Effect of different levels of municipal solid waste compost and nitrogen on some grain elements concentration of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) and some soil properties under Marvdasht conditions

This experiment was conducted in order to study the influence of different levels of municipal solid waste compost and nitrogen rate on grain quality of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) and some soil properties under Marvdasht conditions during growing season of 2008-2009. The experiment was arranged as split plots based on a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications. Main plot included five levels of nitrogen fertilizer (100، 150، 200، 250 and 300 kg N. ha-1) and sub plots included four levels of municipal solid waste compost (10، 20، 30 and 40 t. ha-1). The Results showed that the highest fresh ear and grain yield resulted from application of 200 kg N. ha-1 and 40 t. ha-1 compost. The grain quality analysis showed that nitrogen had significant effect on grain nitrogen percent and had not significant effect on grain phosphorus and nitrogen content. Also، compost had significant effect on grain nitrogen and phosphorus percent but had no significant effect on grain potassium percent. Soil analysis results showed that effect of compost on organic matter، EC and pH and interactions between nitrogen and compost were significant only on soil nitrogen، potassium and phosphorus percent. Nitrogen had no significant effect only on soil nitrogen percent. Also، the results showed that optimum amount of grain nitrogen and phosphorus percent were gained by using 40 t. ha-1 municipal solid waste compost and optimum amount of grain potassium percent was achieved by using 30 t. ha-1 municipal solid waste compost. Application of 250 kg N. ha-1 and 40 t. ha-1 municipal solid waste compost consequences to optimum amount of soil nitrogen and potassium was gained and optimum amount of soil phosphorus was gained in 150 kg N. ha-1 and 40 t. ha-1 municipal solid waste compost treatments. In general، to achieve the optimum growth of this crop in similar soils، application of 250 kg N. ha-1 and 40 t. ha-1 municipal solid waste compost treatments could be recommended.