Productive response of Phaseolus vulgaris L. to the application of local compost and efficient microorganisms in a semi-arid zone of Ayacucho, Peru

Abstract

An alternative to improve crop yields in semi-arid regions is the use of organic fertilizers of natural origin that contribute to nutrient supply through decomposition and improve soil water storage and retention capacity. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of a homemade compost called "San Cristóbal Compound" (SCC) and efficient microorganisms (EM) on red bean yield under semi-arid conditions. The study was conducted at the Canaán Experimental Center of the National University of San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Ayacucho. A 2A×2B factorial experimental design was implemented (A: with and without SCC; B: with and without EM) under a randomized complete block arrangement with four replications. The experimental plots of 20 m² consisted of five furrows spaced 0.80 m apart. Treatments with SCC showed significantly higher yields compared to the control without application. EM also showed positive effects on yield, although to a lesser extent than SCC. The relative increase in grain yield from SCC application was 73.40%, while for crop residues it was 21.96%. EM application increased grain yield by 37.84% and crop residues by 9.91%; the combined application of SCC and EM produced the greatest increases: 109.32% in grain yield and 26.67% in crop residues. It is concluded that both SCC and EM significantly improve bean yield under semi-arid conditions; SCC being more effective, with its effect enhanced when applied in combination with EM.