 3 x 3 x 3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design. Hydrocarbon was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in plots treated with the combined forms of the soil amendments. While the treatment combinations of 8 t/ha Poultry Droppings (PD) + 8 t/ha Cassava Peels (CP) + 4 t/ha NPK fertilizer was optimal for hydrocarbon degradation in the cowpea plots, 4 t/ha PD + 8 t/ha CP + 8 t/ha NPK fertilizer was the most preferred in the maize plot. Cowpea showed greater potential for hydrocarbon degradation at the first year. The mean values of hydrocarbon concentrations at the cowpea and maize plots indicated no significant difference at the second year. Grain yield of cowpea increased by 87% at the second year, while maize was unable to grow to maturity in the first year.     

Using yellow rocket as a trap crop for diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris (R. Br.) variety arcuata, was evaluated as a trap crop for diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), in cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. variety capitata, in 2003 and 2004. In 2003, the numbers of P. xylostella larvae found in field plots of cabbage alone were 5.2-11.3 times higher than those on cabbage plants in plots that included cabbage and several rows of yellow rocket. In an outdoor experiment in screenhouses, P. xylostella oviposition on cabbage was compared among six treatments that varied in the percentage of yellow rocket in relation to cabbage (0, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32% of the plants were yellow rocket). Results indicated that the percentage of eggs laid on cabbage decreased as the percentage of yellow rocket in the treatment increased, but this decrease was not significant beyond 20% of the plants being yellow rocket. In 2004, the numbers of P. xylostella larvae in field plots of cabbage alone were 1.6-2.4 and 1.7-2.8 times higher than numbers in treatments with 10 and 20% trap crop, respectively. Sticky trap and sweep net captures of P. xylostella adults indicated that within-field dispersal was reduced by the presence of yellow rocket and aggregation occurred around yellow rocket plants. Our study suggests that using yellow rocket as a trap crop may reduce P. xylostella infestations in cabbage fields, and this possibility is discussed in the context of general crop and insect pest management practices in crucifers.