Whey and compost doses as sustainable alternatives in the initial development of forage maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings

Arevalo N.A.; Chanduví-García R.G.; Merino M.C.; Calderón M.Q.; Julca M.G.; Romero H.M.; Martín Zapata C.S.; Zapata M.G.; Pizarro A.M. · Acta Agronomica (2025) · DOI: 10.15446/acag.v73n3.119643

Resumen

Food production relies heavily on conventional agriculture, which depends on agrochemicals. Similarly, the dairy industry produces whey as a residual byproduct. Both practices contribute significantly to the pollution of natural resources. This study evaluated the synergistic impact of whey and compost on the early development of forage corn, assessing their potential as an alternative input for sustainable agriculture and the circular economy. A control treatment with NPK fertilization and treatments with 3 t ha−¹ of compost were evaluated. Foliar applications were as follows: T0 (control), T1 (2.5% whey), T2 (5% whey), and T3 (10% whey). Several variables were measured at 23 and 37 days after sowing (DAS), including root length (RL), plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL), stem diameter (SD), fresh and dry shoot biomass (FSB, DSB), and fresh and dry root biomass (FRB, DRB). At 37 DAS, Brix degrees (Brix) were also measured. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and eight replicates (1 repetition = 2 seedlings). Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis was also performed. The treatments had positive effects on all evaluated variables. At 23 DAS, T3 significantly increased RL (51.44 cm), whereas T2 increased NL (4). At 37 DAS, T3 again showed the highest RL (60.23 cm), whereas T1 increased DRB (2 g) and Brix (7.5). Correlation analysis revealed positive associations among variables at 23 DAS; however, at 37 DAS, correlations became negative, likely due to a shift in the plant's vegetative development. © (2025), All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Piura