ABSTRACT
Plant growth is highly dependent on the structure of the soil it is being planted into. Peak soil health can be achieved when certain amendments are being added to the soil to improve its health and structure. This study delves into the physicochemical characteristics of aerobic compost and its impact on bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) growth. The aim was to explore how aerobic compost influences vegetative parameters of bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) . An array of physicochemical properties of the compost, including total organic carbon and organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, ash content, volatile matter, moisture content, nitrogen content, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and mineral content, were examined. In a pot experiment lasting 15 days, various compost percentages were analyzed. It was noted that pots containing 50% Amended aerobic compost + 50% soil exhibited the greatest height growth, while those with 75% Amended aerobic compost + 25% soil had the highest leaf count. Conversely, Pot A, containing 50% Unamended aerobic compost, showed the least growth overall. Pot B, with 75% compost, displayed moderate growth, similar to pots filled with 100% soil. This suggests that higher compost-to-soil ratios (as seen in Pot B) promote increased leaf number, indicating the beneficial role of compost minerals (NPK) in leaf growth. Additionally, it was observed that while Unamended compost serves as a soil amendment, it is not as effective as amended compost. This research demonstrates that incorporating compost into soil may not necessarily boost plant height, but it does promote a denser, more shrub-like appearance, characterized by shorter stature, numerous stems, and abundant green leaves.
