Colombia : Composting with flower waste would allow obtaining better sunflower crops

Published 2023년 6월 23일

Tridge summary

Researchers from the National University of Colombia have discovered a way to improve soil performance for sunflower floriculture in Cundinamarca by using compost made from the residues of carnations and sunflowers. After three cultivation cycles, the soil showed a decrease in apparent density, increased porosity, and a better cationic exchange, which enhances plant root interaction with the soil and nutrients. The optimal compost concentration was found to be 160 kg per hectare, applied in each cycle. The research also hints that using a combination of carnation and sunflower residues results in the best compost properties, raising questions about other potential additives that could further boost performance.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

After three cycles of 11 weeks, the natural period of sunflower cultivation, it was evidenced that the apparent density decreased, that is, that the soils had a greater capacity to absorb the fertilizer and its benefits. Ximena González Vidal. In the department of Cundinamarca, the sunflower is the protagonist of floriculture in this region, where it has a great economic projection; For this reason, researchers from the National University of Colombia UNAL undertook the task of finding a way for the soils to offer the best possible performance and found a viable and useful alternative in the residues of this industry. From stem, flower and root residues left over from the production of carnations (Dianthus spp.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus), they made a compost and applied it to the soil in the sunflower crops. According to Eliana Carolina Cruz Muñoz, an agronomist who is a member of the research project, the application of this fertilizer was given in different doses to ...

Source: Redagricola