Compost Effects on Soil Physical Properties And Field Nursery Production

Field production of ornamental shrubs often results in significant topsoil removal and degradation of surface soil physical properties. Building soil organic matter through compost amendments is one way to ameliorate effects from topsoil removal in woody ornamentals production. We amended field soils with three composts to evaluate their effects on soil physical properties and shrub biomass production. Specifically, we applied either duck manure-sawdust (DM), potato cull-sawdust-dairy manure (PC) or paper mill sludge-bark (PMB) composts to a Plano silt loam soil using two application methods: 2.5 cm of compost incorporated into the top 15 cm of soil (incorporated-only) or 2.5 cm of compost incorporated plus 2.5 cm of compost applied over the soil surface (mulched). We grew three shrub species from liners: Spirea japonicum ‘Gumball’, Juniper chinensis ‘Pfitzeriana’, and Berberis thunbergia ‘Atropurpurea’. Shrub species and soil amendment treatments were established in triplicate in a randomized split plot design. Total soil carbon (TC), bulk density (ρb), aggregate stability, soil moisture retention capacity (MRC), volumetric moisture content (θ_v), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_sat) were measured over three years (1998 to 2000). We measured above and below ground shrub dry matter production at the end of the first (1998) and second (1999) growing seasons. Mulched treatments resulted in 15%-21% higher TC than the incorporated-only and no-amendment control treatments. Bulk density decreased with increasing TC contents. Greater aggregate stability and the formation of larger aggregates were related to increased TC. Field moisture retention capacity tended to be higher in the incorporated treatments compared to the mulched and nonamended control treatments. Compost amended treatments increased saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_sat) sevenfold over the nonamended control. There were no compost effects on shrub biomass until the second year of growth. Barberry was the only species to respond significantly and positively to compost application. Specifically, mulched DM compost produced 39-42% greater total Barberry biomass than the other compost treatments and the nonamended control. Our findings showed that compost effects on soil physical properties differed among composts and their subsequent effects on shrub growth were species specific.     

Effects of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Soil Properties and Vegetables Growth

ABSTRACT

This work investigates the impact of municipal solid waste compost (MSW-compost) application (0, 50, and 100 t/ha) on the growth, and on nutrient and trace elements content in lettuce and tomato plants grown in large, 40-L pots. Our findings showed inhibition of plants’ growth with increasing dose of MSW-compost, compared to plants receiving conventional fertilization. Growth inhibition was associated with a sharp decrease in soil NO₃–N content. On the other hand, a slower decrease in soil NO₃–N content occurred in non-planted pots amended with MSW-compost. These findings provide evidence that N immobilization and/or decreased N mineralization were responsible for inhibited growth by constraining N availability. With regard to the other macro-nutrients, K, P, Mg, Ca, and Fe, their contents in leaves of both crops were maintained at optimum levels. Higher zinc and copper content was measured in leaves of both crops but they did not exceed the optimum range for growth. No accumulation of trace elements was found in the fruits. The content of heavy metals in the tissues of plants grown in MSW-compost amended soil, remained at levels similar to those of the non-amended soil, suggesting that they do not pose a significant risk either for plant growth or public health. The findings of our study suggest that further emphasis should be given on the investigation of the factors regulating N mineralization and availability in order to avoid reductions in crop yield.     

Modification of Soil Water Retention and Biological Properties by Municipal Solid Waste Compost

A compost originating from the organic fraction of MSW, separately collected, was added to a loamy soil at different application rates. Modifications of soil physical and biological properties were studied after compost addition. Water retention properties, after compost addition to soil, were monitored. Organic carbon mineralization was followed during a six-month incubation. Enzyme activities were assayed immediately after compost addition, as well as after incubation of soil-compost mixtures. These properties provided information about the modification of overall microbiological activity and specific nutrient cycles in the amended soil. Water retention, carbon mineralization and most enzyme activities after incubation were increased by compost incorporation. The additivity or nonadditivity of compost effects on soil properties was discussed.     

Differential Soil Acidity Tolerance of Tropical Legume Cover Crops

In tropical regions, soil acidity and low soil fertility are the most important yield‐limiting factors for sustainable crop production. Using legume cover crops as mulch is an important strategy not only to protect the soil loss from erosion but also to ameliorate soil fertility. Information is limited regarding tolerances of tropical legume cover crops to acid soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the differential tolerance of 14 tropical legume cover crops to soil acidity. The acidity treatments were high (0 g lime kg^?1 soil), medium (3.3 g lime kg^?1 soil), and low (8.3 g lime kg^?1 soil). Shoot dry weight of cover crops were significantly affected by acidity treatments. Maximum shoot dry weight was produced at high acidity. Jack bean, black mucuna, and gray mucuna bean species were most tolerant to soil acidity, whereas Brazilian lucern and tropical kudzu were most susceptible to soil acidity. Overall, optimal soil acidity indices were pH 5.5, hydrogen (H)+ aluminum (Al) 6.8 cmol_c kg^?1, base saturation 25%, and acidity saturation 74.7%. Species with higher seed weight had higher tolerance to soil acidity than those with lower seed weight. Hence, seed weight was associated with acidity tolerance in tropical legume species.     

Organic By-Product Effects on Soil Chemical Properties And Microbial Communities

Soil management practices that contribute to increased soil productivity and longterm sustainable agricultural production have been neglected over the last four decades. The need to increase soil productivity led to the evaluation of a system of disposing of large quantities of organic by-products and poultry litter on agricultural land. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of applying noncomposted municipal solid waste (MSW), amended with either poultry litter (PL) or NH₄NO₃ to adjust C:N ratios in the soil surface in either the spring or fall. Changes in soil chemical properties, bacteria population shifts, changes in species richness and evenness of indigenous soil bacteria, and response by cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were evaluated. Soil P, K, Ca, and Mg were increased in the surface 0–15 cm by a factor of three or four times by application of organic by-products. After two annual applications, soil Cu increased slightly, Zn doubled, Co and Cr decreased, while Pb increased by a factor of two. Soil organic matter content increased on average by 89 percent for treatments containing newsprint, yard trimmings, and cotton gin trash. Newsprint plus NH₄NO₃ resulted in a shift to more Gram positive bacteria, while newsprint plus poultry litter resulted in a shift to more Gram negative bacteria. Both N sources resulted in a reduction in Bacillus sp. Shifts in the bacterial populations and changes in species richness (number of species detected) and evenness (relative abundance of each species) were induced by organic by-product additions. These shifts appear to be the result of increased substrate for C mineralization rather than any properties of biological control. Shifts in the microbial community structure towards Gram negative organisms may benefit plant growth and may be useful as an indicator of soil quality.     

Short-Term Effects of Hazelnut Husk Compost And Organic Amendment Applications On Clay Loam Soil

The experiment was carried on a clay loam soil to examine the short-term effects of hazelnut husk compost (HHC) and organic amendments on selected soil physical properties between 2001 and 2003. The amendments were only applied in 2001. The experimental design was replicated five times as a randomized complete block with four organic amendments: HHC, peat, farmyard manure (FM), chicken manure (CM) and soil (control). Amendments were applied at rates of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 tons ha^?1 (dry weight) replicated. The effect on the soil's physical properties such as bulk density, water retention characteristics, pore ratio, structural stability, and soil organic carbon were determined. All amendments and their rates had a positive effect on the physical properties of the soil. HHC decreased the bulk density of soil. The effect depended on year since application. Moreover, HHC increased soil total porosity, the amount of water held at field capacity and wilting point of soil. The 75 ton ha^?1 application was most effective. Its effects on these soil properties were more obvious at the end of the second year. HHC did not affect macropore/micropore ratio of the soil until the third year, due to an increase in micropore number. Although the effects of the other organic amendments on structural stability of soil were more obvious in the second year, the effect of HHC increased in the third year, due to its high C/N ratio. The 75 ton ha^?1 application of HHC increased the structural stability of the soil the most. HHC had the highest organic carbon content. The effects of HHC on physical productivity of soil generally were clearer at the end of the second year. For this reason, it is recommended that HHC should be reapplied after two years as organic fertilizer. Further studies should be carried out to determine the long-term effects of HHC on physical productivity of soils.     

Changes in Chemical,Physical and Biological Properties Of Passively-Aerated Cocomposted Poultry Litter And Municipal Solid Waste Compost

Cocomposting of poultry litter with municipal solid waste compost (MSW) was evaluated as a means to stabilize nitrogen and phosphorus in poultry litter and to produce a stable organic soil amendment. Four passively aerated compost piles were established by mixing fixed weight ratios of MSW and composted poultry litter (21:1, 6:1, 3:1, 1:1); moisture was adjusted to 50 percent by weight at pile establishment. These ratios represented a range of initial C:N (26-12) and C:P (150-50) ratios. Composting process parameters monitored over eight months included temperature, oxygen and moisture contents, pH, electrical conductivity, C:N:P ratios, microbial respiration and diversity. Initial feedstock ratios had no significant effect on temperature in the thermophilic phase of composting. After one year of composting, microbial respiration in 21:1 and 6:1 mixtures was high relative to 3:1 and 1:1 mixtures suggesting slow maturation in piles with high MSW content. Salmonella sp. and coliform organisms were detectable for up to 47 days. Results suggest that MSW has potential as a carbon feedstock for poultry litter composting when used in moderate amounts.     

Soil Phosphorous Influence on Growth and Nutrition of Tropical Legume Cover Crops in Acidic Soil

In tropical regions, use of cover crops in crop production is an important strategy in maintaining sustainability of cropping systems. Phosphorus (P) deficiency in tropical soils is one of the most yield-limiting factors for successful production of cover crops. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of P on growth and nutrient uptake in 14 tropical cover crops. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol, and P levels used were low (0 mg P kg^?1), medium (100 mg P kg^?1) and high (200 mg P kg^?1). There was a significant influence of P and cover crop treatments on plant growth parameters. Phosphorus X cover crops interaction for shoot dry weight, root dry weight and root length was significant, indicating different responses of cover crops to variable P levels. Based on shoot dry weight efficiency index (SDEI), legume species were classified into efficient, moderately efficient or inefficient groups. Overall, white jack bean, gray mucuna bean, mucuna bean ana and black mucuna bean were most P efficient. Remaining species were inefficient in P utilization. Macro- and micronutrient concentrations (content per unit dry weight of tops) as well as uptakes (concentration x dry weight of tops) were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by P as well as crop species treatments, except magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. The P x crop species interactions were significant for concentration and uptake of all the macro and micronutrients analyzed in the plant tissues, indicating concentrations and uptake of some nutrients increased while others decreased with increasing P levels. Hence, there was an antagonistic as well as synergetic effect of P on uptake of nutrients. However, uptake of all the macro and micronutrients increased with increasing P levels, indicating increase in dry weight of crop species with increasing P levels. Overall, nutrient concentration and uptake in the top of crop species were in the order of nitrogen (N) > potassium (K) > calcium (Ca) > Mg > sulfur (S) > P for macronutrients and iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) for micronutrients. Interspecific differences in shoot and root growth and nutrient uptake were observed at varying soil P levels     

Soil pH Buffering Capacity and Nitrogen Availability Following Compost Application in a Tropical Acid Soil

Tropical acid soils are highly weathered as they exist under tropical environment with high rainfall and temperature throughout the year, which affects nitrogen availability. Soil organic nitrogen is important in estimating soil nitrogen availability. The combined use of urea and compost in this study was carried out to decrease sole dependence on urea, buffer soil acidification, and reduce nitrogen losses through leaching. Thus, soil buffering capacity, incubation, and organic nitrogen fractionation studies were conducted to determine soil buffering capacity, availability of total nitrogen, organic fractions nitrogen, and inorganic nitrogen in soil after 90 days of incubation following compost. Soil pH, buffering capacity, total nitrogen, organic nitrogen fractions, exchangeable ammonium, and available nitrate were higher in all treatments with compost and combined use of urea and compost. Total hydrolyzable nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, (ammonium + amino sugar)-nitrogen, amino sugar-nitrogen, and amino acid-nitrogen were higher in soils with urea and compost suggesting that decomposition of soil organic fractions nitrogen into inorganic nitrogen (ammonium and available nitrate was affected by the addition of urea and compost. Urea can be amended with compost to regulate availability nitrogen in soil for crop use.     

MSW Compost Application on Tomato Crops in Mediterranean Conditions: Effects on Agronomic Performance and Nitrogen Utilization

A two-year field experiment (2001 and 2003) was carried out in a Mediterranean environment to study the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost application compared with mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization on the agronomic performance and N utilization of a tomato crop, in rotation with durum wheat. The research was conducted in the south of Italy where five N treatments and two soil tillage depths (40-45 cm and 10-15 cm) were compared. The N treatments were: MSW compost at 140 kg ha^?1 (Ncom); mineral N fertilizer at 140 kg ha^?1 (Nmin); MSW compost combined with mineral N fertilizer (Nmix) (70 kg ha^?1 as organic N plus 70 kg ha^?1 as mineral N); mineral N fertilizer at 70 kg ha^?1 combined with two applications of foliar fertilizer (Nfito) (3 kg ha^?1 as hydrolyzed proteins), and an untreated control (Contr). During cropping cycles, growth parameters and plant N status (SPAD readings and petiole nitrate content) were determined; at harvest the marketable, overripe, green fruit, total yield, yield components, quality performance, total and fruit N uptake, and N efficiency were recorded. In addition, at the beginning and at the end of the two-year experiment, soil chemical characteristics and mineral N was measured, allowing for the calculation of the mineral N deficit in the soil. The results of this research indicate that the application of MSW compost to tomato plants can serve as a N source in Mediterranean conditions, especially when MSW compost is combined with mineral N fertilizer and deeper soil tillage is applied. In fact, deeper soil tillage increased total yield 7.0 t ha^?1 compared to surface tillage, whereas soil amended with MSW compost increased total yield compared to the untreated control by approximately 6.4% when used alone and 11.1% when combined with mineral N fertilizer. Nitrogen utilization parameters and Harvest Index varied significantly across years and N treatments. Petiole nitrate content and SPAD readings did not vary between Nmin and Nmix treatments, but they were significantly different from the untreated control. This indicates that plant N status was an effective tool to monitor N supply. After the two-year experiment, the Nmix treatment was statistically not significant in total yield (86.1 and 88.2 t ha^?1, respectively), marketable yield (66.9 and 67.7 t ha^?1) and quality compared to the Nmin treatment. Furthermore, the Nmix treatment ensured the least N deficit in the soil, indicating that MSW applications were effectively used as alternative organic supplements. Finally, the results indicated a positive effect of MSW application on organic carbon content in the soil and did not show any significant increase of the heavy metals at the end of the two-year experiment.     

The Effects of Short-Term Compost Application On Soil Chemical Properties and on Nutritional Status of Maize Plant

Compost may improve the soil quality and contribute to C sequestration. The short-term effects of compost application on soil properties of soil cropped with maize are reported here. Soil plots to which mature compost was added (at 50 Mg ha^?1 and 85 Mg ha^?1) were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), nutrients, heavy metals and other soil properties. In addition, maize plants were weighed at the end of the trial and analyzed for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and heavy metals. The results demonstrate that soil amended with compost has an increased TOC content. The increase was proportional to the amount of compost used. At the highest dose used, compost also increased soil N and P content and the pH. Moreover, after compost application, the total heavy metal contents in soils did not increase. There was no difference between the maize yield from compost treated plots and the control plots. However, maize grains were found to be C, N and P enriched due to the increased nutrient status of the amended soil. In conclusion, the addition of mature compost improves soil properties by increasing the soil TOC content and this depends on the characteristics and the amount of compost used.     

Application of High Copper and Zinc Compost and Its Effects on Soil Properties and Growth of Barley

Abstract

A compost of high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content was added to soil, and the growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was evaluated. Four treatments were established, based on the addition of increasing quantities of compost (0, 2, 5, and 10% w/w). Germination, plant growth, biomass production, and element [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), Cu, manganese (Mn), and Zn] contents of soil and barley were determined following a 16‐week growing period. Following harvesting of the barley, analysis of the different mixtures of soil and compost was performed. Micronutrient contents in soils as affected by compost additions were determined with diethylene–triamine–pentaacetic acid (DTPA) (Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn) or ammonium acetate [Ca, Na, Mg, K, cation exchange capacity (CEC)] extractions, and soils levels were compared to plant uptake where appropriate. Increasing rates of compost had no affect on Ca, Mg, or K concentration in barley. Levels of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Na, however, increased with compost application. High correlations were found for DTPA‐extractable Cu and Zn with barley head and shoot content and for Mn‐DTPA and shoot Mn content. Ammonium acetate–extractable Na was highly correlated with Na content in the shoot. High levels of electrical conductivity (EC), Cu, Zn, and Na may limit utilization of the compost.     

Effect of A Waste Stream Component on the Agronomic Properties of Municipal Solid Waste Compost

Managing municipal solid waste (MSW) compost for agricultural use requires an understanding of waste stream components and how they affect the value of the finished product. We evaluated the influence of disposable diaper content in MSW compost because of the recent concern of the environmental impact of this product. To determine the potential effect of disposable diapers on MSW compost, the ‘normal’ concentration of soiled, disposable diapers in a waste stream was raised from 2 percent to 8 percent. Previous observations indicated that the diapers disassociated during in-vessel digestion and most of the components could not be distinguished from the primary compost. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of additional diapers on the agricultural value of mature MSW compost. Loamy sand and silt loam soils were amended with MSW compost at a rate of 20 percent. Comparisons between the two composts and their interactions with soil type were made on the basis of water retention characteristics; germination and emergence of corn, soybean, radish and lettuce; and yield and element uptake by corn and lettuce at two moisture regimes. Differences between the compost amended soils suggested that the primary benefits of additional diapers were increased nutrient availability and soil water retention, and the foremost concerns were excess total soluble salts and boron.     

Light Intensity Effects on Growth and Micronutrient Uptake by Tropical Legume Cover Crops

ABSTRACT

Cover crops are important components of a sustainable crop-production system in plantation crops such as cacao (theobroma cacao), coffee (Coffee arabica), oil palm (Elaeis Spp.), and banana (Musa Spp.). Optimal growth of cover crops in plantation agriculture is determined by adaptability of crop species, light intensity reaching their leaf canopies, and their nutrient-use efficiencies, including those of micronutrients. An experiment was conducted in a climatically controlled growth chamber to evaluate the influence of levels of light intensity on growth and micronutrient [boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)] uptake parameters in legume cover crops. Two photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, 200 and 400 μmol m^?2 s^?1) light treatments were imposed on nine legume species (joint vetch (Aeschynomene americana), sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), Crotalaria rchroleuca, showy crotalaria (crotalaria spectabilis), hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsute L.), lab-lab (Lablab purpureus), sesbania (Sesbania microcarpa), Brazilian stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)). Overall, light intensity significantly affected growth, micronutrient uptake, and use-efficiency ratios; with few exceptions, interactions between cover crop species and PPFD were also significant. Such PPFD × crop species interactions show that the cover crops used in this study differed in growth and nutrient-uptake parameters under the conditions imposed. Sunhemp, cowpea, sesbania, and lab-lab species were superior in producing shoot dry weight and in nutrient accumulation compared with other species at lower as well as at higher PPFD levels. Interspecific differences in nutrient influx and transport were observed. Influx and transport of micronutrients was in the order Mn > B > Fe > Zn > Cu. Overall, growth, nutrient uptake, and use-efficiency ratios were higher at higher PPFD than at lower PPFD. Results of this study indicate that the use of proper crop species at adequate light intensities is an important component of successful cultivation of cover crops in plantation agriculture.     

Effects of Cover Crops on Soil Quality: Selected Chemical and Biological Parameters

Cover crops improve soil quality properties and thus land productivity. We compared soil chemical and biological changes influenced by hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) and cereal rye (Secale cereal) cover crops grown in Menfro silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludalfs), Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Vertic Epiaqualfs), or sand in the greenhouse. Cover crop biomass, soil β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase activities, and soil chemical properties were measured at six, nine, and twelve weeks after planting. Cover crop biomass increased with highest (p < 0.0001) yields for hairy vetch and cereal rye in Menfro and Mexico soils, respectively. β-glucosaminidase, FDA, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and total phosphorus (P) contents significantly decreased in all soils for both cover crops. However, β-glucosidase activity significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Long-term field studies are needed to evaluate soil quality improvement under cover crops, especially for soils with marginal organic matter and fertility.     

厚垫料肉鸡粪改良滨海盐土的研究

经过３年施用厚垫料肉鸡粪改良滨海盐土的试验结果表明，此项措施能明显提高土壤有机质和养分含量，改善理化性状，提高脱盐、抑盐能力，提高　土壤肥力．     

Effects of Tembotrione on Potato Crop in a Tropical Soil

ABSTRACT

Tembotrione is an herbicide with a high persistence in soil, a characteristic that affects the growth and development of susceptible cultures in succession. In this sense, the objective of this research was to evaluate the residual effects of tembotrione on production and quality of potato tubers in a tropical soil. A field experiment (2014/2015) with randomized blocks design with four replications was conducted. The treatments consisted of five doses of tembotrione (0, 8.4, 16.8, 33.6, and 50.4 g a.i. ha^?1) incorporated into the soil before planting the potato cultivar Atlantic. At 115 days after herbicide application were evaluated: total solids (%), dry matter content (DMCT %), nitrogen and potassium of the tubers, total yield and classification. The productivity of normal tubers decreased as doses of tembotrione were increased. The percentage of class I tubers was reduced at doses of 33.6 and 50.4 g a.i. ha^?1. The increase in the doses increased the percentage of class II tubers and did not influence the percentage of class III and discard. The appearance of cracked tubers increased with increasing herbicide doses. Tembotrione affected the productivity of potato tubers and caused cracks in the tubers, which are dependent on the applied doses.     

Reducing Soil Phosphorus Fixation to Improve Yield of Maize on a Tropical Acid Soil Using Compost and Biochar Derived from Agro-Industrial Wastes

Phosphorus is an essential element required to maintain profitable crop production. Most soils of the tropics, such as Ultisols, are acidic and fix phosphorus because of their characteristically high contents of aluminium and iron. Compost and biochar could be used to mitigate phosphorus fixation by reducing the phosphorus sorption sites. This study aimed to: (i) improve soil phosphorus availability, nutrient uptake, and yield of maize using biochar and pineapple leaf residue compost; and (ii) determine if the use of biochar and compost could exert a residual effect on phosphorus nutrition in the second cycle of the field trial. Field trials were carried out using a Zea mays L. hybrid as the test crop. At harvest, the plants were harvested, partitioned into leaves and stems, and analyzed. Soil samples were also collected and analyzed. Ears were harvested to determine the yield from each treatment. The results suggest that the soil total phosphorus and available phosphorus recovered from the treatments with the organic amendments were higher compared with the non-organic amendments. The availability of soil nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium) in the soils and yield of maize were higher in the treatments with the organic amendments in the first and second field trials. These results further confirm that amending chemical fertilizers with organic amendments have a larger residual effect than chemical fertilizers only. Amending chemical fertilizers with organic amendments can be used to ameliorate phosphorus fixation of acid soils to improve maize production on acid soils.     

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.     

Municipal Solid Waste Compost Application Improves the Negative Impact of Saline Soil in Two Forage Species

Inappropriate utilization of biosolids may adversely impact agrosystem productivity. This article addresses the response of H. vulgare and P. monspeliensis to different doses (0, 100, and 150 t ha^?1) of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost in a greenhouse pot experiment. Plant growth, heavy-metal uptake, gas exchange, and photosynthetic pigment concentrations and photosynthesis parameters were considered. Results showed that compost supply significantly increased shoot and root dry weights of both species, and this was positively correlated with nutrient uptake. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were positively influenced, especially in H. vulgare at rate of 100 t ha^?1. Furthermore, MSW compost application increased net photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (Gs), and water-use efficiency (WUE) in both species. Alternatively, MSW compost amendment increased plant heavy-metal contents but levels remained lower than phytotoxic thresholds. This preliminary study suggests that a MSW supply at moderate doses (100 t ha^?1) could be highly beneficial for plant productivity on saline soils.