Synergistic Effects of Soil Solarization/Compost/Compost Tea on Growth and Yield Attributes of Solanum Tuberosum (L.) Under Field Conditions

Abstract

In order to increase the production of irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Adamawa region of Cameroon and in particular at Dang-Ngaoundere, a trial was conducted in the field in order to evaluate the influence of solarization, compost and compost tea on growth and yield of the studied plants. The experiment was conducted on145.75 m² area, in a completely randomized design comprising 8 treatments each of which was repeated three times. The results displayed have revealed the improvement of soil physico-chemical properties by soil solarization. The compost used had a pH closed to neutrality (7.43), a low salinity and a richness in organic matter (94.16/100g DM) that were favorable to plant growth. The number of stems per tuber was more elevated in solarized soil + compost treatment (7.06 against 5.23 in average for the control). Soil solarized, amended with compost and applied with compost tea resulted in increasing plant height and early flowering. The average tubers diameter per plant, the fresh average tuber weight per plant were higher in solarized soil + compost + compost tea treatment than in other treatments. Solar sterilized units that were amended with compost and applied with compost tea (SsCpCt), as well as the non-sterilized units that were amended with compost and compost tea (CpCt), respectively yielded 2.5 and 2.7 times more tubers than the control. In view of the above, soil solarization + compost + compost tea treatment should be recommended to growers for a sustainable production of irish potato in the region.

Keywords: Soil solarization, Compost, Compost tea, Solanum tuberosum L., growth, Yield