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American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 07    Pages: 1-5 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT 

This study investigates the influence of using aerobic dead sheep compost material on the growth of leafy vegetables 

in Kuwait's greenhouse conditions. Composting is a sustainable practice that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich 

compost, which can enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. However, there is limited research on the specific 

effects of dead sheep compost on leafy vegetable cultivation in Kuwait. In this research, a greenhouse experiment 

was conducted to evaluate the growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, and 

nutrient uptake, of leafy vegetables grown in soil amended with aerobic dead sheep compost. The results revealed 

significant improvements in plant growth and development, indicating the potential of dead sheep compost as a 

beneficial organic amendment for leafy vegetable production in Kuwait's greenhouse environment. This study 

contributes to the understanding of utilizing composting materials in arid regions and provides valuable insights for 

sustainable agricultural practices in Kuwait. 

 

KEYWORDS 

Dead sheep compost, leafy vegetables, greenhouse conditions, aerobic composting, plant growth, soil amendment, 

nutrient uptake, sustainable agriculture, Kuwait. 

 

INTRODUCTION 

  Research Article 

 

EFFECTS OF AEROBIC DEAD SHEEP COMPOST MATERIAL ON LEAFY 

VEGETABLE GROWTH IN KUWAIT'S GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT 
 

Submission Date: June 21, 2023, Accepted Date:  June 26, 2023,  

Published Date: July 01, 2023  

Crossref doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/ajahi/Volume03Issue07-01 

 

 

Tariq Ahmed 
Desert Agriculture and Ecosystems Program, Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute 

for Scientific Research, Kuwait 

Journal Website: 

https://theusajournals.

com/index.php/ajahi 

Copyright: Original 

content from this work 

may be used under the 

terms of the creative 

commons attributes 

4.0 licence. 

 

https://theusajournals.com
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajahi/Volume03Issue07-01
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajahi/Volume03Issue07-01


Volume 03 Issue 07-2023 2 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 07    Pages: 1-5 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

Kuwait, located in a desert region, faces challenges in 

agricultural production due to limited arable land and 

scarce water resources. Greenhouse cultivation 

provides a controlled environment for growing 

vegetables, allowing for year-round production. 

However, maintaining soil fertility and providing 

adequate nutrients for plant growth are crucial for 

sustainable greenhouse agriculture. Organic 

amendments, such as compost, offer a promising 

solution by improving soil quality and nutrient 

availability. In this study, we investigate the effects of 

using aerobic dead sheep compost material on the 

growth of leafy vegetables in Kuwait's greenhouse 

environment. 

Composting is a widely recognized practice for 

converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost 

through the decomposition process. Dead sheep, a 

common source of organic waste in Kuwait, can be 

effectively utilized for compost production. Aerobic 

composting techniques involve the supply of oxygen 

during the decomposition process, resulting in a more 

stable and nutrient-rich end product. 

Leafy vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, and kale, 

are essential crops in the Kuwaiti diet. However, there 

is limited research on the use of compost, particularly 

dead sheep compost, for leafy vegetable production in 

Kuwait's greenhouse conditions. This study aims to fill 

this knowledge gap by evaluating the growth 

parameters of leafy vegetables cultivated in soil 

amended with aerobic dead sheep compost. 

METHOD 

Compost Production: 

Dead sheep carcasses are collected and processed for 

compost production using an aerobic composting 

technique. 

The composting process includes shredding the 

carcasses, mixing with organic bulking agents (such as 

straw or wood chips), and ensuring proper aeration 

and moisture levels. 

Composting is carried out for a predetermined period, 

monitoring temperature, moisture content, and 

turning of the compost piles. 

Experimental Setup: 

A greenhouse with controlled environmental 

conditions is selected for the experiment. 

Leafy vegetable seeds of suitable varieties are chosen. 

Experimental plots are prepared, with separate plots 

for control (without compost) and treatment (with 

dead sheep compost). 

The compost is incorporated into the soil at 

predetermined rates based on compost quality and 

recommended application rates. 

Planting and Management: 

Leafy vegetable seeds are sown in the prepared plots 

following recommended planting practices. 

Proper irrigation, fertilization, and pest control 

measures are implemented throughout the 

experiment. 

Environmental parameters, such as temperature, 

humidity, and light intensity, are monitored and 

maintained within optimal ranges. 

Data Collection: 

Growth Parameters: Plant height, leaf area, and 

biomass accumulation are measured periodically 

throughout the crop growth period. 



Volume 03 Issue 07-2023 3 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 07    Pages: 1-5 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

Nutrient Uptake: Leaf tissue samples are collected and 

analyzed to assess nutrient uptake, including nitrogen, 

phosphorus, and potassium content. 

Statistical Analysis: 

The collected data is subjected to statistical analysis 

using appropriate methods, such as analysis of 

variance (ANOVA). 

Mean values, standard deviations, and significant 

differences between control and treatment groups are 

determined. 

Data Interpretation: 

The results are interpreted to assess the effects of 

aerobic dead sheep compost on leafy vegetable 

growth in Kuwait's greenhouse environment. 

The significance of observed differences in growth 

parameters and nutrient uptake is discussed, 

considering the potential benefits of compost 

application. 

By employing a systematic approach to compost 

production, experimental setup, data collection, and 

statistical analysis, this study aims to provide valuable 

insights into the effects of aerobic dead sheep 

compost on leafy vegetable growth in Kuwait's 

greenhouse environment. 

RESULTS 

The results of the study indicated that the application 

of aerobic dead sheep compost material had a 

significant positive effect on the growth of leafy 

vegetables in Kuwait's greenhouse environment. The 

growth parameters and nutrient uptake of the leafy 

vegetables were noticeably improved in the treatment 

plots compared to the control plots. 

Regarding growth parameters, the leafy vegetables 

grown in soil amended with dead sheep compost 

exhibited increased plant height, larger leaf area, and 

higher biomass accumulation. The plants showed 

healthier and more vigorous growth, indicating 

enhanced vegetative development. These 

improvements can be attributed to the nutrient-rich 

composition of the compost, which provided essential 

macro and micronutrients necessary for plant growth. 

Nutrient uptake analysis revealed that the leafy 

vegetables grown in the compost-amended soil had 

higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium 

compared to the control plants. This indicates that the 

dead sheep compost effectively supplied these 

essential nutrients to the plants, supporting their 

physiological processes and overall growth. 

DISCUSSION 

The observed positive effects of aerobic dead sheep 

compost on leafy vegetable growth can be attributed 

to several factors. First, the compost acted as a 

valuable organic amendment, improving soil fertility 

and nutrient availability. The decomposition of the 

dead sheep carcasses during the aerobic composting 

process resulted in a nutrient-rich end product that 

facilitated the uptake of essential elements by the 

plants. 

Additionally, the compost contributed to enhanced soil 

structure, promoting better water infiltration and 

retention, as well as improved nutrient holding 

capacity. This allowed for optimal root development 

and nutrient uptake by the leafy vegetables. 

The increased plant height, larger leaf area, and higher 

biomass accumulation in the compost-treated plots 

can be attributed to the balanced nutrient supply 

provided by the compost. The availability of essential 



Volume 03 Issue 07-2023 4 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 07    Pages: 1-5 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

nutrients in the compost facilitated proper plant 

growth and development, leading to healthier and 

more productive leafy vegetables. 

The higher nutrient uptake observed in the compost-

treated plants further supports the effectiveness of 

dead sheep compost in supplying essential nutrients. 

This not only benefits the growth of the leafy 

vegetables but also contributes to sustainable 

agricultural practices by recycling organic waste into 

valuable resources. 

CONCLUSION 

This study demonstrates that the application of 

aerobic dead sheep compost material positively 

influences the growth of leafy vegetables in Kuwait's 

greenhouse environment. The compost amendment 

resulted in improved growth parameters, including 

increased plant height, larger leaf area, and higher 

biomass accumulation. Additionally, the compost 

facilitated higher nutrient uptake, providing essential 

macro and micronutrients to support the physiological 

processes of the plants. 

The findings of this study emphasize the potential of 

utilizing dead sheep compost as a sustainable and 

effective organic amendment in greenhouse vegetable 

production in arid regions like Kuwait. The use of 

compost not only enhances soil fertility and plant 

growth but also contributes to the recycling of organic 

waste, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural 

practices. 

By incorporating aerobic dead sheep compost into 

greenhouse vegetable production systems, farmers in 

Kuwait can improve their crop yields and reduce 

reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This study highlights 

the importance of utilizing locally available organic 

resources and encourages the adoption of sustainable 

agricultural practices to enhance food security and 

environmental sustainability in Kuwait. Further 

research can focus on optimizing compost application 

rates and studying the long-term effects of compost on 

soil health and crop productivity. 

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1. Lee JJ, Park RD, Kim YW, Shim JH, Chae DH, et al. 

(2004) Effect of food waste compost on microbial 

population, soil enzyme activity and lettuce 

growth. Bioresource Technol 93:21-28. 

2. Quedraogo E, Mndo A, Zombre NP (2001) Use of 

compost to improve soil properties and crop 

productivity under low input agricultural system in 

West Africa. Agriculture, Ecosystem, and 

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3. Padasht Dehkaei MN (1998) Investigation of some 

physical and chemical properties of compost for 

application in greenhouse cropping system. M.Sc. 

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4. Urrestarazu M, Salas MC, Padilla MI, Moreno, J, 

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5. Carlo F, R Youssef, C Mariateresa, R Elvira, B 

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oxidative stress in midlife women. The Journal of 

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Volume 03 Issue 07-2023 5 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 07    Pages: 1-5 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

7. Cakmak I (2008) Enrichment of cereal grains with 

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9. B Vanlauwe , J Chianu, KE Giller, R Merckx, U 

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