Effects of Organic Matter from Different Sources on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Crop Yield in Boushehr Province

Organic matters have positive effects on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and its fertility as well. Because of low organic matter content in Bushehr Province soils (in southern Iran), a 5-year study was carried out in randomized block design, using 8 treatments with 7 organic matter sources: M1) control, M2) cow manure, M3) poultry manure, M4) clover as green manure, M5) Palm leaves compost, M6) sesame residues, M7) salicornia residues and M8) urban waste compost, at 2 rates with 3 replications. Clover was planted in the first year followed by onion, faba bean, spinach, and canola, respectively, in the following years. The results showed that the effects of organic matter on plants yield were significant until three years. At the end of the experiment, soil samples were taken from different treatments and their chemical and physical properties were analyzed. The results showed that, with application of organic matter to the soil, E.C and saturation percentage (S.P) increased. On the other hand, soil bulk density declined significantly. Soil organic carbon, phosphorous, organic nitrogen, and potassium did not have significant differences with the control treatment.