Technical and economic feasibility of using plant biomass for soil amendments fertility and control of soil parasites in maize (Zea mays) cultivation

Abstract

With the purpose of propel a more ecological agriculture, in this study, it is analyzed the technical and economic viability to substitute the traditional pattern of chemical fertilization when growing corn, with emending in the soil performed through the incorporation of organic matter coming from two vegetal species chosen previously: canvalia gladiate and Dolichos lablab. In the experiments carried out, the production of biomass in those crops had the potential to allow it by itself, the healthy development and worked against the reproduction of nematodes in the soil and grub infestation (phyllophaga sp).

The study was influenced by the drought the impacted El Salvador from July 4 to August 4 2014. This phenomenon generated results with great impact in this research dude to the plants that were treated with organic matter because they looked to be well nourished and also suffered less hydric stress because the organic matter increased the capacity of the soil to hold humidity1. As a conclusion, the results were positive because the nutrients that the biomass contributed, also it was demonstrated other beneficial functions of the added value that the chemical fertilizers are not cable to fulfill.