A field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) during the years 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in completely randomizes design for preparing phosphorus enriched compost. Treatments including E1: Only Compost, E2: Compost + 400% RDP of rice through rock phosphate and E3: Compost + 600% RDP of rice through rock phosphate, were enriched for 20, 40 and 60 days. Periodical changes and tabular analysis worked out for solubility of phosphorus and total nutrient content in different interval as well as total microbial count from the enriched compost. The treatments for compost enrichment including T1: 0 days conditioned compost, T2: 0 days conditioned 400% RDP compost, T3: 0 days conditioned 600% RDP compost, T4: 20 days conditioned compost, T5: 20 days conditioned 400% RDP compost, T6: 20 days conditioned 600% RDP compost, T7: 40 days conditioned compost, T8: 40 days conditioned 400% RDP compost, T9: 40 days conditioned 600% RDP compost, T10: 60 days conditioned compost, T11: 60 days conditioned 400% RDP compost and T12: 60 days conditioned 600% RDP compost. The experiment was conducted for two consecutive years. Based on the results of two years experimentation, it can be concluded that rock phosphate enriched compost is proven to alternative with chemical phosphatic fertilizers. Enriched compost for 40-60 days with 600 % RDP through rock phosphate, enhanced water-soluble phosphorus, ensured total nutrient levels and fostered a thriving microbial environment.

Conditioning periods, Enrichment, Rock phosphate, Solubility of phosphorus, Total nutrient content and Total microbial count

The findings of two year compost enrichment experiments indicate that to achieving increased water-soluble phosphorus and total nutrient levels (nitrogen and phosphorus), compost required to enriched for 40-60 days with 600 % RDP through rock phosphate, PSB and Azotobacter. While in case of higher total potassium and maximizing microbial populations (PSB, Azotobacter and total microbial population), compost required to conditioning with 600% RDP through rock phosphate for duration of 60 days.

Sonali Chaudhari and Vallabh Zinzala (2023). The Impact of Conditioning Periods and Rock Phosphate on Phosphorus Enrichment, Total Nutrient Content and Microbial Count in Compost. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 564-573.