Influence of Aspergillus niger Phospho-compost on Growth, Dry Matter Yield and P Uptake of Maize

Abstract

Aims: Soils in Ghana's coastal savanna are typically poor in phosphorus (P), which has an impact on crop growth and productivity. The majority of West African phosphate rock formations are not reactive; therefore, their direct applications do not facilitate easy P availability to crops. Co-composting organic waste with phosphate rock and using phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms is the new paradigm adopted by scientists in response to the lack of P availability (PSMs). The goals of this study were to (1) assess the effect of Aspergillus niger in P dissolution in phosphate rock during composting with citrus waste (CW) and rice straw (RS) and (2) to evaluate the effect of phosphor-compost on growth, dry matter yield and P uptake of maize. Methodology: Preparation of compost took place at University of Ghana Forest and Horticulture Research Center, Okumaning Camp close to Kade. Citrus waste and rice straw were used as feed stock. Each composting pile contained a mixture of urea, Togo phosphate rock, and feedstock in a 1:3:24 weight-to-weight ratio. Results: According to the findings, citrus waste feedstock was superior to rice straw in dissolving the P in rock phosphate. In a pot experiment, the phospho-composts were assessed using maize (Zea mays) as the test crop.