Evaluating effects of municipal waste compost and chemical fertilizer application on yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L. cv.SC704)

In order to study the influence of municipal waste compost and chemical fertilizer on yield and yield components in maize (Zea mays L.) an experiment was conducted at research farm of Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University during 2007. The experiment was arranged in split plots based on complete randomized block design with two factors and three replications. Main plot included 6 fertilizer treatments (consisting of 20 and 40 Mg.ha-1 of municipal waste compost individually and enriched with 50% chemical fertilizer, chemical fertilizers and control). Sub plots were considered as one year or two year application of that fertilizer. Results showed that different rates of organic and chemical fertilizers had significant effect on yield parameters such as harvest index, row number, grain number per row and grain number per ear. Meanwhile, one year and two year application of these fertilizers caused significant differences on grain yield, total biomass and grain number per row. Interaction effects of two factors also were significant except for total biomass. According to results, the highest grain yield was belonged to two year application of 20 Mg.ha-1 municipal waste compost enriched with 50% chemical fertilizers but not significant with two year application of all fertilizer treatments and one year application of 20 Mg.ha-1 municipal waste compost enriched with 50% chemical. Among traits, total biomass had higher correlation with grain yield. Generally, it seems that using of municipal waste compost could improve maize performance in addition to reduction of environmental pollution.