Evolution of Chemical Composition and Microbial Activity during Storage of Compost-Based Mixes

? Horticultural substrates composed of equal parts of peat and compost (v/v) were stored for a period of 24 weeks. The chemical properties and the microbial activity were determined periodically for a wet mix (55% moisture), a dry mix (25% moisture) and a wet mix amended with feather meal. Results showed that electrical conductivity and major nutrients increased with the length of the storage period whereas pH, ammonium and minor elements with the exception of manganese were strongly reduced. The pH and the chemical composition of the dry mix were not affected during storage. Feather meal actively stimulated the microorganisms within few weeks and raised electrical conductivity and nitrates at the end of storage. It was concluded that changes which occurred during storage were related to the microbial activity.