Influence of Organic Manures on Soil Characteristics and Yield of Jerusalem Artichoke

The objective of this study was to study the influence of three organic manures, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PLM), and pigeon manure (PGM), on soil physical and chemical properties on tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke in a newly reclaimed saline calcareous soil. A field experiment was conducted applying the three manures, alone and/or in different combinations. Soils were investigated at surface (0-30 cm) and subsurface (30-60 cm) layers before and after planting, and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results indicated that the application of 31.5 kg ha(-1) of PLM+10.5 kg of PGM T7 recorded highest available nitrogen, zinc, copper, and moisture content at the surface layer. The same results were obtained for iron and manganese at both layers. While, applying 21.0 kg ha(-1) FYM+21.0 kg ha(-1) PLM T10 recorded the best treatment for pH, phosphorus, zinc, copper, moisture content, and saturation percentage at the subsurface layer. Applying 21.0 kg ha(-1) PGM + 10.5 kg ha(-1) FYM+10.5 kg ha(-1) PLM T15 recorded the best treatment for organic matter content and bulk density at surface layer and reduced the electrical conductivity and inulin tuber content at both layers. On the other hand, calcium carbonate and sodium adsorption ratio were reduced in both layers by applying 21.0 kg ha(-1) PLM+10.5 kg ha(-1) FYM+10.5 kg ha(-1) PGM T14. The best treatment for tuber nitrogen content and total yield was obtained with applying 42.0 kg ha(-1) PLM T2 only and 31.5 kg ha(-1) FYM+10.5 kg ha(-1) PLM T4, respectively.