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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (32): 46-53.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0222

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Effects of Replacing Partial Chemical Fertilizers with Agricultural and Forestry Waste Compost Leachate on Growth of Garden Seedlings and Soil Nutrients

WU Jialong1(), HUANG Yayun2, LIANG Chunmei1, RUAN Yanzhu3, XU Changchao1()   

  1. 1 Guangzhou Institute of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Guangdong/Guangzhou Collaborative Innovation Center on Science-tech of Ecology and Landscape, Guangzhou 510405
    2 Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510520
    3 Guangzhou Green Wind Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510540
  • Received:2025-03-20 Revised:2025-08-20 Online:2025-11-15 Published:2025-11-18

Abstract:

This study aims to explore the effects of compost leachate from agricultural and forestry wastes partially replacing chemical fertilizers on the growth of garden seedlings and soil nutrients, and to determine the best application ratio. The pot culture experiment was conducted with Michelia × alba and Melastoma candidum as the research objects. The treatments of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% earthworm culture leachate (ECL) and green waste compost leachate (WCL) were set up, combined with 1/2 conventional compound fertilizer application, and the plant growth indicators and soil physical and chemical properties were compared and analyzed. The results showed that 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of ECL could increase the root dry weight of Michelia × alba, and the biomass accumulation effect of Michelia × alba root was the best under 100% ECL treatment; while 100% and 75% of WCL treatment led to a significant decline in the growth of Michelia × alba and Melastoma candidum. Compared with 1/2 conventional fertilization, the contents of hydrolytic nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium in the soil after 100% WCL treatment increased by 62.0%, 28.2% and 91.8% respectively, indicating that it could effectively improve the level of available nutrients in the soil. Principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that the ECL treatment group had a positive promoting effect on the growth of Michelia × alba, while the WCL treatment group had an inhibitory effect on the growth of Melastoma candidum. The study suggests that 100% ECL can be used as a fertilizer alternative to promote the accumulation of root biomass of Michelia × alba and Melastoma candidum and improve the growth of Michelia × alba. 25%WCL has great application potential due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness.

Key words: green waste compost leachate, earthworm cultivation leachate, garden plants, Michelia×alba, Melastoma candidum, chemical fertilizer substitution, soil nutrients