The Role of Compost in Stabilizing the Microbiological and Biochemical Properties of Zinc-Stressed Soil

Abstract

The progressive development of civilization and intensive industrialization has contributed to the global pollution of the natural environment by heavy metals, especially the soil. Degraded soils generally contain less organic matter, and thus, their homeostasis is more often disturbed, which in turn manifests in changes in biological and physicochemical properties of the soil. Therefore, new possibilities and solutions for possible neutralization of these contaminations are sought, inter alia, through reclamation of degraded land. At present, the use of additives supporting the reclamation process that exhibit heavy metal-sorbing properties is becoming increasingly important in soil recovery. Research was conducted to determine the role of compost in stabilizing the microbial and biochemical balance of the soil due to the significant problem of heavy metal-contaminated areas. The study was conducted on loamy sand, to which zinc was applied at the following doses: 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg Zn2+ kg−1 DM of soil. Compost was introduced to the appropriate objects calculated on the basis of organic carbon content in the amount of 0, 10, and 20 g Corg kg−1 DM of soil. The study was conducted over a period of 20 weeks, maintaining soil moisture at 50% capillary water capacity. Zinc significantly modified soil microbiome status. The abundance of microorganisms and their biological diversity and the enzymatic activity of the soil were affected. The negative effects of contaminating zinc doses were alleviated by the introduction of compost into the soil. Organic fertilization led to microbial growth intensification and increased biochemical activity of the soil already 2 weeks after compost application. These effects persisted throughout the experiment. Therefore, it can be stated that the use of compost is an appropriate method for restoring normal functions of soil ecosystems contaminated with zinc.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Sorbents in the Remediation of Soil Contaminated with Zinc

“…Extracellular enzymes are immobilized or form complexes with organic matter and exert protective effects (Kızılkaya et al 2004 ). The addition of organic matter to soil stimulates microbial proliferation and increases the biodiversity and activity of enzymes, thus minimizing the adverse effects of zinc (Strachel et al 2017 ). Organic matter contains humic substances which play an important role in the environment due to their affinity for soil contaminants (Szabó 2004 ).…”

“…Soil was sampled at the area north-eastern Poland (53.7161° N, 20.4167° E). The properties of the experimental soil have been described in detail in a previous study Strachel et al ( 2017 ).…”

“…Zinc is an essential element for living organisms (Krężel and Maret 2016 ). However, elevated zinc concentrations can disrupt the biological balance (Strachel et al 2017 ). Excessive accumulation of zinc in soil can deteriorate the physicochemical and biological properties of soil, which leads to soil degradation and renders soil unfit for agricultural production (Wyszkowska et al 2016 ).…”

Biostimulation as a process aiding tebuconazole degradation in soil

“…The negative effects of fungicides on the biochemical properties of soil may be minimized via appropriate treatments which promote the growth and development of microorganisms. The biostimulation process is one of such treatments as it provides desired nutrients to microorganisms from compost (Strachel et al 2017;Wyszkowska et al 2013b), manure (Wyszkowska et al 2013b), straw (Baćmaga et al 2012;Wyszkowska et al 2013b), cellulose, tree bark (Boros et al 2011;Wyszkowska et al 2013b), or keratin (Boros et al 2011). In our study, soil amendment with the biostimulating substances had a significant effect on its biochemical properties (Table 5).…”

Benefits of Ryegrass on Multicontaminated Soils Part 2: A Green Process to Provide Idrocilamide

“…Currently, people leave contaminated grass clipping in their own lawn as mulch and/or their own garden as compost or get them disposed. Although the preferred disposal route in EU countries is composting (improvement of microbiological, biochemical, physicochemical, and agronomical properties of soils [21][22][23][24]), some drawbacks in using contaminated composts have been highlighted [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. Thus, to avoid the disposal of the harvested contaminated biomass, physical and/or chemical processes were developed after the incineration of this biomass, thus enabling the recycling of nutrients and/or PTEs.…”