Effect of Organic Waste and Humic Acid on Some Growth Parameters and Nutrient Concentration of Pistachio Seedlings

Abstract

Pistachio crops in Iran are grown in soil with low soil organic matter. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Izadyaran Company, Sirjan, Iran to study the effects of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), cow manure, and methods of humic acid application (soil and foliar) on growth parameters and nutrients concentration of pistachio seedlings in a complete randomized design with six replications for two years (2011–2013). Results showed that cow manure decreased the leakage percent and maximum leaf number and leaf surface area were obtained in MSWC with foliar application of humic acid and cow manure without humic acid, respectively. The highest chlorophyll b and carotenoid were observed in the second year with cow manure treatment whereas foliar application of humic acid increased total chlorophyll. Calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) decreased in the second year. At the first year Cow manure application increased phosphorus (P) and manganese (Mn) but in the second year increased magnesium (Mg) concentration. MSWC at the first year increased copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentration. Cow manure and foliar application of humic acid increased the Nitrogen (N) concentration in the first year. These results may have implications for pistachio production in arid and semi-arid soils.