Organic fertilizer from compost barn system improves soil microbiological attributes

Abstract

The compost barn system consists of a collective livestock facility where manure is incorporated directly into the animals' bedding, generating organic fertilizer through direct composting in the housing barn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying different doses of organic fertilizer from the compost barn system on soil microbiological attributes and corn ( Zea mays L.) productivity. The study was conducted in a randomized block design ( n  = 4), evaluating organic fertilizer application rates equivalent to 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 t ha ⁻¹ in corn cultivation over two growing seasons. Total organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial quotient ( q MIC), soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient ( q CO ₂ ), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), total nitrogen, and the activities of β‐glucosidase (βG) and arylsulfatase (AR) enzymes were evaluated. Additionally, corn grain yield (GY) was determined. Doses were compared with the control using Dunnett's test ( p  ≤ 0.05), followed by the application of regression models and multivariate analysis. Dunnett's test revealed a significant difference for the application doses when compared to the control, with the highest values of MBN, MBC, q MIC, βG, and AR found with the application of 30 t ha ^{− 1} . Variables such as MBC ( β  = 2.65), q MIC ( β  = 2.31), and MBN ( β  = 0.81) showed a positive association with yield, while the q CO ₂ ( β  = −0.21) showed a negative association with yield. It is concluded that the application of organic fertilizer from the compost barn system positively modifies soil microbiological attributes and affects corn GY.