Effect of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) on the productivity and heavy metal concentration of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Six rates and a control of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Mg/ha) were used to evaluate the effect of municipal compost on cowpea growth parameters (Plant height, leaf area, biomass and grain yields and tissue heavy metal concentrations). Plant height, leaf area and heavy metal concentration increased linearly with MSWC rates up to 5 Mg/ha while plant biomass and grain yield plateaued at 6 Mg/ha. Tissue heavy metal concentrations were within human safety limits. Its use for agriculture may therefore not constitute serious health hazard. Utilization of municipal solid waste compost as a low input technology for sustained cowpea production is recommended for Ultisols in Southeastern Nigeria.

International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 7(2) 2006: 20-25