Biological Quality of Potting Media Based on MSW Composts: A Comparative Study

Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost from aerobic or anaerobic bioprocesses was evaluated as components of substrates for potted plant production. Experiments were conducted with potted media consisting of MSW compost mixed with other conventional substrates (peat or composted pine bark). Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and cress (Lepidium sativum L.) were used to evaluate the biological quality of composts. Higher germination rates of spring barley were obtained when MSW compost from aerobic treatment was employed as compared with MSW compost from the anaerobic bioprocess. Improved biological indices were observed when MSW composts were mixed with composted pine bark rather than with peat. Mixtures of 75% aerobic MSW compost and 25% composted pine bark were more favorable for cress growth than peat as sole substrate.     

Effect of Compost Age and Concentration Of Pig Slurry on Plant Growth

Shredded straw of Miscanthus ogiformis Honda ‘Giganteus’ was composted with addition of water or aqueous solutions with 3, 10, 30 or 100% pig slurry. After 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of composting the composts were tested as pot plant growth substrates for Hedera helix L. in comparison with enriched and nonenriched peat substrates. During the first week of composting temperatures rose to higher levels with stronger pig slurry solution except for the compost made with 100% pig slurry solution which suffered from oxygen depletion. Plants grown in compost substrates made with M. ogiformis and 10 or 30% pig slurry solution produced the same shoot lengths and dry matter as plants grown in enriched or nonenriched peat substrates. Plants in compost substrates made with water or 3% pig slurry solution produced slightly shorter shoots and less dry matter. Many plants in the compost substrate made with 100% pig slurry solution failed to grow, and for the remaining plants in that treatment, shoot and dry matter production was very low at all five ages of compost. Nutrient concentrations were suboptimal for compost substrates made with water or 3% pig slurry solution, near optimal with 10% pig slurry solution, above recommended concentrations with 30% pig slurry solution and supraoptimal with 100% pig slurry solution. The pig slurry concentration had little effect on water retention in 6 months old compost substrates while in older compost substrates increasing pig slurry concentration increased the water retention capacity. In six month old compost substrates water retention was lower than in peat substrates while in 12 months old composts the water retention was greater in the compost substrates than in the peat substrates. Total porosity was above 92% and similar for all substrates. Air volume was greater in compost substrates than in peat substrates. It is concluded that compost substrates made of Miscanthus ogiformis straw and diluted pig slurry can be used successfully as a substitute for peat substrates. An aqueous solution of 10 to 30% pig slurry solution added as nitrogen source before composting is optimal. Three months of composting is sufficient for optimal plant growth.     

Composts as Media Constituents for Vegetable Transplant Production

The use of compost with high salt concentration was evaluated, under commercial conditions, as a potential growing media constituent for vegetable transplant production. Two composts were prepared from sweet sorghum bagasse, pine bark, and either urea (compost A) or brewery sludge (compost B) as N source. Three vegetable species — broccoli (Brassica oleracea), tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), and onion (Allium cepa) with different tolerance to salinity were used. Eleven substrates were formulated and tested: a control consisting of a moss peat-based commercial substrate; compost A; compost B; and, eight mixtures containing 33 or 67% by volume of each compost with either raw peat moss or commercial substrate as diluent. All the substrates prepared had suitable physical, physicochemical and chemical properties for use as growing media, except for the electrical conductivity (ranging from 3.20 to 13.21 dS m^?1) which was above the reference levels for soilless cultivation. Broccoli was the least affected by substrate salinity whilst tomato was the most. Onion transplants had an intermediate response to saline conditions. Tomato seed germination was markedly reduced when compost A, with a higher salt concentration, was used at a rate higher than 67%. Media prepared with either of the composts, and mixed with either a commercial substrate or peat in a rate up to 67%, did not cause any detrimental effect on the growth and nutritional status of broccoli, tomato and onion transplants, despite the high initial salinity of the substrates. These composts appear to be acceptable substitutes for Sphagnum peat in seed sowing mixtures.     

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Compost as a Tomato Transplant Medium

For 3 years, different types of growing media were evaluated in nursery-produced tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. cv “Atletico”). Five mixtures of substrates were used: old peat (65%) + white peat (30%) + perlite (5%), old peat (65%) + MSW compost (30%) + perlite (5%), MSW compost (65%) + white peat (30%) + perlite (5%), MSW compost (95%) + perlite (5%) and MSW compost (50%) + cocofiber (50%). Various seedling indices were measured in order to assess the quality of the nursery-produced plant. The quality of the MSW compost used (pH, salinity, organic matter) bore a strong influence on results. Electrical conductivity (EC) values of the MSW compost of over 9 dSm^?1 produced poorer quality tomato seedlings in the mixture of substrates with peat. The use of MSW compost as the only substrate and the mixture of MSW compost with cocofiber had a lower growth index and poorer performance than the standard peat mixture. However, growth and development of the tomato seedlings in the mixture: old peat (65%) + MSW compost (30%) + perlite (5%) were similar to that obtained with the standard mixture: old peat (65%) + white peat (30%) + perlite (5%).     

EVALUATION OF ORGANIC SOLID WASTES COMPOSTS AS PEAT SUBSTITUTES FOR SEEDLING PRODUCTION

This research work was performed to investigate the possibility of using composted herb residues (C1), co-composted sewage sludge with sawdust (C2), co-composted pig manure with sawdust (C3), and co-composted pig manure with spent mushroom (C4) in the production of horticultural seedlings to replace part of peat in the growing media. The proportions of each compost in the mixtures elaborated with peat were 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v), respectively. The substrate of 100% commercial peat was used as the control. First, some physical, physical-chemical, and chemical properties of these substrates were determined. Second, four kinds of plants tomato, cucumber, bermudagrass, and impatiens were used to evaluate the possibility of different composts to replace part of peat. The seed germination rate, fresh weight and nutrient concentrations of seedling were then measured. We found that the physical, physical-chemical and chemical properties of these substrates were statistically influenced by the type and the proportion of compost in the substrates. The substrates elaborated with C1 and C2 showed adequate physical and chemical properties for their use as substrate in horticultural seedlings production. The highest germination of cucumber, tomato, bermudagrass and impatiens all occurred at C1 based substrate. Seedling grown in the C1 and C2 based substrate reached better growth and nutrition than peat. Our results suggested that the C1 and C2 were good alternative to peat-based substrate for seedling production, especially at the rate of 75% and 100% of C1 and 50% of C2, which have shown beneficial effects on the seedling production of cucumber, tomato, bermudagrass and impatiens compared to the control. However, C3 and C4 were not always adequately used in substituting expensive peat.     

Horticultural Characteristics Of Licorice Waste Compost

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is a leguminous herbaceous perennial. Its root extracts are commonly used for medicinal uses and as a flavoring agent in the food and tobacco industries. After extraction, about 10,000 tones of licorice root residues are accumulated in Israel annually with no recycling outlet. The objectives of the current research were to develop a reliable protocol for licorice root wastes composting, to test the use of licorice compost as a peat substitute in growing media and to study its suppressiveness against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM) – the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of melon (Cucumis melo L.). Licorice root wastes were cocomposted using temperature controlled forced aeration with the coarse fraction of separated cow manure, in order to enrich both its nutrients content and microbial population. Thermophilic conditions prevailed in the pile for 90 days and the compost stabilized and reached ambient temperature 110 days from start. The physical characteristics of the resulted compost were comparable to that of peat. Nutrient content was high and salinity was relatively low. No phytotoxicity was found in the compost extract, based on the cress germination test. Tomato plants grown in compost showed enhanced development as compared to peat. The number of surviving FOM spores incubated in the compost declined faster then in peat. Fusarium infested melon plants survived much better if planted in the licorice compost, as compared to peat. It is concluded that licorice compost can serve as a peat substitute with preferable qualities.     

Physical Characteristics of Miscanthus Composts Compared to Peat and Wood Fiber Growth Substrates

The physical parameters of four different Elephant grass “Miscanthus ogiformis” ‘Giganteus’ composts and four of the most used types of peat products in Denmark, along with a wood fiber growing medium (Culti), were compared to determine possible physical differences, and to test whether compost could be used as an alternative substrate to peat. The Miscanthus straw was composted with three different N sources: ammonium sulfate, liquid pig manure and urea plus tap water (as a control). Compared to peats, the composts tested had low total bulk density, high air-filled porosity and a high diffusion coefficient of oxygen. None of the 9 products tested had the optimum levels of all the different physical parameters. Mixing the tested compost and peat will possibly increase the air-filled porosity of the substrates compared to pure peat, and brings the substrates physical parameters closer to the ideal recommended range. These compost media require further investigation before they can be used directly as an alternative to peat in greenhouse production.     

Growth of Ornamental Plants in Container Media Amended with Biosolids Compost

The use of biosolids compost, in the formulation of media used in the commercial production of container grown nursery crops, has been slow in the Northeast region of the United States. When biosolids compost is used in growing media, it is limited to small percentages. Regulations in Connecticut restrict the use of most biosolids compost to growing media for containerized ornamental plants and landfill cover. Information on the benefits of using biosolids compost, to grow a wide range of plant species in containers, could increase usage by nurseries. Seven species of flowering annuals, nine species of herbaceous perennials and eight species of woody ornamentals were grown in media containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 percent (by volume) biosolids compost, in combination with a mixture of bark, peat and sand. Biosolids compost came from the Metropolitan District Corporation (MDC) facility in Hartford, Connecticut. It was a mixture of wood chips and digested biosolids (3:1 by volume). Optimal plant growth generally occurred in media containing 50 and 100 percent compost. Plants growing in media high in compost were often somewhat stunted and chlorotic for several weeks after planting probably due to higher levels of salinity and ammonium nitrogen in their media. However, by the middle of the growing season these plants had recovered and at season's end, they were often superior to plants grown in media with less compost. Increasing proportions of compost generally increased the amounts of plant nutrients and heavy metals in media while decreasing air filled pore space. All heavy metal concentrations were below levels of concern.     

Interaction between a fungal plant disease,fungivorous nematodes and compost suppressiveness

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that the fungivorous nematodes Aphelenchoides spp. and Aphelenchus avenae can suppress damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani in cauliflower seedlings, and enhance the disease-suppressive effect of compost. In greenhouse experiments, we used two different composts mixed with peat (20% + 80%) and pure peat as growth substrates in growing pots. In each substrate, treatments were: (A) with R. solani and nematodes, (B) with R. solani, (C) with nematodes, (D) control without R. solani or nematodes. Treatment effects were measured as percentage of healthy seedlings 7, 10 and 14 days after start of the experiment. We conducted two different experiments with the treatments A–D; one with Aphelenchoides spp. and one with Aphelenchus avenae. Aphelenchoides spp.+R. solani (treatment A) had 85% healthy plants (= control without addition of fungi (D)) compared with 45% in R. solani without nematodes (B). Aphelenchus avenae suppressed damping-off significantly in all substrates, from almost 100% dead plants in peat with R. solani to 65% healthy plants in R. solani+A. avenae. One compost mixture had an intrinsic suppressive effect on damping-off, while plant health in the other compost mixture was not better than in 100% peat as growing substrate. There were no additive suppressive effects (enhancement) between nematode effects and the suppressive compost. The results demonstrate the ability of fungivorous nematodes to suppress plant diseases. The effects of fungivorous nematodes in combination with compost and other control measures on disease suppression need further attention. The usefulness of fungivorous nematodes in agriculture and horticulture is discussed.     

Characterization and Evaluation of Compost Utilized as Ornamental Plant Substrate

Two composts produced at different times of the year from garden waste, sewage sludge and wood ash were evaluated for use as ornamental plant substrates. The maturity and lack of phytotoxicity of both composts, as well as the absence of E. coli, were first confirmed by use of laboratory procedures and rapid test kits. A greenhouse experiment was then carried out with two ornamental species, Petunia sp. and Tagetes sp., to evaluate the suitability of the composts as plant substrates. The performance of the composts as well as mixtures of each with 25, 50 and 75% acid peat moss was compared with that of a commercial universal substrate. Addition of the peat to the composts improved some of the physical and chemical properties. However, the results of the pot experiments indicated that under the experimental conditions used, the compost produced from green waste was suitable for use as a plant substrate, without the need for addition of other components; this appears to be an effective way of utilizing the type of urban waste considered in the study.     

Use of Spent Coffee Ground Compost in Peat-Based Growing Media for the Production of Basil and Tomato Potting Plants

A spent coffee ground compost (SCGC) was evaluated as an alternative component of growing media to partially replace commercial peat (CP) and fertilizers in the production of potted plants. Seven mixtures (CP 100% + solid mineral fertilizers, CP 100% + liquid mineral fertilizers, CP 90% + SCGC 10%, CP 80% + SCGC 20%, CP 70% + SCGC 30%, CP 60% + SCGC 40%, and CP 100% without fertilizers) were compared for the production of basil and tomato potted plants. SCGC used in a proportion up to 40% enhanced the general plant stand by affecting the dry weight and the measured foliar parameters. Tomato and basil recorded good growth rates on SCGC-amended media, showing quality indices similar to those obtained under fertilization, evidencing compost plant nutrition provision. SCGC appears to be suitable for application as a partial peat substitute in the production of potted plants.     

Vermicomposting as an Added-Value Post-treatment for Livestock Waste Composts

The aim of this work was to study the effects of vermicomposting on selected properties of composts derived from animal and plant wastes. For this, two different worm beds were established and fed with two composts: C1, made from goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) manure and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) pruning wastes, and C2, made from rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) manure and grass clippings, to study the quality of the final vermicomposts. Physical and chemical properties were determined in the end products. Vermicomposting improved several properties of the composts, increasing their total water-holding capacity (in C1, from 333 to 451 mL/L, and in C2, from 371to 419 mL/L), reducing salinity (in C1, from 6.8 to 2.4 dS/m, and in C2, from 10.3 to 4.6 dS/m), and balancing pH in the final composts obtained, especially in C1 (from 8.57 to 8.02). The type of raw material used in the worm beds significantly influenced the final characteristics of the end products obtained and the development of the process, with more favorable results being obtained with the compost derived from rabbit manure and grass clippings (C2).     

Nutrient‐rich compost versus nutrient‐poor vermicompost as growth media for ornamental‐plant production

A comparative study on the suitability of one compost and two vermicomposts, obtained from the same batch of tomato‐crop waste, as growth media for ornamental plant production was carried out. Each material was mixed with Sphagnum peat at 100 : 0, 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75, and 0 : 100 (peat control) proportions by volume. Two ornamentals (Calendula officinalis, Viola cornuta) were sown and grown in the 13 substrates. Substrates were characterized physically and chemically. Seed germination, total leaf chlorophyll (SPAD units), plant growth, and plant nutrient concentrations were determined. The compost and the vermicomposts were markedly different from peat. Compost and the vermicomposts had greater bulk density and lower total porosity than peat. Compost had larger aeration and lower water‐holding capacity than vermicomposts and peat. Compost and vermicomposts were alkaline (pH = 8.8 on average) whilst peat was acidic (pH = 5.9). Electrical conductivity was low in peat (0.23 dS m^–1) and vermicomposts (0.65 dS m^–1), and high in compost (2.85 dS m^–1) due to the high concentrations of K⁺ and SO$ _4^{2-} $ . Mixing compost and vermicomposts with peat produced substrates with intermediate characteristics. Physical properties were within adequate range for all mixes except for the compost ones. pH was within adequate range only in pure peat, and salinity was extremely high in the compost mixes. Compost was phytotoxic, as shown by the strong reduction of seed germination, chlorophyll content, and plant growth of both ornamentals. Vermicomposts did not affect seed germination but reduced plant growth, though much less than compost. Mixing these materials with peat improved germination and growth. The diluted materials (compost at the 25 : 75 and vermicomposts at the 50 : 50 and 25 : 75 proportions) produced good‐quality plants.     

Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Organic Seedling Production: The Role of Compost,Cultivar, and Protein Hydrolyzate

In the past decade, the increasing environmental concerns regarding the use of non-renewable resources, such as peat, for growing media production has led to a search for alternative materials as substrate components. Until now, compost represents the most investigated one. Despite the critical aspects related to compost use (i.e., its high pH, salinity, and potential content of toxic elements), partial peat substitution with this material represents an achievable objective. In this study, green compost was evaluated as a component of peat substrates for organic sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedling production. Three compost rates (CR) were compared: 0 (peat without compost), 30, and 60% of compost v/v. Two pepper cultivars, one derived from a local (medium-Adriatic) germplasm (L) and a commercial hybrid (H), were tested. Furthermore, organic fertilizers based on hydrolyzed proteins, of animal (A) and vegetal (V) origin, were compared. Substrates were analyzed for characterization (pH, EC, nutrient contents, heavy metals). Seedling performances were evaluated in terms of size, biomass, nutrient uptake, and toxic element contents. Indices able to assess seedling resistance to transplant stress were also calculated. Results showed that CR60 treatment was able to produce seedlings with the same biomass of control. CR30, instead, assured the same chance to resist the transplanting stress of CR0. The performances of fertilizer A were significantly higher than those of fertilizer V. Local germplasm (L) showed the highest resistance to transplant stress, while H was more performing in nitrogen uptake. The risk of seedling contamination by toxic elements resulted negligible.     

牛粪好氧和蚯蚓堆肥腐熟料成型基质块制备及育苗试验

为优化蔬菜育苗成型基质的配方,提高成型基质蔬菜育苗效果,分别以牛粪好氧堆肥腐熟料和牛粪蚯蚓堆肥腐熟料为主料,草炭为辅料,吸水树脂为膨胀剂,木醋液为调节剂,黄瓜为指示植物,研究不同配方对成型基质块成型及育苗效果的影响,并对各目标指标进行综合评价,以确定较佳的成型育苗基质配方。试验结果表明:牛粪好氧堆肥腐熟料制成的成型基质块在膨胀性能、抗跌碎性及育苗期间破损情况优于牛粪蚯蚓堆肥腐熟料制成的成型基质块,但其p H值、EC值较高,使其存活率和茎粗株高等育苗特性与牛粪蚯蚓堆肥腐熟料相比较差。2种腐熟料基质配方可采取不同的调节方法改善其特性,蚯蚓堆肥腐熟料中添加适量秸秆类纤维状物质可以减小其成型基质块的跌碎率和破损率,牛粪好氧堆肥腐熟料中添加硫磺粉可以调节p H值。从基质块质量综合指数来看,既适合成型又有利于育苗效果的配方为:腐熟料和辅料的体积比为3:2~4:3;成型基质块中膨胀剂的含量以该试验中最小添加量27 m L左右最为合适,与总物料(腐熟料和辅料混合后的物料)的比值为5.5 m L/L;木醋液在2种腐熟料中的添加量不同,在牛粪好氧腐熟料中,木醋液添加量约为8.5 m L/L,而牛粪蚯蚓腐熟料中则为18 m L/L,此时两种腐熟料成型基质块的跌碎率均小于5%,破损率均小于20%和小于40%,幼苗存活率分别大于40%和大于70%,全株干质量全部大于100 mg。该研究结果可为蔬菜有机栽培成型基质的开发及其品质改善提供理论依据,具有重要意义。     

Tomato seedling development is improved by a substrate inoculated with a combination of rhizobacteria and fungi

Chile's seedling production industry has been growing for the last 10 years, and demand has actually reached 1250 million seedlings per year. This system has special relevance due to the high cost of seeds. In addition, there is an increasing demand for substituting synthetic agrochemicals. Therefore, the potential use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in tomato production has been investigated. Before sowing, the micro-organisms provided by Biogram S.A. were inoculated into the substrate diluted in 250 mL/L unchlorinated water. The experiment was laid out in a ‘split-plot’ design with the two plant substrates as main plots and the inoculants as subplots, including six replicates per treatment. Tomato seedlings were grown using two different plant substrates: a mixture of 70% peat and 30% perlite by volume, and a substrate with 20% peat, 20% perlite and 60% compost by volume, both inoculated with Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas fluorescens or Bioroot®, which is a commercial product containing B. subtilis, P. fluorescens, Trichoderma harzianum, yeast, algae and Nocardia. For control, uninoculated tomato seedlings were grown on the respective plant substrates. Variance analysis did not identify significant interactions between substrate type (main plots) and inoculation treatment (subplots), P ≤ 0.05. There were significant differences between inoculants (P ≤ 0.05). Means were compared by using the Tukey's multiple range test. Tomato growth in terms of leaf area (cm²/plant) and shoot and root dry weight (g/10 plants) was improved for the seedlings grown on the substrate with 70% peat and 30% perlite, compared to the compost containing an alternative that is valid for both uninoculated perlite peat and all inoculated treatments where perlite peat was outstanding. Inoculation with Bioroot® improved the leaf area, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, radical contact area, volume of roots and root forks compared with the control without inoculation, when both plant substrates were analysed together. Thus, inoculation with Bioroot® can be recommended as an alternative to tomato seedling growers' dependence on synthetic agrochemicals.     

Growth of Hedera helix L. Container Plants in Compost Substrates Made with Miscanthus ogiformis Honda Straw and Various N-Sources

Ammonium sulfate or urea were added as N-source to shredded straw of Miscanthus ogiformis ‘Giganteus’ and water was included as control. The combined materials were composted for seven months, and the resulting composts were tested as growth substrates for nursery container plants and compared with fertilized and unfertilized peat substrates. The pH was below recommended level for the compost substrate made with ammonium sulfate and for the unfertilized peat substrate throughout the experiment. Electrical conductivity and concentrations of most nutrients were low and decreased throughout the experiment for all growth substrates. Shrinking of the growth substrates after 4, 12 or 17 months was larger for compost substrates than for peat substrates. Bulk density increased in compost substrates and decreased in peat substrates, while the total loss of C was greater in compost substrates than in peat. Water retention was lower and air volume greater for compost substrate made with ammonium sulfate than for fertilized peat. Algae and mosses did not occur on Miscanthus compost growth substrates in contrast to peat substrates. The shoot length and dry matter of Hedera helix, produced after four and 12 months of growth, and five months following cut back, showed that plants can grow well in compost substrates made of Miscanthus straw and ammonium sulfate or urea. However, the compost substrates could not fully substitute for fertilized or unfertilized peat substrate with respect to dry matter production.     

Use of Acacia Waste Compost as an Alternative Component for Horticultural Substrates

The rising cost of peat and pine bark has boosted the demand for alternative organic materials for container growing media. Here, composts of invasive acacia (Acacia longifolia and Acacia melanoxylon) residues were evaluated as alternative organic materials for horticultural substrates. Compost bulk density was less than 0.4 g cm^?3 and total pore space was more than 85 percent of the total volume, as established for an ideal substrate. The matured acacia compost air capacity, easily available water, buffering capacity, and total water-holding capacity were also within acceptable recommended values. With increased composting time the physical characteristics of the composts were improved, but the same was not true for chemical characteristics such as pH and electrical conductivity. The replacement of pine bark compost by acacia compost in a commercial substrate did not negatively affect either lettuce emergence or lettuce growth, suggesting that acacia compost can be successfully used as an alternative component for horticultural substrates.     

Utilization of Agricultural Waste Compost as an Alternative Potting Media Component with Coir Dust for Leafy Vegetable Ipomoea Acquatica

The aim of this research was to study the potential utilization of an alternative potting media developed from agricultural waste compost in combination with coir dust on the growth and development of leafy vegetable Ipomoea aquatica (L). Agricultural waste compost was prepared from poultry litter, sawdust, rice straw, gliricidia, and cow dung. Seven different potting media were prepared by mixing compost at the rates of 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% with coir dust at the rate of 100%, 90%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0%, respectively. Developed potting media showed adequate physical and chemical properties for Ipomea aquatica cultivation. Crop yield showed significant differences among all treatments and treatment with 100% compost gave the best growth and yield parameters. The highest plant height, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight obtained from the 100% compost were increased by 2.70, 18.07, and 18.02 times in comparison to the 100% coir with chemical fertilizer control.     

三种堆肥对番茄生长及青枯病防治效果的影响

合理施用堆肥能够有效地改善植物的生长条件和土壤的生态环境,从而提高植物对病害的抗性。通过盆栽试验,研究了药渣、 污泥和猪粪三种堆肥以不同比例与泥炭混合对番茄植株生长和番茄青枯病防治的影响。结果表明: 三种不同堆肥均能促进番茄植株生长,其中猪粪堆肥对番茄生长的促进效果最显著,当泥炭与猪粪的混合比例为3∶1时效果最好,当收获番茄植株时,其鲜重和干重较泥炭基础基质处理分别提高了29.8%和41.2%,污泥堆肥次之,药渣堆肥最差; 三种不同堆肥都能抑制青枯病的发生,药渣堆肥对番茄青枯病的抑制效果最明显,当泥炭与药渣的混合比例为4∶1时效果最好,在番茄植株移栽33d 时,其病情指数较泥炭基础基质降低了66.7%,污泥堆肥次之,猪粪堆肥最差。添加不同堆肥使得盆栽基质的理化性质、 酶活性和可培养微生物的数量发生了不同的变化,推测可能是上述因素的变化使其对番茄的生长和青枯病的防治效果产生了明显的差异。