Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences (JEAS). Serge et al., 2024. Volume 26(3&4): xx-xx
Open Access – Research Article
Potential of Soil Solarization, Compost and Compost Tea in Yield Improvement of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Rapmo Kononer Serge 1,*, Abdou Bouba Armand 1, Kosma Phillipe 1, Ngakou Albert 2
1 Department of Agriculture, Livestock and By-Products, Higher National Polytechnic School of Maroua, University of Maroua, PO Box 46, Maroua, Cameroon
2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Abstract: Field trials were conducted at Dang (Ngaoundere-Cameroon) with the aim of evaluating the potential of solarization, compost, and compost tea on growth and yield of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants. An experiment was laid out [145.75 m² area; 26.5m× 5.5m] in a complete randomized block design, comprising eight experimental treatments, conducted in triplicate. Soil solarization improved the physicochemical properties of soil. The produced compost had a slightly acidic pH (6.63), was rich in organic matter (18.78%), and was favorable for plant growth. Soil amended with compost resulted in a higher germination rate (+61.11%), while treatment combination of soil solarization + compost application contributed to more emergence of shoots per plant (7) compared to other treatments. Soil solarized, amended with compost, and spread with compost tea resulted in increased plant height (42.13 cm) and induced early flowering (6 days before the control). The average tuber length per plant was higher for the treatment combination of compost + compost tea. Moreover, the average diameter of tubers (6.03 cm), fresh average tuber weight per plant (1.58±0.41 kg) and the yield per hectare (27.84±1.02 t/ha) were higher in solarized soil + compost + compost tea treatment as compared with the other treatments, and particularly the control (10.95±0.13 t/ha). As an outcome of this study, soil solarization + compost + compost tea treatment should be recommended to farmers of the growing areas for a healthy and sustainable production of Irish potatoes.
Keywords: Solarization, Compost, Compost tea, Solanum tuberosum L., Growth, Yield,
*Corresponding author: Rapmo Kononer Serge, email: serge.rapmo@yahoo.com