Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Institute of African Research and Studies - Department of Natural Resources

Trails were conducted to produce compost from the residual of the farm and using this compost for organic fertilization of squash and cowpea. This trails were conducted on El-Maadi Military Medical Compound during 2009/2010 . the results indicated that the temperature level at depth of 20 cm (Surface layer) is not only greatly influenced by temperature variations of surrounding air but also by the heat developed inside the compost. The initial mesophilic stage (up to 45 {u00B0}C) showed a short duration of 5 days. The second optimal thermophilic phase stayed. Both thermophilic phases are optimum for thermophilic microbial activities in the degradation of cellulose and lignocelluloses materials. Bulk density values for pile show gradual increases as the composting proceeds. At the initial time of composting the pH values of compost pile were ranged between 7.45 and 8.42. The high values of pH could be refer to the chicken manure and cattle manure. The initial values of EC for compost pile ranged between 2.20 and 4.66 dS/m. Addition of natural rocks such as phosphate and feldspar to compost pile enhanced the decomposition rate throughout the composting course. The values of C/N ratios showed higher reduction during the first eight weeks of composting period were observed. Concentrations of Iron at initial time of composting were 1648 mg Fe/kg dry weight .Similar results were obtained for Zn, Cu and Mn. The application of chemical and organic fertilizers resulted increase plant height, leaves number and shoot fresh weight of squash plant at different growth stages. The application of different dosses of compost with or without PGPR resulted in a remarkable increase in the branches, shoot and root dry weights at different growth stages

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