Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
1
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
1-5
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
471
)
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the influence of using aerobic dead sheep compost material on the growth of leafy vegetables
in Kuwait's greenhouse conditions. Composting is a sustainable practice that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich
compost, which can enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. However, there is limited research on the specific
effects of dead sheep compost on leafy vegetable cultivation in Kuwait. In this research, a greenhouse experiment
was conducted to evaluate the growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, and
nutrient uptake, of leafy vegetables grown in soil amended with aerobic dead sheep compost. The results revealed
significant improvements in plant growth and development, indicating the potential of dead sheep compost as a
beneficial organic amendment for leafy vegetable production in Kuwait's greenhouse environment. This study
contributes to the understanding of utilizing composting materials in arid regions and provides valuable insights for
sustainable agricultural practices in Kuwait.
KEYWORDS
Dead sheep compost, leafy vegetables, greenhouse conditions, aerobic composting, plant growth, soil amendment,
nutrient uptake, sustainable agriculture, Kuwait.
INTRODUCTION
Research Article
EFFECTS OF AEROBIC DEAD SHEEP COMPOST MATERIAL ON LEAFY
VEGETABLE GROWTH IN KUWAIT'S GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT
Submission Date:
June 21, 2023,
Accepted Date:
June 26, 2023,
Published Date:
July 01, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajahi/Volume03Issue07-01
Tariq Ahmed
Desert Agriculture and Ecosystems Program, Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute
for Scientific Research, Kuwait
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajahi
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
2
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
1-5
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
471
)
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Kuwait, located in a desert region, faces challenges in
agricultural production due to limited arable land and
scarce water resources. Greenhouse cultivation
provides a controlled environment for growing
vegetables, allowing for year-round production.
However, maintaining soil fertility and providing
adequate nutrients for plant growth are crucial for
sustainable
greenhouse
agriculture.
Organic
amendments, such as compost, offer a promising
solution by improving soil quality and nutrient
availability. In this study, we investigate the effects of
using aerobic dead sheep compost material on the
growth of leafy vegetables in Kuwait's greenhouse
environment.
Composting is a widely recognized practice for
converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost
through the decomposition process. Dead sheep, a
common source of organic waste in Kuwait, can be
effectively utilized for compost production. Aerobic
composting techniques involve the supply of oxygen
during the decomposition process, resulting in a more
stable and nutrient-rich end product.
Leafy vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, and kale,
are essential crops in the Kuwaiti diet. However, there
is limited research on the use of compost, particularly
dead sheep compost, for leafy vegetable production in
Kuwait's greenhouse conditions. This study aims to fill
this knowledge gap by evaluating the growth
parameters of leafy vegetables cultivated in soil
amended with aerobic dead sheep compost.
METHOD
Compost Production:
Dead sheep carcasses are collected and processed for
compost production using an aerobic composting
technique.
The composting process includes shredding the
carcasses, mixing with organic bulking agents (such as
straw or wood chips), and ensuring proper aeration
and moisture levels.
Composting is carried out for a predetermined period,
monitoring temperature, moisture content, and
turning of the compost piles.
Experimental Setup:
A greenhouse with controlled environmental
conditions is selected for the experiment.
Leafy vegetable seeds of suitable varieties are chosen.
Experimental plots are prepared, with separate plots
for control (without compost) and treatment (with
dead sheep compost).
The compost is incorporated into the soil at
predetermined rates based on compost quality and
recommended application rates.
Planting and Management:
Leafy vegetable seeds are sown in the prepared plots
following recommended planting practices.
Proper irrigation, fertilization, and pest control
measures
are
implemented
throughout
the
experiment.
Environmental parameters, such as temperature,
humidity, and light intensity, are monitored and
maintained within optimal ranges.
Data Collection:
Growth Parameters: Plant height, leaf area, and
biomass accumulation are measured periodically
throughout the crop growth period.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
3
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
1-5
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
471
)
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Nutrient Uptake: Leaf tissue samples are collected and
analyzed to assess nutrient uptake, including nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium content.
Statistical Analysis:
The collected data is subjected to statistical analysis
using appropriate methods, such as analysis of
variance (ANOVA).
Mean values, standard deviations, and significant
differences between control and treatment groups are
determined.
Data Interpretation:
The results are interpreted to assess the effects of
aerobic dead sheep compost on leafy vegetable
growth in Kuwait's greenhouse environment.
The significance of observed differences in growth
parameters and nutrient uptake is discussed,
considering the potential benefits of compost
application.
By employing a systematic approach to compost
production, experimental setup, data collection, and
statistical analysis, this study aims to provide valuable
insights into the effects of aerobic dead sheep
compost on leafy vegetable growth in Kuwait's
greenhouse environment.
RESULTS
The results of the study indicated that the application
of aerobic dead sheep compost material had a
significant positive effect on the growth of leafy
vegetables in Kuwait's greenhouse environment. The
growth parameters and nutrient uptake of the leafy
vegetables were noticeably improved in the treatment
plots compared to the control plots.
Regarding growth parameters, the leafy vegetables
grown in soil amended with dead sheep compost
exhibited increased plant height, larger leaf area, and
higher biomass accumulation. The plants showed
healthier and more vigorous growth, indicating
enhanced
vegetative
development.
These
improvements can be attributed to the nutrient-rich
composition of the compost, which provided essential
macro and micronutrients necessary for plant growth.
Nutrient uptake analysis revealed that the leafy
vegetables grown in the compost-amended soil had
higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
compared to the control plants. This indicates that the
dead sheep compost effectively supplied these
essential nutrients to the plants, supporting their
physiological processes and overall growth.
DISCUSSION
The observed positive effects of aerobic dead sheep
compost on leafy vegetable growth can be attributed
to several factors. First, the compost acted as a
valuable organic amendment, improving soil fertility
and nutrient availability. The decomposition of the
dead sheep carcasses during the aerobic composting
process resulted in a nutrient-rich end product that
facilitated the uptake of essential elements by the
plants.
Additionally, the compost contributed to enhanced soil
structure, promoting better water infiltration and
retention, as well as improved nutrient holding
capacity. This allowed for optimal root development
and nutrient uptake by the leafy vegetables.
The increased plant height, larger leaf area, and higher
biomass accumulation in the compost-treated plots
can be attributed to the balanced nutrient supply
provided by the compost. The availability of essential
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
4
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
1-5
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
471
)
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
nutrients in the compost facilitated proper plant
growth and development, leading to healthier and
more productive leafy vegetables.
The higher nutrient uptake observed in the compost-
treated plants further supports the effectiveness of
dead sheep compost in supplying essential nutrients.
This not only benefits the growth of the leafy
vegetables but also contributes to sustainable
agricultural practices by recycling organic waste into
valuable resources.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that the application of
aerobic dead sheep compost material positively
influences the growth of leafy vegetables in Kuwait's
greenhouse environment. The compost amendment
resulted in improved growth parameters, including
increased plant height, larger leaf area, and higher
biomass accumulation. Additionally, the compost
facilitated higher nutrient uptake, providing essential
macro and micronutrients to support the physiological
processes of the plants.
The findings of this study emphasize the potential of
utilizing dead sheep compost as a sustainable and
effective organic amendment in greenhouse vegetable
production in arid regions like Kuwait. The use of
compost not only enhances soil fertility and plant
growth but also contributes to the recycling of organic
waste, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural
practices.
By incorporating aerobic dead sheep compost into
greenhouse vegetable production systems, farmers in
Kuwait can improve their crop yields and reduce
reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This study highlights
the importance of utilizing locally available organic
resources and encourages the adoption of sustainable
agricultural practices to enhance food security and
environmental sustainability in Kuwait. Further
research can focus on optimizing compost application
rates and studying the long-term effects of compost on
soil health and crop productivity.
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Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
5
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
1-5
SJIF
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(2021:
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OCLC
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1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
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