Résumé:
In Algeria, most agricultural lands are characterized by sandy soils with low organic matter content, which considerably limits their productive potential. This limitation is particularly evident in the Mostaganem region. The incorporation of organic matter, especially compost derived from urban waste (market, fruit, and vegetable residues), represents an effective strategy to enhance soil fertility by improving its physical and chemical properties.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two forms of compost, solid and liquid, on soil characteristics and zucchini performance. The experimental design included three doses of solid compost (10kg, 20kg, and 30kg), and three treatments of liquid compost: diluted in 9 L of water (first dose), and applied at 2/3 and 1/3 proportions (second and third doses, respectively). An untreated control was used for comparison. Soil parameters assessed included pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, and soil moisture. In addition, plant morphological traits (leaf area, number of leaves and stems, number of flowers, fruit size and weight) and yield were measured.
The results showed that the highest solid compost dose (30kg) produced the greatest improvement in soil fertility and a significant increase in zucchini yield. For liquid compost, the second dose (2/3 dilution) gave the most favorable results. These effects are attributed to a balanced supply of essential nutrients (N, P, K) and the enhancement of soil properties such as pH regulation, electrical conductivity, organic matter enrichment, and soil moisture retention. The addition of organic matter improved soil structure, porosity, and water-holding capacity, while the nutrient supply promoted vegetative growth and fruit production.
Overall, the use of compost, in both solid and liquid forms, proved to be an efficient strategy for enhancing crop productivity and maintaining soil quality, offering sustainable solutions for agricultural management.
