Response of Container-Grown Nursery Crops to Raw and Composted Paper Mill Sludges

Growth and nutrient uptake of three container grown nursery crops were compared using different potting media, including bark mixed with varying amounts, 0, 33, 67, and 100% by volume, of raw paper mill sludge and Phase I (fresh) and Phase II (aged) sludge composts. Species grown were: Tartarian dogwood (Cornus alba L.), Coral Beauty cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri C. K. Schneid.), and Variegata Nana weigela [Weigela florida (Bunge) A.DC.]. Each compost consisted of ca. 40% paper mill sludge. Despite differences in response of species to the amount and source of sludge, plants grew well in media containing Phase I and II composts and produced plants of marketable size at harvest. Media with >33% raw sludge resulted in fewer marketable plants and had a greater volume reduction with increasing amounts of sludge. This was also accompanied by declining shoot and root dry weight. Media containing Phase I compost showed less volume reduction than those with raw sludge, and yielded growth comparable to that obtained with Phase II compost. Media containing Phase II compost showed only marginal volume reduction. Changes in leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn were small, or nonsignificant. All nutrients except N were related to growth or amount of raw sludge or compost, although all species did not show the same response with each nutrient. The results showed that up to 33% of raw paper mill sludge or any amount of sludge compost was an effective substitute for bark. Since growth was not affected substantially by the age of the compost, the additional time and cost of producing Phase II compost may be unwarranted.     

Effects of Composted Pulp and Paper Industry Wastewater Treatment Residuals on Soil Properties And Cereal Yield

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of pulp and paper industry wastewater treatment sludge composts on soil and cereal crops. Five forest industry wastewater sludge composts were tested in a field study which was conducted in a silty clay soil in southern Finland with barley in 1998, with oats in 1999 and with barley in 2000. Two composts contained only pulp mill biosludge and bark in a ratio of 1:4 and 1:2, respectively. Two other composts were mixtures of biosludge and primary sludge with the addition of bark in a ratio of 1:2 and 3:4, respectively. These two wastewater sludges originated from a pulp mill and from a recycled paper mill. The fifth compost consisted of biosludge and primary sludge from a board mill. Two application rates of each compost were studied: the low rate was based on an annual P fertilization rate recommended for barley, 50-200 m³/ha; and the high rate was a double or triple the low rate depending on the mineral N concentration of the compost, 150-600 m³/ha. Based on the Finnish fertilizer recommendations, nutrient demands of the test plants were annually fulfilled by mineral fertilizers depending on the treatment. Total contents of N, P, K and Ca in composts were 8.8-17.5, 0.7-3.9, 1.5-6.5, and 4-25 g/kg dry matter, respectively. Especially at high doses, composts had beneficial effects on soil bulk density, porosity, C and N contents and C:N ratio. Despite the high total N rates applied with the composts, the mineralization following crop harvest did not significantly increase soil nitrate late autumn or following spring as compared to the soils that received mineral fertilization. There was no significant difference in the grain yields between plots that received mineral fertilization and compost treatments supplemented with mineral fertilizers. However, there was a decreased fertilization effect of some composts on straw yields during the first experimental year, indicating immobilization of mineral N. Heavy metals added in soil with the composts did not significantly increase their concentrations in the grain crops. All the composts had relatively low nutrient contents and low fertilizing value, but beneficial effects on soil properties and were regarded as soil conditioners. Soil improving and fertilizing effects of the composts varied annually depending on the weather conditions during the growing season. Heavy metal concentrations of the composts studied were far below the limit values set for the soil conditioners in the Finnish government regulations.     

Agrochemical characterization,net N mineralization,and potential N leaching of composted olive‐mill pomace currently produced in southern Spain

In S Spain, the Andalusian olive oil industry generates annually 2.5–3.0 million tons of olive mill pomace, a by‐product which is comprised of the residues from the two‐phase oil‐extraction process. The agricultural policies of the EU have led to widespread interest in recycling these agricultural by‐products. Olive mill pomace might be evaluated as an organic fertilizer after composting, however, before wider use of composted olive mill pomace is advocated, characterization of the final product is needed. In this study, the physico‐chemical characteristics, net N mineralization, and the potential for N leaching of 7 out of the 11 olive‐mill‐pomace composts currently produced in the Andalusian olive mills were investigated. Compost of olive mill pomace differed in the proportions of raw materials co‐composted with the olive mill pomace, such as olive leaf material, manure, and straw. In all the composts tested, organic matter, total C and K were high with 60.5%, 30.7%, and 1.7% on average, respectively, whereas total P was low (0.4%) and with intermediate levels of N (1.5%). Compost pH (8.03), electrical conductivity (2.85 dS m^–1), and germination index (65% on average) were adequate for agricultural use. Furthermore, principal component analyses revealed a clear relationship between the quality of the composts and the proportion of manure mixed with the raw materials. Net N mineralization was negative on average (–20 μg IN g^–1) after 1 y, but positive after 2 y of incubation with up to 94% of available N from the total N added and the short‐term potential N leaching after compost application was negligible (less than 3.9% of added N) and much lower than the other N fertilizer with up to 80% added N leached. Overall, results of this study clearly show that these currently produced composts of olive mill pomace are suitable as soil improvers for agricultural purposes, but may not contribute significantly as a N fertilizer for up to 2 y after application.     

Changes in maturity indicators during the degradation of organic wastes subjected to simple composting procedures

Selected maturity indicators were monitored over a period of 335 days during the degradation of organic wastes subjected to four simple composting procedures, which varied in raw material (garden refuse with and without market refuse) and turning frequency (0×, 6×). All procedures produced mature composts. The inclusion of market refuse and frequent turning generally increased the cation exchange capacity of compost on an ash-free basis. Until day 118 of the composting process, compost samples which contained market refuse in their raw material mixture had the lowest redox potentials after anaerobic incubation. Cress grown on these composts also produced the lowest fresh mass. At a later stage of the composting process, the same composts displayed increased cellulolytic activity. Frequent turning of the compost heaps resulted in greater fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, a greater occurrence of low-molecular-weight humic compounds and, occasionally, an inhibition of cellulolytic activity. The arginine ammonification assay gave information on the N-status of the composts, rather than on the compost maturity, and suggested that all the composts could be safely applied to soil with no risk of microbial immobilisation of soil N.     

Abstracts of nippon Dojyohiryogaku Zasshi

Color change of city refuse during composting process was investigated according to the methods of measurement for color of materials based on the CIE 1931 Standard Colorimetric System. Stimulus value Y (the degree of lightness) and chromaticity coordinates (x, y) were determined with Color Analyzer by measuring relative spectral reflectance. Stimulus value Y of city refuse decreased during composting process, but chromaticity coordinates (x, y) scarcely changed.

Color of various composts, which were produced from city refuse, straw, hog fecal wastes, tree bark, and tree bark mixed with activated sludge, were also investigated by measuring relative spectral reflectance. The shapes of the reflection spectra of city refuse were different from those of the other composts. Colors of the various composts were similar to each other when specified according to their three attributes: value, hue, and chroma (Munsell renotation).

While city refuse was rotting and maturing, stimulus value Yand C/N ratio equally decreased. A positive correlation was found between stimulus value Y and C/N ratio. It was concluded that stimulus value Y can be used as a criterion for determining the degree of maturity of city refuse compost.

The correlation between stimulus value Y and C/N ratio of various composts was also investigated. According to the position on the two coordinates having stimulus value Y and C/N ratio as axe s, various composts were classified into three groups: (i) city refuse compost group, (ii) straw compost group, and (iii) tree bark compost group.     

Long-term effects of compost amendment of soil on functional and structural diversity and microbial activity

We studied the effects of applying different composts (urban organic waste, green waste, manure and sewage sludge), mineral fertilizer and compost plus mineral fertilizer on chemical, biological and soil microbiological parameters over a 12‐year period. The organic C and total N levels in soils were increased by all compost and compost + N treatments. Microbial biomass C was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased for some compost treatments. In addition, basal respiration and the metabolic quotient (qCO₂) were significantly higher in all soils that had received sewage sludge compost. The Shannon diversity index (H), based on community level physiological profiling, showed a higher consumption of carbon sources in soils treated with compost and compost + N compared with the control. The utilization of different guilds of carbon sources varied amongst the treatments (compost, compost + N or mineral fertilizer). Cluster analysis of polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis patterns showed two major clusters, the first containing the mineral fertilization and compost treatments, and the second, the composts + N treatments. No differences in bacterial community structure could be determined between the different types of compost. However, the results suggest that long‐term compost treatments do have effects on the soil biota. The results indicate that the effects on the qCO₂ may be due to shifts in community composition. In this study, it was not possible to distinguish with certainty between the effects of different composts except for compost derived from sewage sludge.     

EFFECT OF PEAT-REDUCED AND PEAT-FREE SUBSTRATES ON ROSEMARY GROWTH

The objective of this work was to study the use of four composts, obtained by agro-industrial, urban and green wastes, as growing media components on Rosmarinus officinalis L. Substrates were obtained by mixing each compost with peat in different proportions. Main physical and chemical characteristics of prepared substrates have been compared and, at the end of growing cycle, the biometric survey on main growing parameters and plant nutritional status was performed. The obtained results showed that substrates with 30% compost have main physical and chemical parameters comparable with those of the control. Best quality plants have been obtained substituting peat with 30% of compost, except with the olive mill compost. At the end, the green pruning compost can be recommended as growing media component (up to 50%) for the growth of Rosmarinus officinalis L., being able to determine high quality plants, together with an implemented plant nutrient efficiency.     

Effect of Compost-Fertilizer Combinations on Wheat Yields

Combining composts made from industrial wastes with fertilizer in amounts to equal the N requirement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was done with the purpose of determining the effect of such mixtures on yield and N content. Composts made from jute mill waste (JMW) or from sugar mill wastes (SIW) were mixed with fertilizer in a loam soil so that 0, 25, 50, or 100% of the N was supplied by the compost. Each treatment except the control received the equivalent of 125 kg N/ha and 75 kg P/ha. Wheat, variety Pb 81, was grown for 6 months. The 50% compost:50% fertilizer combinations were equal to or better than the 100% complete fertilizer treatment in terms of grain yield. The synergistic response from the compost-fertilizer treatment may have been the result of other ingredients in the compost such as micronutrients or organic matter. These data demonstrate that composts can substitute for a portion of mineral fertilizer which may result in a savings for farmers.     

Microbial biomass and activity in composts of different composition and age

The aim of this study was to perform a comparison of microbial activity and biomass in biowaste (BWC), yard waste (YWC), and cattle‐manure composts (CMC) of different age. Two different methods for either biomass (microbial C following fumigation‐extraction and microbial lipid phosphate) or activity measurements (CO₂‐production rate and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis) provided comparable information, as judged from their strong correlation. Microbial biomass and activity declined with time in all composts. Microbial biomass C was strongly correlated with microbial activity but was even stronger correlated with pH. CMC proved to be very distinct from the two other compost types by having the highest biomass and the lowest specific activity (i.e., activity per unit biomass). The microbiological properties analyzed allow us to discriminate among different compost types, helping to assign their potential applications.     

Use of Sulfur to Control pH in Composts Derived from Olive Processing By-products

Two composts were prepared from olive press cake (OPC) repeatedly turned and moistened with either olive mill wastewater (OPC+OMW) or water (OPC+W). When phytotoxicity was drastically reduced and the pH of the composts had reached 8.6 and 7.55 respectively, elemental sulfur was added at 0.9% of dry weight to the OPC+OMW compost and at five different doses (0.1 – 1.0% of dry wt) to the OPC+W compost. During the following six months, an exponential pH decline was observed in both compost materials. The pH reached a final value of 5.8 in the OPC+OMW compost whereas a pH decline related to the amount of added sulfur was observed in the OPC+W compost (final values from 6.8 to 4.3). Over 80% of the pH decline occurred during the first two months following the sulfur addition. Sulfur was applied following the stabilization of the material in the case of OPC+W. No phytotoxic effects of the final products were observed at sulfur application doses up to 0.5% of dry compost weight, but a significant germination index reduction was observed at the 1% dose, probably related to the increased conductivity of the compost leachate. Sulfur was applied before stabilization of the compost material, in the case of OPC+OMW, to also investigate the effects of sulfur addition on the composting process. A thermophilic phase similar to that observed after the last OMW application exceeding 50°C followed, and no effects on microbial activity profiles of the compost were observed. The results indicate that small amounts of elemental sulfur may efficiently control high pH values in the final compost products and could be safely applied at late composting stages or after composting. This may broaden the utilization of these composts in potting media and alkaline soils.     

Bioassays and application of olive pomace compost on emmer: effects on yield and soil properties in organic farming

Abstract

Composting olive oil pomace could solve the problem of disposal, by recycling this organic waste for agricultural purposes. Furthermore, application of composted organic waste could be a way to sustain both soil fertility and production, especially in organic farming. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the phytotoxicity and the effects of application of olive pomace composts on emmer performance and soil properties. Two types of olive pomace composts, with a different initial C/N ratio, were stopped at the active phase and processed until maturation. The obtained four olive pomace composts were compared with a commercial fertilizer in a two-year field experiment. Before the field trial, a bioassay was performed to assess phytotoxicity both for the raw pomace and the not-stabilized composts. Growing and yielding data for emmer were determined during the two-year period and soil characteristics were measured at the start and at the end of the experiment.

The composts were not phytotoxic (germination index was higher than 90%) and their total organic carbon content was always higher than the minimum values established by the Italian fertilizers legislation. The emmer protein content was significantly higher in the matured compost treatment with low C/N, than in the other compost treatments. Its value was comparable with that of the commercial fertilizer, suggesting a good performance on crop yield quality. Although not significant, this compost showed an increase of 9.8% in grain yield compared with commercial fertilizer treatment. On the whole, it can be suggested that repeated compost application might preserve the soil organic carbon content and supply macronutrients to a crop.     

Nitrogen Uptake by Radish,Spinach and “Chingensai” from Composted Tea Leaves,Coffee Waste and Kitchen Garbage

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of the application of composted tea leaves (TC), coffee waste (CC), and kitchen garbage (KC) on the nitrogen and nitrate accumulated in radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. ‘radicula pers’), Chingensai (Brassica campestris L. cv. ‘Choyo No. 2’), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. cv. ‘Ban chu paruku’) as compared with the effect of inorganic ¹⁵N labeled fertilizer (IN) application. The compost was applied at the rate of 24 g kg^?1 soil, corresponding to about 250 to 300 kg N ha^?1; the A value method was used to estimate nitrogen uptake. Dry matter production was significantly higher in the IN and TC treatments than in the KC and CC treatments for all the species and tissue. Of the composts used, TC was most effective in increasing N uptake and N content in the vegetables. The composts derived N recovery as a percentage of total N uptake varied with plant species, 50.8%-62.9% in radish root, 35.3%-60.4% in radish leaf, 29.9%-48.2% in spinach leaf, and 31.3%-54.8% in Chingensai leaf. The N-use efficiencies of IN, TC, CC, and KC were 6.3%, 6.3%, 5.3%, and 6.6% in radish root; 13.6%, 9.7%, 8.4%, and 6.7% in radish leaf; 22.4%, 14.4%, 3.6%, and 5.8% in spinach leaf; and 61.2%, 39.5%, 25.5%, and 21.5% in Chingensai leaf, respectively. Nitrate accumulation in edible portions was highest in plants provided with IN as compared with those grown with composts, and nitrate content in radish root was markedly higher than that in the leaf. It is observed that the fate of compost derived N differed noticeably with vegetable species, plant part, and compost source.     

Impact of a biochar or a biochar-compost mixture on water relation, nutrient uptake and photosynthesis of Phragmites karka

Soil water and nutrient status are both of major importance for plant appearance and growth performance. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of biochar (1.5%) and a biochar-compost mixture (1.5% biochar + 1.5% compost) on the performance of Phragmites karka plants grown on a synthetic nutrient-poor sandy clay soil (50% sand, 30% clay, and 20% gravel). Indicators of plant performance, such as growth, lignocellulosic biomass, water status (leaf water potential, osmotic potential, and turgor potential), mineral nutrition status, leaf gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence, and soil respiration (carbon dioxide (CO₂) flux) were assessed under greenhouse conditions. Biochar-treated plants had higher growth rates and lignocellulosic biomass production than control plants with no biochar and no compost. There was also a significant increase in soil respiration in the treatments with biochar, which stimulated microbial interactions. The increase in soil water-holding capacity after biochar amendment caused significant improvements in plant water status and plant ion (K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺) contents, leading to an increase in net photosynthesis and a higher energy-use efficiency of photosystem II. Biochar-treated plants had lower oxidative stress, increased water-use efficiency, and decreased soil respiration, and the biochar-compost mixture resulted in even greater improvements in growth, leaf turgor potential, photosynthesis, nutrient content, and soil gas exchange. Our results suggest that biochar and compost promote plant growth with respect to nutrient uptake, water balance, and photosynthetic system efficiency. In summary, both the soil amendments studied could increase opportunities for P. karka to sequester CO₂ and produce more fodder bio-active compounds and biomass for bio-energy on nutrient-poor degraded soils.     

Humus-Rich Compost Increases Lettuce Growth, Nutrient Uptake, Mycorrhizal Colonisation, and Soil Fertility

Sandy soils, typical of Australia's west, either have little or no habitat protection for microbes including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which are essential for nutrient cycling. To minimize this problem, the application of organic matter, such as humus-rich composts, is necessary during vegetable crop production. This study aimed at determining the effects of humus-rich composts on either indigenous or inoculated AM fungal colonisation in roots, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Quechua) growth, and soil fertility improvement. Four different humus-rich composts with varying humus contents were applied at the same standard rate to lettuce grown under glasshouse conditions for 10 weeks after sowing and compared with two low-humus composts and non-amended soil (control). Humus-rich composts significantly increased lettuce shoot growth, root growth, and AM fungal colonisation in roots. Humus contents in the composts were also correlated with lettuce shoot and root growth. Soil dissolved organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and fertility were increased with the application of humus-rich composts. These humus-rich composts, especially the compost of higher humic acid with and without AM inoculation, might have a significant role in sustainable vegetable production, for example lettuce growth. Overall, the results indicate that supplementation with humus-rich compost is highly beneficial to enhance soil fertility and potentially maintain the sustainability of vegetable production.     

Relationship between cation-exchange capacity and degree of maturity of city refuse composts

Abstract

An attempt was made to estimate the degree of maturity of city refuse composts by measuring their cation-exchange capacity (CEC).

The CEC of the city refuse compost increased for the first 7 days after commencement of the fermentation process, decreased for the next 2 days, and then increased again gradually up to the end of the piling period.

A highly significant negative correlation was noted between the CEC and C/N ratio of the city refuse composts (r=-0.903***). Regression analysis yielded the relationship: In CEC=7.02-1.02 In C/N

The CEC values of the city refuse composts, which were considered to have been sufficiently matured for application, were greater than about 60 me/ 100 g of ash-free material.     

Zinc distribution and speciation within rocket plants (Eruca vesicaria L. Cavalieri) grown on a polluted soil amended with compost as determined by XRF microtomography and micro-XANES

Zinc distribution and speciation within different organs (root, petiole, and leaf) of the edible plant Eruca vesicaria L. Cavalieri were determined using synchrotron microbeam X-ray techniques (XRF microtomography and mu-XANES) for plants grown in polluted soil with or without compost amendment. Data on soil derived from different extraction procedures and using mu-XANES analyses on rhizospheric soil indicated that compost amendment did not significantly influence the Zn speciation and availability in soil. However, major differences were observed within the plants. Plants grown in the presence of compost were able to partly block zinc immediately outside the root endodermis in the form of zinc-phytate, while a smaller Zn fraction was allowed to xylem transport as zinc-citrate. In the leaves, zinc was largely excluded from leaf cells, and about approximately 50% was in the form of phosphate precipitates, and the other 50% was complexed by cysteine and histidine residues. The reported data provide new information concerning the mechanisms of zinc tolerance in E. vesicaria L. Cavalieri, a very common edible plant in Mediterranean regions, and on the role of compost in influencing the molecular strategies involved in zinc uptake and detoxification.     

Aerobic composting of plant wastes and their effect on the yield of ryegrass and tomatoes

Vine branches, rice husks and flax residues were composted. The dynamics of biomass carbon, C/N ratios and nitrification were studied. The highest quality level and the most stabilized composts with the highest values of total N (1.3–1.6%) and the smallest C/N ratios (8.0–9.0) were found with the vine branch composts. Compost application significantly increased the yield of tomatoes (24.0–61.1%) and the quality of fruits compared to soil treated with mineral fertilizers and manure. Inoculation of the vine branch compost with a Cephalosporium sp. had a positive effect on the yield and the quality of both ryegrass and tomatoes. The stabilization of the microbial biomass C level in the composts coincided with the beginning of intensive nitrification. Inoculation lowered the conductivity values and nitrate contents in all composts. It appeared that when nitrate N concentrations in the composts were more than 5% of the total N, NO₃ accumulation in the fruits could result. However, the results can be applied to similar substrates and conditions of composting.     

Mitigation Effects of Silicon on Maize Plants Grown at High Zinc

The effects of exogenous silicon (Si) on key growth parameters and mineral nutrients were investigated in maize grown at high zinc (Zn). Four treatments with three replicates were investigated consisting of a control (basal nutrients with 0.05 mM Zn with or without 1.0 mM Si added), 0.5 mM Zn, and 0.5 mM Zn plus 1.0 mM Si. Plants growing with high Zn alone had a lower chlorophyll (Chl.) content, leaf relative water content (RWC) and produced less biomass than the control plants. Proline content and membrane permeability was higher in zinc-treated plants than in untreated controls. Compared with the plants treated with high Zn alone, added Si significantly increased plant growth, chlorophyll content, and RWC and significantly reduced the membrane permeability and proline content. As expected, added high Zn increased leaf and root Zn, but reduced leaf phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe). Added Si reduced Zn concentration and increased Fe in leaves of maize. It can be concluded that improvement in the key growth parameters tested and mineral nutrition status in maize plants grown at high Zn induced by Si addition may protect membrane permeability under high zinc, thus mitigating Zn toxicity and improving the growth of maize plants. The results of the present experiment support the conclusion that Si may be involved in physiological and nutritional changes in plants grown at high Zn.     

Effects of Amendment of Calcimagnesic Soils With Olive Husk Compost In Tunisia

The amounts of olive husks produced in Mediterranean countries are very significant. Their treatment and disposal are becoming serious environmental problems. Increasing attention has been paid to finding a use for olive husks. A technological treatment is available to reduce their pollutant effects and to transform them into valuable products. The most suitable procedures are recycling instead of the detoxification of these wastes. It is possible to transform olive husks into organic fertilizers (composts) by composting with poultry manure. The compost has no phytotoxicity and may improve soil fertility and plant production. The composting process involves the microbial degradation of the polluting load of the solid wastes. Results of experiments using olive husk composts in crop production have shown that yields obtained with organic fertilization are similar, and sometimes higher, than those obtained with classic manure. Their bioavailability may be linked to the soil humic complexes originated by these organic fertilizers and to mineral components (active lime and clay). The composition of vegetable leaves improved similitude between compost and manure, normal concentrations but with deficiency in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.     

Composting and Evaluating a Pulp and Paper Sludge for Use as a Soil Amendment/Mulch

Composting could be used in the pulp and paper industry to treat primary sludges as an alternative to landfilling. The objective of this project was to compost and evaluate a pulp and paper sludge for use as a soil amendment/mulch. Primary sludge, tailings, wood ash (0, 5 or 10 percent by volume), and paunch (cattle stomach contents and tissue) from a slaughterhouse were composted in a 91 m windrow that was turned one to two times per week. The pile moisture content and temperature were controlled at 50 percent and 57–63°C during 14 weeks of composting. The compost was then cured for 4 weeks for a total treatment time of 18 weeks. Sludge dry mass decreased by approximately 50 percent, pH increased slightly to 8.2 to 8.5, and carbon-nitrogen ratio decreased from 270:1 to 14–67:1 after composting and curing. Electrical conductivity of all final composts was over 4 dS/m. Shoot biomass of tomato plants grown in a compost-amended medium (50 percent compost, 25 percent sand, 25 percent perlite by volume) improved with composting time but was still only 35–65 percent that of plants grown in a peat moss-amended medium (control). Shoot weight and height of poplar plants grown in soil amended with aged compost were unaffected by compost application rate (incorporated or as a mulch) at less than or equal to 180 Mg/ha. In summary, this study demonstrated that a pulp and paper sludge and wood ash mixture yielded a compost that could be used as a low quality mulch or soil amendment for poplar.