Evaluation of the Phytotoxicity of Cotton Microdust Compost Based on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

Abstract

This paper focuses on the experiment, to evaluate the phytotoxicity of five different composts obtained, by mixing inhalable cotton micro-dust, sugar cane bagasse and saw-dust in 1:1:1, 2:1:1, 3:1:1, 4:1:1 and 5:1:1 ratios and composted for 45days. An experiment was carried out, to evaluate the affected of seed germination and seedling growth of Trigonella foenum, Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna radiate, by aqueous extracts of compost. After incubation, germinated seeds were numbered (G) and root growth (L) was measured. Germination index (GI) was calculated: (GI) = G / G0 x L / L0 x100, and values obtained using distilled water (control). Higher germination index, average root and shoot length was observed in compost Trail 3, prepared from substrate mixing in ratio of 3:1:1. Germination Index % of all trails were above 64 % and Trail 3 exhibited the highest GI% in 126 for Trigonella foenum seedling, 137 for Phaseolus vulgaris seedling and 101 for Vigna radiate seedling hence, were selected as best compost.