Effect of tea wastes on composting of shredded and non-shredded tree bark and effects of mixes on growth of french marigold

This research was carried out to study the effect of tea wastes in composting of shredded and non-shredded tree bark and also the effects of mixes on growth of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.). Tea wastes were mixed with shredded and non-shredded tree bark in volume ratios 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% and maintained in 1m3 wooden boxes for composting. After composting process, samples were taken and physical and chemical properties were measured. To study the effects of mixes of the obtained composts on growth of French Marigold, an experiment was designed in a completely randomized design (CRD), with nine treatments in four replications. Then French Marigold was planted in compost mixes. Results showed that tea wastes in 50% and 75% ratio significantly affected the composting of shredded and non-shredded tree bark, and accelerated the composting process of non-shredded tree bark, therefore, by use of tea wastes, the shredding of the tree bark can be omitted and tshe cost of composting will be decreased. The mixes affected significantly the top fresh and dry weight, plant height, number of lateral shoots and number of opened flowers of French Marigold. The properties of physical and chemical were also suitable. C/N ratio of these mixes was very low and showed that tea wastes notably reduced the C/N ratio of tree bark.