Urban Waste Compost: Effects on Physical, Chemical, and Biochemical Soil Properties

Abstract

A long‐term field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of the additions of urban waste compost on the physical and chemical properties and enzymatic activities in a calcareous soil (Fluventic Xerochrept). Total porosity (pores >50 µm measured on thin soil sections from undisturbed samples by image analysis) was greater in the plots treated with compost than the control plots due to a larger amount of elongated pores. In the amended plots total and humified organic C, Pb, Cu, and Zn showed a significant increase compared with nonamended plots. Enzymatic activities (L‐asparaginase, arylsulphatase, dehydrogenase, phosphodiesterase, and alkaline phosphomonoesterase) were significantly enhanced by the compost addition thus indicating no inhibiting influence of the heavy metals present. The increased levels of the arylsulphatase, dehydrogenase, phosphodiesterase, and phosphomonoesterase activities were significantly correlated with total porosity: the first three with pores ranging from 50 to 1000 µm, mainly with pores 50 to 200 µm in size, and phosphomonoesterase only with pores whose size was <500 µm. L‐asparaginase activity was not correlated with porosity. Only arylsulphatase, dehydrogenase, and phosphodiesterase were negatively correlated with bulk density.

Effect of Compost Made with Sludge and Organic Residues on Soil and Sugar Beet Crop in Morocco

“…Increasing the water holding capacity of soils provides more available water to plants and can also help in resistance to drought. Baziramakenga et al (2001), Giusquiani et al (1995) and Hernando et al (1989) have all found increased soil water holding capacity after application of urban wastes. Chang et al (1983) also noted increased hydraulic conductivity.…”

Alterações nos atributos de fertilidade em solo adubado com composto de lixo urbano

“…A utilização do composto de lixo urbano como adubo orgânico propicia reciclagem de nutrientes e melhoria das características físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo (Berton & Valadares, 1991;He et al, 1992;Giusquiani et al, 1995). Em relação à fertilidade do solo, há relatos de aumentos do valor de pH e dos teores de MO, P, K, Ca e Mg (Mazur et al, 1983a;Alves et al, 1999;Abreu Jr. et al, 2000;Abreu Jr. et al, 2002;Oliveira et al, 2002a).…”

The Effect of Sulfur-Containing Humic Acid on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Olive Fruit

“…Soil organic nutrition is a global strategy to conserve natural fertility of soils through improving soil microorganisms [5]. Combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers can be a proper way of nutrient management to increase yield and quality and to reduce adverse environmental impacts of chemicals and the pertaining costs.…”