Effects of Composted Municipal Solid Wastes on Phenology and Yield Characteristics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of compost application produced from municipal solid wastes on growth and yield of wheat under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. The compost was produced from mainly house-originated solid wastes, bay leaves and farmyard manure mixture in a ratio of 7.5:1.5:1.0, respectively. The treatments were: chemical fertilizer (160 kg N ha^-1 and 80 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1); 20, 40, 60 and 80 tons compost ha^-1; 80 tons animal manure ha^-1 and control without treatments. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications. According to the results of a three-year experiment, application of 20 tons of compost ha^-1 appeared to be the most suitable treatment for satisfied yield. Moreover, some positive effects of the compost application on growth parameters of wheat were observed.