Release Kinetics of Some Nutrients from a Sandy Loam Soil Treated with Different Organic Amendments

ABSTRACT

An incubation study was undertaken to examine the periodic release of some macronutrients and micronutrients in a sandy loam treated with different organic amendments (farmyard manure, mushroom compost, poultry manure, vermicompost, biogas slurry, and biochar of Lantana weed) added @ 15 t ha^?1 for 120 d through entrapment of released nutrients on ion exchange resins. Among organic amendments, the highest total contents were recorded for Ca, Mg, and S in farmyard manure, for K, Fe, and Mn in mushroom compost, for P, Zn, and Cu in biogas slurry, for B in biochar. The highest average release was recorded for P, Zn, Mn, and B from poultry manure, for Cu from biogas slurry, for Fe from vermicompost, for Ca, Mg, and S from mushroom compost, and for K from farmyard manure. The kinetics of mineralization and release of these nutrients conformed well to the zero-order kinetics and also to a power function equation. The initial release amount and release rate coefficient estimated by the power function equations were correlated significantly to the general properties of organic amendments and also to the type of C species present in organic amendment. Organic amendments having relatively higher content of water soluble C or fulvic or humic acids are likely to release nutrients through an early mineralization/solubilization from soil reserve.     

不同配比醋糟有机基质氮素有效性与黄瓜生长的关系

研究了醋糟与牛粪和菇渣不同体积配比(纯醋糟C,醋糟+菇渣CG,醋糟+牛粪CN和醋糟+菇渣+牛粪CGN)基质中氮素有效性及其与黄瓜生长发育的关系。结果表明:(1)纯醋糟基质全氮与有效氮含量较高,添加菇渣和牛粪后均有所下降。(2)随黄瓜的生长,纯醋糟基质全氮含量一直呈下降趋势,而添加菇渣和牛粪处理则表现为前期下降后期上升的变化过程。(3)不同醋糟配比基质有效氮均以硝态氮为主,随黄瓜的生长,除纯醋糟基质硝态氮含量表现为前期迅速、而中后期缓慢的下降趋势外,其它添加菇渣和牛粪处理均表现为不同幅度的先增高后降低的波浪式变化。基质全氮和硝态氮含量变化存在极显著的正相关关系。(4)从不同醋糟基质黄瓜的生长状况来看,以纯醋糟和醋糟添加牛粪的处理较好。     

Suppression of Strawberry Root Disease with Animal Manure Composts

Compost has been suggested as a nonchemical alternative to methyl bromide (MeBr) for control of root diseases. Its widespread availability and soil improvement properties are appealing to growers, but they need information on its use and effectiveness relative to the control of economically important root diseases in specific crops. Here, we report results from controlled-environment pot studies on the effects of manure composts on two major soilborne diseases of strawberry: red stele (RS) caused by Phythophthora fragariae, and black root rot (BRR), caused by a complex of fungi. Commercially available, on-farm-produced composts, based on either poultry/steer or dairy manure, were incorporated into two different, naturally infested soils at 5, 10, and 20% rates (v/v). Results show that significant control (36-79%) of RS in susceptible cultivar ‘Chandler’ occurred at all rates and with both types of compost in comparison with the unamended soil. Low rates (5%) of poultry/steer manure compost produced more disease control than equivalent or greater rates (10% and 20%) of dairy manure compost. However, the 20% rate had significantly greater soluble salts content than all other rates. At this 20% rate, root/shoot biomass accumulation and shoot health ratings were relatively low and equivalent to those from unamended soil, despite the improved content of soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and soil micronutrient content. The 5% amendment rate of poultry/steer manure compost provided more control than the 10% or 20% rates and more than the 5-20% rates of dairy manure compost. Soluble salts content in amended soils was significantly greater than in unamended soils, especially at 20% rates of poultry/steer compost. Leaf N from all treatments was deficient despite additional weekly supplemental fertilization. This deficiency coupled with increased soluble salt content at 20% poultry/steer compost amendments likely contributed to reduced root/shoot biomass accumulation and overall reduced plant vigor, thus increasing plant susceptibility to disease. In contrast to RS, BRR in all compost treatments was moderate in intensity and equivalent to the unamended soil, with slight but insignificant control at 5 and 10% rates of poultry/steer compost. Overall effects of the two manure compost amendments on BRR were inconclusive because no treatments, including the soil only, exhibited roots with extensive disease symptoms, despite cultural evidence of BRR pathogen colonization, especially by Rhizoctonia fragariae, during the course of this pot study. Effects of compost on appearance of BRR in strawberry should be pursued over a significantly longer time period than used here, possibly in field plots located on naturally infested soils subject to environmental stressors and seasonally realistic fertilization rates, because major BRR symptoms do not appear in the short-term even when fungal pathogens are present in the root.     

膨润土改善鸡粪厌氧消化产酸产甲烷特性

为探究膨润土对鸡粪厌氧消化过程中产甲烷特性和可溶性有机酸代谢特性的影响,采用L8(23)正交试验设计,以鸡粪添加量(有机负荷率)、膨润土添加量和接种量为三因素,每个因素设置2个水平,研究了中温条件下(35±1)℃膨润土添加对鸡粪厌氧消化过程中产酸和产甲烷特性的影响。结果表明:与对照组相比,低有机负荷条件下,膨润土添加能显著(P0.05)提高鸡粪挥发性固体(volatile solid,VS)产甲烷量,添加量为3.0%和1.5%时VS产甲烷量分别提升了22.72%、27.72%(膨润土添加量不同的组差异不显著(P0.05));高有机负荷条件下,膨润土添加能极显著(P0.01)提高鸡粪VS产甲烷量,添加量为3.0%和1.5%时VS产甲烷量分别提升了78.68%和55.41%(膨润土添加量不同的组差异显著(P0.05))。当鸡粪添加量为19.91 g挥发性固体,膨润土添加量为3.0%(占干基比)和接种量为80 m L(体积分数20%)时,单位挥发性固体产甲烷量最高为301.92 m L/g,比对照组高87.8%,此时可变成本也最低为2.43元/m~3,比两对照组分别低1.29和1.68元/m~3。方差分析表明:膨润土添加可提高鸡粪厌氧消化过程中挥发性脂肪酸,pH值,可溶性有机碳和可溶性无机碳的稳定性。膨润土可加强鸡粪厌氧消化系统的稳定性,降低产甲烷的可变成本,为膨润土强化鸡粪厌氧处理提供了试验验证据。     

不同有机堆肥对土壤性状及微生物生物量的影响

研究不同种类有机堆肥对土壤性状及微生物生物量的短期影响。采用盆栽试验的方式,探讨了施用50 g/kg 的啤酒污泥堆肥(BSC)、 牛粪堆肥(DMC)和菇渣堆肥(SMC)对土壤有机质、 氮磷钾含量、 容重、 持水性、 土壤呼吸及微生物生物量碳、 氮、 磷(SMBC、 SMBN、 SMBP)的影响。结果表明, 与对照相比,施用啤酒污泥、 牛粪和菇渣3种有机堆肥后,土壤中有机质、 全氮、 碱解氮、 有效磷、 速效钾含量显著增加,并且显著降低土壤容重和增大土壤孔隙度（P0.05）;经过1周土壤水分的变化,CK处理的土壤水分消耗率分别是BSC、 DMC和SMC处理的1.26、 1.24、 1.14倍;BSC、 DMC和SMC处理显著提高土壤呼吸（P0.05）,半年后分别与CK相比增加了142.17%、 114.30%、 105.39%;施用啤酒污泥、 牛粪和菇渣3种有机堆肥后显著增加SMBC、 SMBN、 SMBP含量（P0.05）,6个月后,SMBC含量分别是CK 的2.35、 1.84、 1.86倍,SMBN含量分别比 CK 高135.44%、 99.16%、 90.82%,SMBP含量分别是CK 的 2.76、 2.19、 2.04倍。啤酒污泥堆肥含有活性小颗粒对土壤性状和微生物生物量的影响最为明显,其次是牛粪堆肥,菇渣堆肥表现最差。     

Alterations in yield,physicochemical components and mineral composition of onion following organic manure and inorganic nitrogen application

Onion is the one of the most important vegetable crops grown extensively throughout the world; hence, understanding the response of the crop to the form and amount of N provided is of immense importance. In a field experiment, poultry and cattle manure (at 10?t/ha) were compared with four inorganic nitrogen (N) application levels (0, 60, 90 and 120?kg?N/ha), and six combinations of manure and N applications were investigated. Plant growth and total yield (kg/ha) significantly increased, when N application increased from 0 to 120?kg/ha, with or without added poultry manure. Plant height, leaf number and neck thickness were significantly reduced at 0?kg/ha?N plus cattle manure. The bulb ascorbic acid concentration significantly increased with the use of poultry manure (15.94?mg/100?g) and cattle manure (15.94?mg/100?g), compared with 120?kg/ha inorganic N (11.42?mg/100?g). No significant effects were observed on total phenolics and total soluble solids of onion bulbs following the different fertiliser treatments. Cattle manure increased P and K concentrations, whilst poultry manure significantly increased Zn and Fe concentrations in onion bulbs. Onion bulb Ca and Mg concentrations were lower when cattle manure (0.19% and 0.12%) was used than when other organic or inorganic fertilisers were used. Therefore, organic manure increases the concentrations of certain minerals in onions, compared with inorganic N application, without negatively affecting bulb size.     

Effects of cover crops,compost, and manure amendments on soil microbial community structure in tomato production systems

Soil microbial community structure and crop yield was investigated in field tomato production systems that compared black polyethylene mulch to hairy vetch mulch and inorganic N to organic N. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) hairy vetch cover cropping increases crop yield and significantly affects soil microbial community structure when compared to the standard plastic mulch and synthetic fertilizer-based system; (2) within plastic mulch systems, organic amendments will increase crop yield and significantly affect soil microbial community structure when compared to synthetic fertilizer; (3) crop yields and microbial community structure will be similar in the hairy vetch cover cropping and the organic amended plasticulture systems. Treatments consisted of ammonium nitrate (control), hairy vetch cover crop, hairy vetch cover crop and poultry manure compost (10 Mg/ha), three levels of poultry manure compost (5, 10, and 20 Mg/ha), and two levels of poultry manure (2.5 and 5 Mg/ha). Black polyethylene mulch was used in all treatments without hairy vetch. Fatty acid analysis was used to characterize the total soil microbial community structure, while two substrate utilization assays were used to investigate the community structure of culturable bacteria and fungi. Crop yield was not significantly increased by hairy vetch cover cropping when compared to black polyethylene mulch, although microbial community structure was significantly affected by cover cropping. Under black polyethylene mulch, crop yields were significantly increased by the highest levels of compost and manure when compared to inorganic fertilizer, but there was no detectable effect on soil microbial community structure. When cover cropping was compared to organic amended plasticulture systems, crop yields were similar one year but dissimilar the next. However, hairy vetch cover cropping and organic amendments under black plastic mulch produced significantly different soil microbial community structure.     

Comparative Effectiveness of Organic-Based Fertilizer To Mineral Fertilizer on Tomato Growth and Fruit Yield

The effect of three different organic based fertilizers (OBF) was compared to conventional chemical fertilizer on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). The OBF is composted plant material fortified with poultry manure. The compost used was made from Maize (MP), guinea grass (GP) and cowpea (CP) stovers in combination with poultry manure in ratio 3:1 by weight. Two rates of each compost type (4t/ha, and 2t/ha + 30kgN/ha), the recommended rate of mineral fertilizer (i.e. 60kg N/ha) and nonfertilizer control plants constituted the treatments. Chemical analysis of the matured composts showed that CP compost produced the highest N while MP compost gave the best P, K, Ca and Mg. Compost type significantly influenced growth and yield characteristics with MP compost either at 4t/ha or 2t/ha + 30kgNha consistently producing the best results with significantly higher marketable fruit yield than the nonfertilized plants. The OBF was highly effective on crop performance and was favorably comparable with the chemical fertilizer. Irrespective of the compost type, OBF significantly increased dry matter and fresh fruit yield by 29.6% and 36.3% respectively and was well compared with applying 60kgN/ha in form of chemical fertilizer. Hence, the idea of OBF is a worthwhile venture in boosting agricultural production in Nigeria.     

Identification of Bacteria in Mushroom Compost Using Ribosomal RNA Sequence

Microorganisms in mushroom substrate play important roles in commercial mushroom production. We have initiated the characterization of microorganisms in Phase II compost using sequences of genes encoding small subunit ribosomal RNA (rDNA). A specific area of rDNA was amplified from individually cultured organisms as well as from total DNA extracted from the compost sample by polymerase chain reaction. Thirteen rDNA fragments sequenced in this study corresponded to 12 different strains representing three divisions of bacteria. All of these strains, except Bacillus licheniformis, have not previously been identified through rDNA sequencing, suggesting that mushroom compost contains many novel organisms.     

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。     

A Comparison of Static Pile and Turned Windrow Methods for Poultry Litter Compost Production

Alternate technologies of compost manufactured from poultry litter (manure) were studied as a means of producing a value-added product for the landscape and nursery industry. Static pile and turned windrow technologies were investigated on a commercial scale with the composting of nearly 300 tons of material. The major difference between the technologies is the amount of energy and labor required. Static pile systems require less energy but more time than windrow turned systems. There was no process advantage found for passively aerated static piles over static piles but costs of passive aeration for pipes and labor were higher than for static piles. Machine turned windrows completed active temperature production within 100 days while portions of both the static and passively aerated piles continued to actively compost past 300 days. Process operational costs and compost quality were similar among the compost methods studied. Production operational cost is driven by the cost of compost ingredients and accounted for 60 to 70% of the cost in the pilot study. Ingredients were poultry litter, wood chips and sawdust. Screened compost was produced at an operational cost of $30 while unscreened compost could be produced for $20 per ton of compost. A production scheme where poultry litter is static pile composted on farms for later transport to regional processing centers appears feasible. This two-part composting procedure will eliminate the transport of raw litter and improve poultry biosecurity. Most likely, a private compost business would provide the expertise, on-farm compost procedures and operate the regional facility.     

碳氮比对鸡粪堆肥腐熟度和臭气排放的影响

为确定鸡粪堆肥最优碳氮比（C/N比）,该研究以新鲜鸡粪为堆肥原料,添加玉米秸秆调节初始C/N比为14、18和22进行好氧堆肥,研究不同C/N比对鸡粪堆肥腐熟度和臭气排放（NH3和H2S）的影响。结果表明：C/N比为14的处理堆肥产品未腐熟,C/N比为18和22的处理均达到腐熟。C/N比为18的处理NH3累积排放量和总氮（TN）损失率最高;C/N比为18～22时,C/N比越高,NH3累积排放量和TN损失率越低。C/N比为14的处理H2S累积排放量和总硫（TS）损失率最高;C/N比为18和22的两个处理,H2S累积排放量显著降低,且无显著差异。此外,C/N比为18处理的微生物群落多样性在整个堆肥过程中显著高于C/N比为14和22处理。堆肥的理化指标、臭气排放与微生物群落之间的相关性分析表明,高温、高pH和缺氧环境会增加Firmicutes丰度,进而促进NH3和H2S的排放,相反地,低温、低pH和氧气充足的环境更有利于Actinobacteria增殖,有利于减少NH3和H2S的排放。综合考虑堆肥产品腐熟度和臭气减排效果,建议低C/N比鸡粪堆肥的初始C/N比为18～22。当秸秆资源不足时,建议初始C/N比为18;秸秆资源充足时,建议初始C/N比为22。     

有机辅料对猪粪堆肥中氨气挥发的抑制效应及其影响因素分析

选取稻草、油菜秸秆和食用菌渣作为猪粪堆肥的有机辅料,研究三种堆肥体系中氨气挥发释放规律及其影响因素。结果表明,经过65 d的堆腐,稻草－猪粪、油菜秸秆－猪粪和菌渣－猪粪堆肥氨气挥发量分别为5.084、6.483和3.013 g/kg,是对照（纯猪粪）处理（7.836g/kg）的64.88%、82.74%和38.45%。从氨气的释放量和释放速率看,菌渣是一种较好的有机辅料。从氨气释放的时间变化特征看,稻草对猪粪堆肥氨气排放高峰期影响最为明显,主要表现为氨气前期猛烈释放且持续时间短,是猪粪快速腐熟技术优选的高效有机辅料。堆腐完成后,三种有机辅料均能减少水溶性NH4+-N的累积,增加水溶性NO3--N的含量,引起pH和EC值下降,提高堆肥全氮含量,促进堆肥有机物和粗纤维的降解,且以稻草和菌渣处理效果最为显著。     

Effects of Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC) as an Ingredient in Phase I Compost on Production of Agaricus bisporus

Experiments were performed to determine the effect of using 20% spent mushroom compost (SMC) as an ingredient in phase I compost on mushroom yield. Yields from compost prepared with two 20% SMC formulations (80Ctl, 80LC) were compared to a standard control (Ctl) containing no SMC. The 80LC compost was formulated with a higher level of lignocellulose raw materials, including corn stover, corncobs, cottonseed hulls, and wheat straw. The 80Ctl compost contained 20% SMC plus the same raw materials used to prepare Ctl compost. Yields of 80LC matched or exceeded yields of the Ctl compost in all three crops while yields of 80Ctl were significantly lower. As an additional factor, lignocellulose supplements were added at spawning and were a significant factor in increasing mushroom yields, although not superior to a standard commercial supplement applied at 3.7% (dry compost weight). Compost bulk density was significantly higher (19–20%) in compost formulations containing 20% SMC compared to the non-SMC Ctl. Populations of four prominent phyla of bacteria (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi), as determined by pyrosequence analysis, were similar in both compost types and did not appear to influence mushroom yield.     

蛋鸡舍臭气组成及不同管理措施对臭气特性的影响

随着中国蛋鸡养殖规模化的快速发展,蛋鸡场排出的臭气已成为影响周边环境质量的重要因素,但有限的关于蛋鸡舍臭气特性的研究严重制约着臭气污染程度的量化和除臭措施的制定,因此该研究通过对2种不同类型蛋鸡舍（商品蛋鸡舍和种用蛋鸡舍）的臭气进行综合分析,以探究不同管理措施（无管理操作、喂料、喷雾消毒、清粪）对臭气组成及其对臭气贡献率的影响。结果表明,2种类型蛋鸡舍的臭气组成和浓度相似,蛋鸡舍内臭气成分的浓度从高到低为NH3、挥发性脂肪酸（Volatile Fatty Acids,VFA）、挥发性含硫化合物（Volatile Sulfur Compounds,VSC）、酚类、吲哚类和胺类,对臭味贡献率从大到小为吲哚类、酚类、VSC、VFA、胺类和NH3。无管理操作和喂料过程中臭气组成和浓度相似,饲料的味道对蛋鸡舍臭气浓度影响较小。喷雾消毒和清粪过程中NH3、吲哚类和臭气浓度均显著增加（P<0.05）。此外,粪污在清粪带滞留期间,NH3浓度增加了6倍,胺类、VSC、吲哚类、酚类和VFA的浓度相对稳定。除NH3以外的其他成分主要来自肠道微生物的降解,对臭气贡献率高达99.99%,是臭味的主要来源。     

Municipal Waste and Poultry Manure Compost Affect Biomass Production,Nitrate Reductase Activity and Heavy Metals in Tomato Plants

Organic wastes can be usefully recovered to produce organic amendments, for example, compost, to be used for crop production, thus reducing impacts through efficient waste management. The aim of this work was to study the effects of compost obtained from municipal waste in combination with poultry manure on plant growth, nitrate reductase (NR) activity and absorption and distribution of heavy metals (HM) in plant tissues of tomatoes, grown in pots in greenhouses. Two compost types obtained from municipal waste mixed with poultry manure (C1?=?3:2 and C2?=?2:3) were used at two different ages (105 d and 173 d) and at two mix rates with soil (32.5?g pot^?1 and 65?g pot^?1); soil with no compost amendment was used as control. The experiment was conducted using tomato plants in pots and plant growth and nutrient plant uptake was determined after 65?days from plant transplanting. Results obtained indicated that compost type and compost rate affected biomass production. However, compost age did not influence the development of plants. Nutrient status of tomato plants was also investigated with reference to the N cycle. Nitrite accumulation in the leaves increased with the increase in compost doses. The accumulation of NO₂^? was associated with a significant increase in NR activity. HM content in leaves decreased with compost use. HM accumulated preferentially in roots and leaves and the soil to root metals transfer was in this order: Fe (1.08–2.14)> Co (0.53–4.10)>Cu (0.28–2.28) >Mn (0.3–1.34) >Zn (0.87–1.21)>Cr (0.12–1.64). The highest and lowest dynamic bioaccumulation factors (BAF_dyn) were observed in roots and stems, respectively. The root system acted as a barrier for Cd and Pb. It was concluded that compost use is beneficial for tomato plants, with particular reference to the compost obtained by using a higher amount of poultry manure (C2) in the mix.     

Control of Composting Odor Using Biofiltration

While composting transforms manure wastes into useful fertilizer, it also produces odors during the decomposition process. Biofiltration is a desirable method to control composting odor. This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of using compost as a biofilter. A mixture of cattle manure and fresh compost was composted in a bin equipped with a suction-type blower. The exhaust gas was filtered through the biofilter of fresh compost. The composting temperature affected the ammonia emission. When the composting temperature was relatively high, the highest ammonia emission appeared in two experiments. The biofiltering properties were investigated according to flow rates and filter depths for two different types of fresh composts (experiment I and II). At the flow rate of 30 L/min, ammonia removal rate was 80.5% for biofilter A(detention time 56.5 s) and 99.9% for biofilter B (detention time 113 s). At the flow rate of 50 L/min, the ammonia removal rate was 82.5% for biofilter A (detention time 33.9 s) and 97.4% for biofilter B (detention time 67.8). The fresh compost could be used as a biofilter medium for odor control during composting process. The moisture content(MC) of the biofilter material increased by absorbing moisture from the exhaust gas, while the pH was decreased due to the degradation of nitrogenous compounds. As the moisture in the exhaust gas increased the MC of the biofilter, there was no need to spray water to the biofilter medium to control moisture content. While the total nitrogen(T-N) of the biofilter increased by absorbing ammonia, the total carbon (T-C) remained unchanged resulting in decrease of the C/N ratio.     

堆肥作为微生物菌剂载体的研究

以自然风干的堆肥为载体,吸附3株功能芽胞细菌液体菌剂制成不同生物肥料,通过不同时间取样比较堆肥、有机无机肥和生物有机肥以及生物复混肥中功能芽胞细菌和普通微生物数量以及pH等指标变化,探讨堆肥作为载体生产生物肥料的可行性。研究结果表明,经过自然风干的堆肥与蛭石比较,吸附液体微生物菌剂后无论外观、手感还是功能芽胞细菌死亡率,差异均不大。含水量小于15%堆肥吸附液体菌剂比例为6%比较合适,吸附比例高时,生物肥料含水量和pH较高,影响保存效果。生物有机肥和生物复混肥保存6个月时,3株功能芽胞细菌总数分别为0.59×108 CFU.g-1和0.38×108 CFU.g-1,依然可达到农业行业标准要求。生物有机肥中功能芽胞细菌数量最高,生物复混肥集合了三大肥料优点,堆肥中普通微生物数量和多样性最高。完全腐熟的堆肥经过自然风干后可作为微生物菌剂载体。     

Occurrence and survival of coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella in various manure and compost

pp. 865–874
Occurrence and survival of fecal-contamination indicator bacteria (coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella ) in various manure and compost samples collected from 23 composting facilities mostly in Kyushu were investigated by using selective media. Coliform bacteria were detected on desoxycholate agar from 11 (38%) of 29 product samples (15 cow dung manure, 4 poultry manure, 2 biosolid compost and 8 food waste compost) at a range of 10² to 10⁶ cfu g¹ dry matter. From positive samples, 21 isolates of possible coliform bacteria were purified. Among them, species of coliform bacteria ( E. coli , E. vulneria , Pantoea sp. and Buttiauxella agrestis ) were identified whereas isolates of Serratia marcescens , not coliform bacteria, were also obtained, suggesting that careful observation was necessary to avoid false positive counting due to the presence of a red colony of S. marcescens that resembled coliform bacteria. Isolates of E. coli were tested for slide aggregation with a set of antiserum against pathogenic E. coli serotypes and negative reaction was obtained for all the isolates tested. Direct detection of E. coli on Chromocult coliform agar and Salmonella on MLCB agar resulted in none and 2 (17%) of 12 samples tested, respectively. The fate of fecal-contamination indicator bacteria as above was followed during compost production on 7 cases at 6 compost facilities and 4 patterns were observed: fecal-contamination indicator bacteria 1) decreased and finally disappeared, 2) decreased once but re-growth was occurred on products, 3) decreased to some extent but remained in products, 4) was not detected throughout production. These results suggest that some fecal-contamination indicator bacteria may survive compost production and appropriate temperature control would be significant for hygiene control of manure and compost.     

Effective Nutrient Sources for Plant Growth on Bauxite Residue

We conducted a field experiment to evaluate alternatives to poultry manure, the normal fertilizer used for growing dust control crops and native vegetation on bauxite residue sand. We compared plant growth, nutrient uptake and residue properties after applications of poultry manure, compost, composted poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer. The compost used was prepared from green waste treated with piggery waste. Plant growth was poor under the compost and composted poultry manure treatments, which produced 0.69 and 1.11 t ha^{? 1} of above ground biomass, respectively. This compared with 2.43 t ha^{? 1} from the inorganic fertilizer treatment which had a similar biomass to the poultry manure treatment (3.00 t ha^{? 1}). All treatments, including poultry manure, had low foliar concentrations of some nutrients, with low levels of N, P, K, Mg, Cu and Zn found in most treatments. Of the two treatments which gave effective dust control (inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure) the most economical was inorganic fertilizer which cost A$1227 ha^{? 1}. The high application rate of the poultry manure made it the most expensive fertilizer treatment at a cost of A$1650 ha^{? 1}. There appeared to be no long-term benefit of using organic amendments, as organic fertilizers did not improve residue conditions (organic matter content, pH, electrical conductivity, activity of Na⁺ ions) compared with the inorganic fertilizer. It was concluded that inorganic fertilizer could provide a suitable, cost-effective alternative to poultry manure for growth of dust control crops, with further research required to address low levels of some nutrients.