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Comparison of PROM and Chemical fertilizer on
the fodder Quality of Alfalfa
BY
MUHAMMAD USMAN
BAGF14E256
Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences
University College of Agriculture
UNIVERSITY OF SARGODHA
SARGODHA, PAKISTAN

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Abstract
The study entitled,” Comparisonof PROMand Chemical fertilizeronthe fodder Qualityof Alfalfa”is
carried out at research area of College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha with the following
specific objectives; Study the Effects of available phosphorous through PROM and chemical
fertilizer on growth and fodder quality of alfalfa in calcareous soils.
Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) is a green chemistry phosphate fertilizer,a value-added
product produced by co-compositing various organic wastes with high grade rock phosphate in
fine size.A variety of organic materials such as dung, crop wastes, press mud from sugar industry,
solid wastes from fruit juice industry, oil cakes, waste from wool industry etc., can be used in the
process of composting. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation has now approved the use of
PROM and included it under Fertilizer Control Order (FCO).
1. Introduction:
Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) originated in south-central Asia, and fist time cultivated or grow in
Ancient Iran. (J. M. Westgate,2013) Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant in the pea family
Fabaceae and known as ‘Queen of Forages’ in the world! It is use for grazing, hay, silage as
well as green manure and cover crop. (Dasanna,2016)
Growers likes Alfalfa for its high yield, wide adaptation, disease resistance, and excellent
feeding quality. Alfalfa makes a greater contribution to world food production.
Alfalfa crop is major forage legume grown in approximately 45 million hectares worldwide.
(Muhammad Salman Naeem,2017) Alfalfa growing pH range is 6.3-7.5 and retention of
moisture in field plays a critical role in stand establishment. (Martin Guerena,2003)
Alfalfa is also important due to its high biomass production. The record yield of alfalfa without
irrigation is 10 tons/acre and with irrigation is 24 tons/acre. (A.A. Hanson,2017) Alfalfa is
important source for biological fixation of nitrogen. The average range of biological fixation

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through legume as high as 200 kg/ha per year, thus reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer.
(F.M. Rouquette Jr.,2010)
Alfalfa is highly beneficial for soil health and cropping systems by some ways:
1. Alfalfa reduce the erosion
2. Improving soil Tilth
3. Nitrogen Fixation
4. Reduce energy needs for food production
Pakistan land area is present in arid and Sami-arid region means mostly calcareous soils are
present that have high pH value(>7pH). These soils are identified by the presence of more than
15% minerals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the parent material and accumulation of lime.
(A.B. Leytem 2005).
These soils are usually pH 7 or may be high up to 8.5, when these soils contain sodium
carbonate (NaCO3), the pH may exceed 9. Calcareous soils are extremely productive for
Agriculture use, when their management properly performance. (A.B. Leytem 2005)
Limited availability of P is the major limiting factor for plant growth. (Khalid Al-Rohily 2013)
When P fertilizer is added to calcareous soils, a series of fixation reactions occur that gradually
decrease its solubility and eventually its availability to plant. (A.B. Leytem 2005)
As fertilizer P reacts in calcareous soils, it is converted to less soluble compounds such as di-
calcium phosphate dihydrate or octa-calcium phosphate. (A.B. Leytem 2005)
Bradly (1974) mentioned that the most important functions of phosphorous include its
favorable effect on the following aspects:
• Flowering and fruiting including seed formation.
• Crop maturation.

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• Root development, particularly of the lateral and fibrous roots.
• Strengthens straw in cereal crops thus helping to prevent lodging.
• Crop quality especially of forage and vegetable crops.
• Resistance to certain diseases.
In natural conditions, that soils are generally not suitable for the production of food, as rapid
nutrient depletion, declining agricultural productivity and anthropogenic climate change are
threatening the sustainability of agricultural production of these regions (Brady and Weil,
2012). In recent years, shrinking land area per capita and declining soil quality have led to
steady increases in fertilizer use. However, the application of inorganic fertilizer alone is not a
sustainable solution for improving soil fertility and maintaining yields. It has now been widely
realized that application of organic amendment (compost) supplemented with inorganic
fertilizer, especially phosphorus, could be useful management approach for these soils (Iqbal
et al., 2012; Shahzad et al., 2014).
Phosphorus enriched compost (PEC) is more affected than the chemical P fertilizer as the
organically bound P is less susceptible to sorption and precipitation due to its lower water
soluble P concentration and stimulation of microbial activity by the addition of C (Malik et
al.,2012). Some recent studies have shown the importance of compost on the soil plant systems
(Nayak et al., 2007; Weber et al., 2014). These reports suggest positive effects on soil quality
by improving soil properties and activities of indigenous microflora. These effects could also
be related to the soil enzyme activities which are key determinants of soil fertility and plant
nutrition (Caravaca et al., 2005).
Objective:
1. Study the Effects of PROM and chemical fertilizer on growth and fodder quality of
alfalfa in arid and sami-arid region.

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2. Study the effect of treatment on some chemical composition of plant.
3. Study of effect of the treatment on some physical and chemical properties of the soil.
2. Literature Review:
A.B. Leytem et al., (2005.) Calcareous soils (containing free lime) are common in many arid
and semi-arid region of world and occur as inclusions in more humid regions. Phosphorus (P)
is highly reactive with lime. Phosphorus fertilizer application, P undergoes a series of reactions
that gradually reduce its solubility and availability. In most calcareous soils, there does not
obtain strong agronomic advantage of any particular P source when managed properly. Organic
matter can increase the solubility of P sources and inhibit the fixation reactions to some extent.
Martin Guerena et al., (2003) Demands for organic dairy feed are increases due to
passage of time. Cows producing organic milk due to feeding of organic hay. In This
publication discusses on the basic cultural requirements, insect pest management, diseases of
alfalfa that include root and crown diseases and foliar diseases, nematodes, vertebrate pests,
weed controls, and economics and marketing etc. A variety of organic methods to limit losses
associated with pests are available.

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Dhruti Vyas et. Al., (2017) Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) is a green
chemistry phosphate fertilizer, a value-added product produced by co-compositing various
organic wastes with high grade rock phosphate in fine size. Three to four metric tonnes of FYM
along with 200 kg of rock phosphate (or more depending on soil requirement) is recommended
per hectare. While composting these organic materials, it should be ensured that C:N ratio is at
30:1 and the best will be at 20:1 at the end of composting process. It is equally effective both
in acidic as well as alkaline soils. Elaborate field trials have demonstrated that PROM performs
comparably as (often better than) synthetic fertilizers such as SSP, DAP or MAP with respect
to the crop yield. These results ably demonstrate that PROM is a promising substitute to
synthetic phosphatic fertilizers and Acts as alternative to DAP and makes soil soft and enriched
with nutrients for long time
Bryan Hopkins et al., (2005) Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient required by plants
for normal growth and development of their parts. The availability of P to plants for uptake
and utilization is inhibit in alkaline and calcareous soil due to the formation of poorly soluble
calcium phosphate minerals. Addition of P fertilizer in calcareous soil may not result in
optimum yield and crop quality these soils common in arid and semi-arid regions. Several
fertilizer P management strategies have been found to improve P nutrition for plants
development in alkaline and calcareous soil. Application of organically complexed P in the
form of biosolids or as a mixture of liquid P and humic substances can also enhance P nutrition
and result in yield increases and development.
Khalid Al-Rohily et al., (2013) Phosphorus (P) availability in calcareous soils is limited.
After P fertilizer is added to a calcareous soil, P undergoes a series of chemical reactions with
Calcium that decrease its solubility and availability with time (a process referred to as P
fixation). Addition of organic manure (Cattle manure and PROM) not only provides additional

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sources of nutrients but improves the soil physical and chemical structure and may increase the
efficiency of added P fertilizer.
M. B. SEN GUPTA et al., (1962) In a fractionation study with calcareous soils varying
widely in carbonate content, it was observed that the amount of the different inorganic
phosphate fractions expressed in the order ' inert ' phosphate, apatite’s, nomapatitic calcium
phosphates, aluminium-bound phosphate, iron-bound phosphate, ' easily-replaceable '
phosphate. The aluminium-bound phosphate known as percentage of total soil phosphorus was
significantly correlated with CaCO3 %. The other proportion of phosphate were not
significantly correlated with soil CaCO3, content such as non-apatitic calcium phosphate and
the aluminium and iron-bound phosphates accounted for a smaller proportion of total soil
phosphorus in calcareous soils, than values given in literature for non-calcareous soils.
D.H.Smith et al.(1914).Alfalfa is Colorado’s highest valuable forage crop, averaging
about 3 million tons from 800,000 acre. Alfalfa has highest nutrition valve. Alfalfa is well
adapted in word to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. It cultivates on deep, well
drained loam soils because poor drainage promotes root and crown diseases, inhibits nitrogen
fixation, and reduces winter survival. A soil wide range of pH between 6.5 and 8.0 is
satisfactory for optimum forage production. It is relatively drought tolerant. Their for, forage
production in any given season is directly proportional to the amount of water consumed by
the crop.
Robert Mikkelson. (2004). Maintenance of adequate amount of essential nutrients for
production of high-yield and high-quality alfalfa. Alfalfa production removes large amount of
nutrients from soil. Phosphorus has essential biochemical role in alfalfa, both yield and quality
are reduced when this nutrient is deficient and Nitrogen fixation is also suppressed when
phosphorus supplies is limited.

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Mick Canevari. (2007). Weeds are serious problem for alfalfa because of weeds are
required same nutrients that are impact on yield and quality of alfalfa such as water, nutrients,
light, and space. Weeds affect alfalfa during two distinct periods: stand establishment and in
establishment field. For example, in one study protein content was as low as 9 percent in hay
that contained 80 percent weeds.
Kuldeep Singh et al., (2015) The results of the study show that the application of
phosphorus upto 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded significantly higher number of pods per plant,
number of seeds per pod, number of total and effective root nodules, test weight, seed, straw
yield and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in seed and straw and their uptake as
compared to absolute control and 20 kg P2O5 ha-1. Application of different sources of
phosphorus led to significant effect on seed yield. PROM (Phosphorus Rich Organic Manure)
was significantly superior in increasing the seed yield by 17.74 and 12.21 per cent, respectively,
as compared to DAP and SSP. However, both DAP and SSP being at par with each other.
Application of phosphorus at 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1significantly increased the seed yield by
22.95 and 30.04 per cent, respectively as compared to 20 kg P2O5 ha-1. However, both 40 and
60 kg P2O5 ha-1 were at par with each other in increasing seed yield. The highest net return (Rs.
14865) was obtained with application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 over absolute control and 20 kg
P2O5 ha-1 and phosphorus fertilization with PROM fetched the highest net return (Rs. 14736
ha-1) which was significantly higher over DAP and SSP.
Aechra Sushila et al., (2017) A pot experiment conducted at S.K.N.College of Agriculture,
Jobner during kharif season in 2015 using cowpea as a test crop to investigate the effect of
phosphorus management in cowpea grown on saline soils. Three levels of saline soils (EC 1,
4.0 and 6.0 dS/m), phosphorus sources (SSP, DAP and PROM), and biofertilizers (control,
PSB and PSB + VAM), were tested in completely randomized design with three replications.
The results indicated that application of soil salinity having EC 1dS/m and PROM recorded the

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maximum and significantly higher total and effective nodules, nodule index, number of pods
per plant, number of seeds per pod, grain yield, straw yield and root mass of cowpea over rest
of the treatments. However, application the test weight and harvest index unchanged under
different treatment levels of experiment.
Ray von Wandruszka. (2006) A survey explain the relationship between phosphorus (P)
species and the components of calcareous soils shows that both surface reactions and
precipitation take place, especially in the presence of calcite and limestone. The products
both reactions are dicalcium phosphate and octacalcium phosphate. In the presence of iron
oxide particles, occlusion of P frequently occurs in these bodies spicily in the forms of the
element that are pedogenic in origin. Progressive both mineralization and immobilization,
often biological in nature, are generally observed when P is added as a fertilizer.
3-Material and methods:
Site selection and sowing of linseed crop:
Pre-Sowing analysis:
The soil samples were air dried, ground, well mixed and passed through 2 mm sieve and
analyzed for the physical and chemical characteristics:
 Soil texture
 pH of saturated soil paste
 Electrical conductivity
 Sodium
 Organic matter
 Extractable potassium
 Available phosphorus
1- Saturated Soil paste formation:
Apparatus:
 Container of 250 - ml capacity or beaker.
 Spatula.
 Distilled water.

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Procedure:
Saturated soil paste was prepared by adding distilled water to the soil sample while
stirring continuously with spatula. The soil water mixture was consolidated from time to time
during stirring process by tapping the container on a workbench. The properties that indicated
the preparation of paste were,
 Glistens as it reflect light.
 Flow slightly when beaker is tipped.
 Slides freely and clean the spatula for all soils except those with high clay content.
 Free water should not stand on the surface.
 Paste should not lose its glistening appearance on standing.
After preparation the sample were kept for an hour and then criteria was rechecked.
2-Soil water extracts:
Apparatus:
 Richards or Buechner funnels.
 Filter rack or flask.
 Filter paper.
 Vacuum pump.
 Extract containers such as tubes, bottles.
Procedure:
Saturated soil paste was transferred to the filter funnel with a filter paper in place and vacuum
was applied. Extract was collected in bottles or test tube. (If the initial filtrate is turbid, it can
be re-filtered through the soil or discarded). Vacuum extraction was completed when air begun
to pass through the filter. For carbonate and bicarbonate determinations, a solution containing
1,000 p. p. m. of sodium hexametaphosphate was added at the rate of one drop per 25 ml. of
extract before stoppering or storing.
3- pH determination:
Apparatus:
 pH meter with glass electrode.
 Wash bottle.
Procedure:
Saturated soil paste was prepared with distilled water and allowed to stand for at least one hour.
The electrode was inserted in the paste and pH was recorded. Similarly the pH of water,
solutions and soil extracts was recorded by inserting the electrode in the respective liquid.

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4- Electrical Conductivity:
Apparatus:
 EC meter
 Conductivity cell
Reagents:
 Potassium chloride solution,0.01 N.
Procedure:
EC meter was standardized with KCl solution of 0.01 N having known conductivity EC 25.After
this the cell was rinsed with the solution to be measured and the sample was transferred in
conductivity cell to note reading through EC meter. (If only small amount of sample is available
then rinse the tube with acetone and ventilated as it is dry). The resistance of the cell and
temperature of solution was recorded at which bridge was balanced. Cell constant was
calculated by method.
K = [ 1.4118 (standard reading)/ EC of 0.01 N KCl solution][observed ECe]
(Cell constant (K) can be changed if platinization is failed, but it can be determined by the
geometry of the cell and is independent to temperature. Keep the cell filled with water when
not in use).
5- Calcium + Magnesium by titration with Ethylene diamine tetra
acetate.
Reagents:
 Ammonium Chloride- ammonium hydroxide buffer solution.
 Sodium hydroxide, approximately 4 N.
 Standard Calcium chloride solution, o.o1 N.
 Eriochrome Black T indicator.
 Ammonium purpurate indicator.
 Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (versenate ) solution.
Procedure:
The substantial quantity of ammonium acetate and dispersed organic matter present was
removed from soil extract before titration with versenate solution. 5 - 25 ml. aliquot was
transfered in 25 ml. Erlenmeyer flask. It was diluted to a volume approximately 25 ml. 10 drops
of reagent A and 3 – 4 drops of reagents D were added, than titrated with F, using 10 – ml.
microburet. The color change was from wine red to blue or green.

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6- Organic matter:
Apparatus:
 Erlenmeyer flasks, 500 – ml.
 Thermometer, 200 ˚C.
Reagents:
 Potassium dichromate, 1 N.
 Sulfuric acid concentration containing silver sulfate.
 Ferroin indicator (ortho-phenolphthaline ferrous sulphate, 0.025 M)
 Ferrous sulfate, 0.5 N.
Procedure:
One gram of sample was transferred in Erlenmeyer flask. 10 ml of reagent A followed by 20
ml of reagent B was added in it. Thermometer was inserted in flask after spinning it. Sample
was heated gently upto 150 ̊C temperature. To protect overheating, flask was kept in motion,
which resulted in error caused by thermal decomposition of dichromate. When 150 ̊C
temperatures was attained, the flask was allowed to cool down. 200 ml. of distilled water and
4 or 5 drops of reagent C were added in it, then titrated with D until the color changes from
green to red.
7- Sodium by flame photometer:
Apparatus:
 Perkin – Elmer model 52 flame photometer with acetylene or propane burner.
Reagents:
 Ammonium acetate, approximately 1 N.
 Sodium chloride, 0.04 N.
 Sodium chloride, 0.04 N in 1 N ammonium acetate.
 Lithium chloride, 0.05 N.
Procedure:
An aliquot of solution to be analyzed, (containing less than 0.2 meq. of sodium) was transferred
into 50 ml. volumetric flask. Reagent D was added in it up to the amount that when diluted to
the volume of 50 ml., gave concentration of lithium chloride exactly equal to that in the
standard sodium chloride solutions. Then it was diluted upto volume with water or with reagent
A, if ammonium acetate extracts were being analyzed. The solution was mixed and the sodium
concentration was determined by using flame photometer and calibration curve.

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8- Potassium by flame photometer:
Apparatus:
 Perkin – Elmer model 52 flame photometer with acetylene or propane burner.
Reagents:
 Ammonium acetate, approximately 1 N.
 Potassium chloride, 0.02 N.
 Potassium chloride, 0.02 N in 1 N ammonium acetate.
 Lithium chloride, 0.05 N.
Procedure:
An aliquot of solution to be analyzed, (containing less than 0.1 meq. of potassium), was
transferred into 50 ml. volumetric flask. Reagent D was added in it up to the amount that when
diluted to the volume of 50 ml., gave a concentration of lithium chloride exactly equal to that
in the standard potassium chloride solutions. It was diluted upto volume with water or with
reagent A, if ammonium acetate extracts were being analyzed. The potassium concentration
was determined after mixing by using flame photometer and calibration curve.
9- Olsen or available p:
Apparatus:
 Erlenmeyer flask.
 mechanical shaker.
 Whatman No. 42 filter paper.
 spectrophotometer
Reagents:
 0.5 M NaHCO3 solution.
 Color developing reagent (ammonium hepta molybdate + potassium antimony tartarate
dissolved in 5 N H2SO4 + L Ascorbic acid)
Procedure:
5g of air dried soil was weighted into 250 ml. Erlenmeyer flask and 100 ml of 0.5 M NaHCO3
solution was added whose pH was adjusted at 8.5. The flask was shaken for half an hour on
mechanical shaker at 180 rpm (revolution per minutes). A blank sample was also run along
with other which had all the reagents without soil. The solutions were filtered with Whatman
No. 42 filter paper. 5 ml. of this filtrate was taken into 50 ml. volumetric flask. 5 ml. color
developing reagent was added in it and volume was made upto the mark. The samples were
allowed to stand for 15 minutes. After this, reading was recorded on Apel PD-303 S
spectrophotometer at 880 nm wave length.

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Growth parameters:
 Total biomass:
Data regarding total biomass of the plants was recorded after harvesting the crop at
maturity.
 Grain yield (t ha-1
):
Seed were separated from the straw and grain yield was recorded.
 Straw yield (t ha-1):
Straw yield was noted by weighing the straw after separation of seeds.
 Number of tillers per m2
:
Number of tillers were counted and recorded.
 Plant height (cm):
The height of the plant was recorded from the surface of the soil to the tip of the plant.
 Number of seeds per pod:
Number of seeds per pod are counted and recorded separately.
 1000 grain weight (g):
1000 seeds are counted and weighed on the balance.
Statistical analysis:
All the collected data was subjected to statistical analyzes using statistics 8.1 program. The
difference among means was detected by least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% level of
probability.
Experiment layout :
T1R1 T2R1 T3R1 T4R1 T5R1
T1R2 T2R2 T3R2 T4R2 T5R2
T1R3 T2R3 T3R3 T4R3 T5R3
T1R4 T2R4 T3R4 T4R4 T5R4
T1R5 T2R5 T3R5 T4R5 T5R5
T1R6 T2R6 T3R6 T4R6 T5R6
T1R7 T2R7 T3R7 T4R7 T5R7
T1R8 T2R8 T3R8 T4R8 T5R8

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