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Evaluation of green/pruning wastes compost and vermicompost, slumgum compost and their mixes as growing media for horticultural production
Abstract
Three composts were used as plant growing media: green and pruning wastes compost (GPC) and vermicompost (GPV) and slumgum compost (SLC). Their main physico-chemical and biological characteristics were studied and nine growth substrates were prepared in order to establish production essays for rosemary, Leyland cypress, lettuce, onion, petunia, and pansy. GPC compost and GPV vermicompost had excellent physico-chemical characteristics, allowing them to be considered good substrates. The high E.C. and the low GI values for SLC means that it should not be used in high proportions. However, the high concentration of N could permit its use in suitable fertilizers, especially in Leyland cypress. Rosemary, lettuce and onion were seen the more sensitive species to high dosage of compost. Leyland cypress, petunia and pansies recorded good growth rates with high GPC dosage. Finally, GPV, at a proportion of 25% of the substrate, could be a good sustainable practice for plant production.
... Regarding micronutrients, the following contents were identified: 6549 ppm Fe; 57 ppm Zn; 100 ppm B; 286 ppm Mn; 14 ppm Pb; 73 ppm Ni; and Cu, Hg, and Cd were not detected. The whole composition of this compost was previously described by Morales-Corts et al. [23]. Thus, this compost revealed excellent physicochemical characteristics that allow for its use as a substrate, ensuring that the values do not exceed the indicated limits by legislation. ...
... Thus, this compost revealed excellent physicochemical characteristics that allow for its use as a substrate, ensuring that the values do not exceed the indicated limits by legislation. Furthermore, the germination index values showed the absence of phytotoxicity [23]. ...
... Clear differences were observed for the extracted humic acids between the different extraction temperatures, which were markedly higher at 20 • C. Finally, it should be noted that micronutrients were not analyzed in these CTs since, in the previous analysis of compost and CT, phytotoxicity was not detected. Thus, the chemical sensitivity analysis ensured that Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Hg, Cr, Ni, and Cd levels were clearly below the allowable limits according to legislation [7,23]. The data are shown as means ± standard errors (SEs). ...
The application of garden waste compost teas (CTs) in sustainable agriculture constitutes a biostimulant and environmentally friendly alternative. The purpose of this work was to study the physicochemical properties of three CTs prepared with different brewing processes (CT1, CT2, and CT3) immediately after extraction and six months later to determine whether those properties changed over time and evaluate the effect of CT application on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant growth. The brewing process had a significant effect on the extracts’ chemical composition, while long-term storage did not lead to significant differences. The most energy-efficient CT was evaluated in a pot and in vitro assays by measuring plant growth parameters and root traits. CT1 directly supplied to the substrate increased the leaf number, plant height, and dry weight of tomato plants compared to the control and foliar treatments, whereas no significant differences were found among foliar treatments. In terms of the effects of CT application on root development, the results of the in vitro assays showed that CT supply enhanced the primary root length, lateral root number, and root fresh weight while decreasing shoot height and weight in 10-day-old tomato seedlings. From an agronomic standpoint, this study contributes new insights regarding the storage stability of CT and its impact on tomato plant growth.
... The EC and main nutrients indicated values within the range usually found for green compost [13,15,31,32]. In particular, the total N (31 g kg −1 ), K (13,000 mg kg −1 ), S (4600 mg kg −1 ), and Ca (26,700 mg kg −1 ) content values were similar to those reported for green and pruning wastes compost [31], whereas the content in P (3100 mg kg 1 ) resembled the value observed in a compost produced from urban green waste [32]. ...
... The EC and main nutrients indicated values within the range usually found for green compost [13,15,31,32]. In particular, the total N (31 g kg −1 ), K (13,000 mg kg −1 ), S (4600 mg kg −1 ), and Ca (26,700 mg kg −1 ) content values were similar to those reported for green and pruning wastes compost [31], whereas the content in P (3100 mg kg 1 ) resembled the value observed in a compost produced from urban green waste [32]. The content in Fe (13,371 mg kg −1 ) was similar to the range reported for other organic amendments [33]. ...
... The compost phytotoxicity test gave a GI value of 130%, thus being >100 might improve plant early stages of growth. This value is also in the range found in other green composts [22,31]. ...
To counteract the loss of organic matter of agricultural soils, the use of compost from green and woody residues is a promising strategy. In this study, an organic farm (NE Italy) was investigated to determine the effect of management practices on physical and chemical soil properties. The organic system received three years ago a single high dose (60 t ha−1) of a wood-based compost (WBC), and it was compared with a conventional farm that annually managed mineral plus manure fertilization. In both systems, soil samples from a vineyard and field-scale rotation were collected, together with soil samples from an area not cultivated and not treated neither with compost nor with fertilizers or manure (untreated = control). Soil samples were characterized for soil fertility parameters, extractable fractions of macro- and micronutrients with DTPA and Mehlich3, and their total content. WBC was physically, chemically, and biologically characterized. The results showed that WBC fulfilled the requirements prescribed by Italian legislation, and the absence of phytotoxicity and conversely a stimulating activity towards root development was evidenced. From the DNA metabarcoding of the bacterial community, WBC revealed several peculiarities, including the dominance of taxa such as the order Acidimicrobiales, the families Anerolineaceae, Cytophagaceae, Caldimicrobiacese, Saprospiraceae and the archaeon Candidatus Nitrososphaera. Concerning the fertility of soils, the addition of WBC in both the vineyard and field-scale considerably affected some important soil parameters compared to those of conventional fertilization and untreated soil. Among these, WBC strongly increased the organic C content and the amount of the available P. In addition, the concentrations of macro- and micronutrients extractable by DTPA were generally higher with WBC than conventional fertilization. On the contrary, Mehlich3 extractable metals and total metals content were not affected by fertilization. The principal component analysis indicated that organic C, macronutrients (CaDTPA, KDTPA, and POlsen), as well as micronutrients (BDTPA, FeDTPA, and MoDTPA) are principal factors that properly separated conventional fertilization from organic fertilization. Beside this, within the same management, cases by agroecosystem were also well revealed by cluster analysis. In essence, in the short-term, the organic system led to a significant improvement in organic C and plant-available nutrients over the conventional system.
... Another portion of the green and pruning waste was turned into vermicompost over a 6 month period, where Eisenia foetida, with a stoking density of 1.6 kg worms m -2 , were added to the waste in raised soil beds that were constructed in a non-controlled greenhouse. Each bed measured 3 m × 1 m × 0.43 m (Morales-Corts et al., 2014). Compost and vermicompost were mixed with tap water in a ratio of 1:5 (v/v) in polyethylene non-degradable 25 L containers at room temperature for a brewing period lasting 14 days. ...
... It is clear that the origin of material used to make the compost and the extraction method greatly determine the mineral composition of the teas; a high concentration of minerals in the compost explains the high concentration of these nutrients in the teas (Pant et al., 2012). The mineral composition of teas is very similar (R 2 correlation: 0.88) to the mineral composition of compost and vermicompost used in this study, which was described by Morales-Corts et al. (2014), in which compost contains a higher mineral quantity than vermicompost. We can confirm that the efficiency of nutrient extraction is greater in the case of compost tea than in vermicompost tea. ...
... In no case were phytotoxic symptoms found in the tomato plants of our study. Morales-Corts et al. (2014) highlighted the absence of phytotoxicity in compost and vermicompost from garden wastes by germination index analysis (GI). Therefore, when making compost teas it is useful to determine their GI to decide if they should be diluted before being applied. ...
... Another portion of the green and pruning waste was turned into vermicompost over a 6 month period, where Eisenia foetida, with a stoking density of 1.6 kg worms m -2 , were added to the waste in raised soil beds that were constructed in a non-controlled greenhouse. Each bed measured 3 m × 1 m × 0.43 m (Morales-Corts et al., 2014). Compost and vermicompost were mixed with tap water in a ratio of 1:5 (v/v) in polyethylene non-degradable 25 L containers at room temperature for a brewing period lasting 14 days. ...
... It is clear that the origin of material used to make the compost and the extraction method greatly determine the mineral composition of the teas; a high concentration of minerals in the compost explains the high concentration of these nutrients in the teas (Pant et al., 2012). The mineral composition of teas is very similar (R 2 correlation: 0.88) to the mineral composition of compost and vermicompost used in this study, which was described by Morales-Corts et al. (2014), in which compost contains a higher mineral quantity than vermicompost. We can confirm that the efficiency of nutrient extraction is greater in the case of compost tea than in vermicompost tea. ...
... In no case were phytotoxic symptoms found in the tomato plants of our study. Morales-Corts et al. (2014) highlighted the absence of phytotoxicity in compost and vermicompost from garden wastes by germination index analysis (GI). Therefore, when making compost teas it is useful to determine their GI to decide if they should be diluted before being applied. ...
The use of compost teas is of great interest to sustainable agriculture. Aerated
compost tea (ACT) and aerated vermicompost tea (AVT) originating from garden waste have been analytically characterized and tested in vitro and in vivo on tomato plants to determine their suppressive effect on Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The nitrogen (N, 3840 ppm) and potassium superoxide (K2O, 5800 ppm) contents were relevant in ACT. Both ACT and AVT were shown to contain indoleacetic acid IAA (80 - 20 mg L–1), salicylic acid (5.85 - 1.33 ng L–1) and humic acids (190 - 140 mg L–1). Direct confrontation assays against the pathogens showed that ACT had a high suppressive effect on F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (relative growth of the pathogen [RG]: 12 %) and AVT had a high suppressive effect on R. solani (RG: 18 %). These suppressive effects have been confirmed by tests performed in vitro and on potted tomato plants. Results of plants growth assays showed that both teas can be applied,
in their concentrated forms, to the growth medium. The analysis of the growth effect of the teas on tomato plants clearly indicated that both ACT and AVT, when applied weekly, produce a positive effect on shoot and root dry weight (dry weights were tripled), chlorophyll content and stem diameter compared to untreated plants. These results support the use of ACT and AVT as potential alternatives to the application of synthetic fungicides, and as plant promoters in crop production, for attaining environmental sustainability for farming and food safety.
... The chemical properties of 9 CT samples were directly analyzed. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and C-to-N ratio were determined as described by Morales-Corts et al. [29]. Furthermore, assimilable nutrient contents (NO 3 − , PO 4 3− , K 2 O, SO 4 2− , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ) were analyzed with the nutrient analysis photometer HANNA HI 83225. ...
... The pH and EC were significantly lower than those obtained by other authors [9,38]. The result of the C-to-N ratio showed a reduction with respect to the original compost (11.4) [29], which indicated a low C amount in relation to the N extracted in the CT. This low ratio points to the extract's high stability and conservation. ...
Compost teas (CTs) are organic solutions that constitute an interesting option for sustainable agriculture. Those that come from garden waste have been applied in vitro and in vivo on pepper plants to determine its suppressive effect against both Phytophthora capsici and Rhizoctonia solani. The studied CT showed relevant content in NO3−, K2O, humic acids, and microorganisms such as aerobic bacteria, N-fixing bacteria, and actinobacteria, which play a role in plant growth and resistance. This rich abundance of microbiota in the CT induced a reduction in the relative growth rate of both P. capsici and R. solani (31.7% and 38.0%, respectively) in in vitro assays compared to control. In addition, CT-irrigated plants displayed increased growth parameters and showed the first open flower one week before those treatments without CTs, which suggests that its application advanced the crop cycle. Concerning pathogen infection, damage caused by both pathogens became more apparent with a one-week inoculation compared to a four-week inoculation, which may indicate that a microbiological and chemical balance had been reached to cope with biotic stresses. Based on these results, we conclude that CT application induces plant growth and defense in pepper plants against P. capsici and R. solani because of its relevant soluble nutrient content and microbiota richness, which provides a novel point for plant nutrition and protection in horticultural crops.
... Animal manures Pot plant production, landscape nurseries, vegetables, and cut flowers production [67] Broccoli plants Lettuce [68] Chestnut plants Lettuce [68] Coconut coir dust Gerbera [69] Dredged sediment co-composted with green waste Ornamental plants [70] Corn cobs Anthurium [71] Cotton gin Azalea [72] Coffee pulp Tomato seedling [73] Farm yard manure Gerbera [69] Grape fruit with coir or vermiculite Seedlings of lemon basil [74] Grapes Lettuce [68] Green waste and sewage sludge Ornamental bedding plant [75] Green/pruning; green/pruning wastes compost, vermicompost, and slumgum compost Rosemary, Leyland cypress, lettuce, onion, petunia, and pansy [76] Olive mill 1 , olive 2 Melon, cress, and tomato plants 1 ; lettuces 2 [77] 1 , [68] 2 Plant leaves Gerbera [69] Posidonia residues Tomato 1 , lettuce seedlings 2 , melon, and tomato seedlings 3 , pot basil 4 , pot sea fennel 5 [78] Sewage sludge Ornamental conifer plants [84] Slumgum compost Rosemary, Leyland cypress, lettuce, onion, petunia, and pansy [76] Spent mushroom Ryegrass and cypress [85] Urban solid wastes Tomato transplant [86] Superscripted reference numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ) link feedstock waste and growing media with the corresponding literature, applicable only within rows, not columns. ...
... Animal manures Pot plant production, landscape nurseries, vegetables, and cut flowers production [67] Broccoli plants Lettuce [68] Chestnut plants Lettuce [68] Coconut coir dust Gerbera [69] Dredged sediment co-composted with green waste Ornamental plants [70] Corn cobs Anthurium [71] Cotton gin Azalea [72] Coffee pulp Tomato seedling [73] Farm yard manure Gerbera [69] Grape fruit with coir or vermiculite Seedlings of lemon basil [74] Grapes Lettuce [68] Green waste and sewage sludge Ornamental bedding plant [75] Green/pruning; green/pruning wastes compost, vermicompost, and slumgum compost Rosemary, Leyland cypress, lettuce, onion, petunia, and pansy [76] Olive mill 1 , olive 2 Melon, cress, and tomato plants 1 ; lettuces 2 [77] 1 , [68] 2 Plant leaves Gerbera [69] Posidonia residues Tomato 1 , lettuce seedlings 2 , melon, and tomato seedlings 3 , pot basil 4 , pot sea fennel 5 [78] Sewage sludge Ornamental conifer plants [84] Slumgum compost Rosemary, Leyland cypress, lettuce, onion, petunia, and pansy [76] Spent mushroom Ryegrass and cypress [85] Urban solid wastes Tomato transplant [86] Superscripted reference numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ) link feedstock waste and growing media with the corresponding literature, applicable only within rows, not columns. ...
Decreasing arable land, rising urbanization, water scarcity, and climate change exert pressure on agricultural producers. Moving from soil to soilless culture systems can improve water use efficiency, especially in closed-loop systems with a recirculating water/nutrient solution that recaptures the drain water for reuse. However, the question of alternative materials to peat and rockwool, as horticultural substrates, has become increasingly important, due to the despoiling of ecologically important peat bog areas and a pervasive waste problem. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive critical review of current developments in soilless culture, growing media, and future options of using different materials other than peat and rockwool. Apart from growing media properties and their performance from the point of view of plant production, economic and environmental factors are also important. Climate change, CO2 emissions, and other ecological issues will determine and drive the development of soilless culture systems and the choice of growing media in the near future. Bioresources, e.g., treated and untreated waste, as well as renewable raw materials, have great potential to be used as growing media constituents and stand-alone substrates. A waste management strategy aimed at reducing, reusing, and recycling should be further and stronger applied in soilless culture systems. We concluded that the growing media of the future must be available, affordable, and sustainable and meet both quality and environmental requirements from growers and society, respectively.
... The final vermicompost was a mature material (C/N = 13) with considerable carbon content (15.7%) (Pellejero et al. 2020). Similarly, Morales-Corts et al. (2014) prepared green and pruning waste compost, which was prepared from nine growth substrates: rosemary, ley land cypress, lettuce, onion, petunia, and pansy. ...
Onion is consumed globally in several forms and has been recognized as a source of minerals, essential oils, and proteins. It is mostly used in food preparations to enhance the organoleptic quality of cooked foods. While processing onions, a large amount of waste, mostly in the form of peels, fleshy scales, roots, bulbs, etc., are left behind, which are rich sources of bioactive compounds that can be extracted through suitable technologies for the development of value-added products. Onion waste can also be fermented for the production of bioethanol and, therefore, holds great value to the industrial bioprocessing sector. This chapter discusses various innovative, contemporary valorization approaches (chemical, thermal, enzymatic, and biotechnological, etc.) for the extraction of functional components from onion waste and the production of value-added products from them for sustainable growth through the circular economy mode.
... The production of the biochar from honeycomb biomass can partially solve this problem. Moreover, the organics present in this biomass can be the source of heteroatoms (O, N), being the selective active species toward Pt on the surface of the made biochar [11][12][13]. ...
Novel CO2- and H3PO4-modified biochars were successfully synthesized from raw honeycomb biomass. They were characterized via several instrumental techniques. The optimal Pt(II) and Pt(IV) adsorption onto the studied biochars was reached for the initial pH of 1.5 and a contact time of 5 min (Pt(II)) and 24–48 h (Pt(IV)). The highest static adsorption capacities for Pt(II) and Pt(IV) were obtained for the H3PO4-modified biochar: 47 mg g−1 and 35 mg g−1, respectively. The Freundlich model described the Pt(II) adsorption isotherms onto both materials and the Pt(IV) adsorption isotherm onto the CO2-activated material, and the Langmuir model was the best fitted to the Pt(IV) adsorption isotherm onto the H3PO4-activated biochar. The best medium for the quantitative desorption of the Pt form from the H3PO4-modified biochar was 1 mol L−1 thiourea in 1 mol L−1 HCl. The adsorption mechanism of both the studied ions onto the synthesized H3PO4-modified biochar was complex and should be further investigated. The H3PO4-modified biochar was successfully applied for the first time for Pt(IV) removal from a spent automotive catalyst leaching solution.
... The tracking of changes in the chemical parameters is the most common and widely used method for determining the maturity of vermicompost. It includes the determination of pH, total organic matter, EC, TOC, N, P, K, humic acid profiles, and C/N and C/P ratios (Morales-Corts et al., 2014;Srivastava et al., 2020;Lim and Wu, 2016). Among these, evaluation of pH, EC, TOC, NPK contents, and C/N and C/P ratios are the most commonly studied parameters for understanding the maturity and stability of the vermicompost. ...
The applications of vermicompost in agricultural and horticultural sectors have attracted worldwide attention as it is environmentally friendly and contains plant growth-promoting substances/microbes and does not cause any negative effects in the soil. However, prior to use in agriculture and horticulture, proper characterization of the vermicomposting end product is necessary as immature vermicompost may lead to severe damage in crop/plant productivity. Traditionally, several methods have been in use for understanding the maturity of vermicomposted products. However, in many cases, a traditional method that includes physical, chemical, and biologic characterization of the vermicomposting end products shows several limitations. In this context, proper characterization techniques and methods are required to evaluate the maturity of vermicompost and its quality before field applications. Recently, instrument characterization has been receiving interest in assessing the maturity and stability of finished vermicompost. Instrumentation techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy can be used to determine the changes in texture and structure of mature vermicompost. Moreover, sophisticated instruments like atomic absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry may be employed to evaluate mature vermicompost quality. Besides, advancements in technology have strengthened the instruments to produce rapid and reliable results. Hence, the determination of mature vermicompost using instrumental techniques is crucial to track the organic waste degradation and fertilizing potential of the end product
... Promising peat substitutes include composts from green waste, coconut coir, wood fibre, sphagnum moss, perlite and biochar, among other materials (see [1,5] review on peat substitutes). However, growing plants solely in peat substitutes or substituting major proportions of peat with alternative materials may lead to impaired growth depending on the plant species and substitutes used [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Hence, further research on alternative constituents and solutions are required to enable the substitution of larger proportions of peat in horticultural growing media. ...
There is an increasing interest in alternatives to peat in growing media due to environmental constraints. However, plants grown in peat substitutes often show impaired growth compared to plants grown in peat-based media. Hence, it would be interesting to know whether these deficiencies can be compensated by supplementing other growth factors, e.g. light. The present study aims to investigate the interactive nature between growing media and supplemental lighting on plant growth and morphology, and to examine whether supplemental light emitting diode (LED) lighting may compensate adverse growing media effects. Basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) and Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis ) were grown in different growing media consisting of peat, green compost, coconut pulp, wood fibre, perlite and sphagnum moss under blue, red and far-red supplemental LED lighting. We found significant interactions between growing media and supplemental photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on plant growth, morphology and development. At low light intensities, peat-based and substituted growing media performed similarly, whereas with increasing light intensities the peat-based growing media significantly outperformed their alternatives. The substrate choice determines the required amount of supplemental light to compensate for adverse growing media effects and the amount varies depending on plant species and season. Thereby, it was indicated that red light alleviates adverse growing media effects best. We also found that far-red light is not effective when background PAR is low and becomes more effective under high background PAR. The implications and prospects of the results are discussed.
... The growing medium is one of the fundamental elements for successful cultivation, in fact it influences: the absorption of mineral elements and the availability of water and air and determines the development of a more or less balanced root system [22,23,24]. The growing medium must fulfil two fundamental functions: to provide support and anchorage for the plant and to make water and nutrients available to the plant [25,26]. ...
Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate different types of innovative substrate mixtures as an alternative to traditional growing media with peat and pumice on vegetable and ornamental plants Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in November 2022, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on seedlings of Arbutus unedo, Photinia red robin, Fragaria vesca and Crassula sarcocaulis. The plants were placed in 14 diameter pots, 6 plants per 3 replications, for a total of 18 seedlings per experimental thesis. The test was divided into two parallel trials with different substrates. The first trial on Crassula sarcocaulis involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): peat 70% + pumice 30%; peat 65% + pumice 30% + biochar 5%; compost 60% + biochar 5% + insect humus 5% + pumice 30%; compost 60% + biochar 5% + earthworm humus 5% + pumice 30%. The second trial on Arbutus unedo, Photinia red robin and Fragaria vesca involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): peat 70% + pumice 30%; alternative soil 72% + biochar 5% + 3% humus + 20% pumice. On 18 May 2023, plant height, vegetative weight, root volume and length, number of fruits (strawberry) and number of microorganisms were determined. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of alternative substrates can effectively improve the vegetative and root growth of Crassula sarcocaulis, Fragaria vesca, Photinia red robin and Arbutus unedo. In general, in the first experiment on Crassula sarcocaulis, a significant increase in plant height was observed with the biochar-only substrate, followed by the insect and earthworm humus-based theses. All the theses were significantly better than the control with peat and pumice. In the second trial on Fragaria vesca, Photinia red robin and Arbutus unedo, the thesis with altenative soil, biochar and humus was significantly better in all plant species for plant height, vegetative and root weight and root length. All alternative substrates showed a significant increase in microbial biomass compared to the control. Several materials have been evaluated as substitutes for or combination with peat in growing media formulation. They include coir dust, pine bark, and wood fiber as well as sand, tuff, and pumice processed materials (expanded clay, perlite, and vermiculite). Besides satisfying the relevant technical requirements, these alternatives have to be readily available at reasonable prices and be readily available in sufficient quantities. In addition to meeting specific plant requirements, these materials have been used to create tailored growing media that are environmentally friendly and reduce production costs. Conclusions: The results of research on growing substrates must be translated into agricultural practice through various steps, in cooperation with horticultural companies. To ensure the best growing conditions for seedlings, GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 24(01), 209-220 210 nurseries should conduct a thorough analysis of the specific composts they use. As organic farming practitioners argue, greater involvement of compost producers and end-users could improve the quality of growing media by adding additional valuable characteristics and reducing the use of peat, which would allow for a more sustainable regime.
... The qualities of the source material affect the total amount of nutrients in vermicompost [53,54]. Even so, vermicompost generated using the same source material often contains greater levels of micronutrients and macronutrients than regular compost [55][56][57][58]. This is because although microbes are primarily responsible for the decomposition of raw materials, earthworms can also have an impact on the process by directly feeding upon the microorganism [54,59]. ...
With the global problem of population growth and climate change, current challenges to traditional agriculture include a long-term decline in the available arable land, soil depletion, water scarcity, and food security. To mitigate these challenges, agricultural methods must undergo a significant transformation to become more efficient and environmentally sustainable. Soilless agriculture particularly, vertical farming provides the best possible solution to these growing problems. With the growth of vertical farming, it has been evident that many investors have gone out of business because of high investment costs, high maintenance costs, high energy costs and high labor costs, and high waste generation. This research expanded the integrated organic hydroponic-aquaponic farming system and investigated the feasibility of a zero-waste circular economy to find parameters for the profitability of the system through zero waste and reduced operational costs, byproduct utilization, balancing the capacities, and product selection. The research utilized technology, technical knowledge, and the proposed integrated hydroponic-aquaponic circular model to convert the traditional vertical farming method to a zero-waste circular economy opportunity by using hydroponic plant waste, aquaponic waste, vermicompost tea, and aerobic compost tea/quick compost on the growth of halophyte plants. This study proposes a circular economy model for vertical farming that can contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural system. The simulation study justified the research objectives and demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed model. The model has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector by providing a more efficient and sustainable approach to food production, resource conservation, and economic growth through minimizing waste and maximizing the use of resources. Overall, the results of this study provide valuable insights into the development of a more environmentally friendly and economically viable vertical farming process.
... L. observes the adaptation process with cold water and dry toilets: When you arrive, it is difficult, but if you let time pass you get used to it. Then, you take a cold shower and do not even feel it […]The difference is that instead of pushing the flush button, you throw sawdust … I imagine there could be people with issues washing their buckets, but for us, after the first time … What's the matter?Volunteer testimonials suggest an easy acceptance of the dry toilets considering the urban routine of getting away from any kind of waste(Garcia-Becerra et al., 2021) and the historical prejudice of physical proximity and interaction with human excreta(Garcia- Becerra et al., 2021;Morales-Corts et al., 2014). At the same time, despite the existence of rules around using biodegradable products, it was possible to verify, mainly through the analysis of images, that both common and volunteer tourists broke rules by using conventional products such as toothpaste, detergent, and soap.The testimonies that describe visitor experiences are extremely positive, talking about learning, rejuvenation, inspiration, healing, and physical and mental transformations that are lived through the process of experiencing alternative mundane practices. ...
This article contributes to different research traditions when proposes to reflect on theoretical fields, such as consumer culture and contemporary marketing. The study in a tourist and ecological conservation project revealed eco‐restricted extraordinary experiences. We found a group of volunteers that build meanings and practices connected with new actions and habits that offer, not only ecological and sustainable benefits, but new value consumption relations. In contextualizing our findings, we highlight experiences and curiosities that are glossed over in academic and practical accounts that celebrate the extraordinary experience. It was observed, by analyzing data from various qualitative techniques, that the findings cross borders of mundane ingrained practices and bring an emerging domain, where both, consumption and anti‐consumption experiences, offer insights into to a diversity of areas of knowledge.
... ویژگی در تغییر و آلی ماده این کامل پوسیدگی از ناشی احتمال، به تفاوت این که است. بوده آن های(Morales-Corts et al., 2014) ...
... Vermicompost use as organic manure in agricultural practices has significantly increased (ARANCON et al., 2003;ALI et al., 2007;IEVINSH et al., 2011;MORALES-CORTS et al., 2014;BALCI et al., 2019;BLOUIN et al., 2019), since chemical fertilizers can affect all ecosystems. For example, the use of expensive nitrogen-rich fertilizers can change physicochemical and microbiological proprieties of the soil and affect nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycles (MATOCHA et al., 2016). ...
The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of integrating composting-vermicomposting to improve the organic compost as from the physicochemical analyses and by their application on Brachiaria decumbens growth. Experiments carried out in composting unit used 30:1 ratio of nitrogen-rich organic waste (raw vegetables, fruits and cooked food) and carbon (dry grass) in 2 pile configurations (with, or without passive aeration). After 60 days, product was subjected to vermicomposting for 45 days. Composts were analyzed to check their quality (temperature, pH, moisture, organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus levels), as well as compared to each other as biofertilizers (10% (w/v)) for B. decumbens growth. Data have suggested that the vermicomposting process improved the compost pile by increasing its nitrogen (1.26% to 1.95%), phosphorus (0.64% to 1.2%) and organic carbon contents (17.1% to 18.9%). B. decumbens growth showed no significant differences between those treatments, which indicates that organic fraction should be increased (>10%) to release their nutrients to plant.
... In fact, the effects of green compost addition to the growth substrate at the lowest doses (C50-C25) resulted in a general increase for these parameters compared to the control for radish, chard and sorrel. For lettuce, the positive effects were limited to the root system at lower doses, and this may be related to the higher sensitivity of this species to high electrical conductivity [33]. In addition, the general positive effect on the roots could be suitable at nursery level to prepare seedlings for transplantation with well-developed root systems, able to overcome transplant shock more quickly [34]. ...
This study evaluated, for the first time, the suitability of on-farm green compost (GC) from the fourth range sector for the production, in a controlled environment, of six baby leaf species (radish, lettuce, rocket, chard, sorrel and dill), characterized by short cultivation cycles. The pH and electrical conductivity of potting soil-compost mixtures were affected by the different amounts of GC added to the potting soil. Germination tests on Lactuca sativa seeds indicated no phytotoxic effects when GC was used to prepare aqueous extracts diluted at 50% and 25% (v/v). In the pot experiment, GC was used at four different dosages in the growing medium, inducing different impacts on growth parameters, depending on the species and applied dose. The greatest plant growth responses were determined by using less than 3.5 g of GC in 100 g of potting soil. Significant positive correlations between the dry weights of root and shoot (r = 0.77 **), seedling height (r = 0.51 **) and the number of true leaves number (r = 0.56 **) confirmed the close relationship between the root system biomass and the growth parameters of aboveground organs. The study highlights that on-farm green compost, used as partial growing substrate, provides a good opportunity to obtain baby leaf species with well-developed root systems.
... They should be pestfree, cost-effective, available on the market, etc. Following the above-mentioned, for substrate preparation, different materials such as various types of natural peat, composts prepared using green waste, municipal solid waste compost, manure, pine barks, olive mill residues, grape marcs, used mushrooms substrate, and other materials could be used (Ilin et al., 2002;Ilin et al., 2003;Gutierrez-Miceli et al., 2007;Ribeiro et al., 2007;Zmora-Nahum et al., 2007;Herrera et al., 2008;Carmona et al., 2012;Zhang et al., 2012;Ben Jenana et al., 2013;Morales-Corts et al., 2014;Atif et al., 2016;Meng et al., 2017;Ugrinović et al., 2018). However, some of these materials or their mixtures have unsuitable mechanical and/or chemical properties. ...
U objektima zaštićenog prostora Instituta za povrtarstvo u Smederevskoj Palanci, obavljen je niz eksperimenata s ciljem utvrđivanja biološke hranljive vrednosti novostvorenih oplemenjivača zemljišta na bazi zeolita osmišljenih da zamene ranije registrovani komercijalni oplemenjivač (ZeoPlant™) koji je u ogledima korišćen kao kontrolni tretman. Praćeni su visina biljke, broj listova i sveža biomasa zelene salate (Lactuca sativa L. var. Neva) koja je korišćena kao test biljka. Tokom preliminarnih eksperimenata verifikovan je optimalan odnos obogaćenih zeolita u mešavinama supstrata na bazi treseta (oko 25% zapreminski), kao i upotrebljivost pirotskog treseta za pripremu mešavina supstrata za proizvodnju rasada povrća. U toku finalnih eksperimentalnih aktivnosti, prirodni zeoliti oplemenjeni su različitim tehnološkim postupcima, organskim i mineralnim đubrivima (varijante EZa, EZb, EZc i EZd) i zatim korišćeni za prirpemanje supstrata za proizvodnju rasada zelene salate. Oplemenjeni zeoliti mešani su u optimalnom odnosu sa pirotskim tresetom čineći tretmane (A, B, C i D) a njihova hranljiva biološka vrednost upoređena je sa hranljivom biološkom vrednošću supstratne smeše pomenutog treseta sa optimalnim udelom komercijalnog zeolita (kontrolni tretman). Na osnovu prikupljenih podataka utvrđeno je da je kontrolni tretman pokazao najbolje rezultate za sve ispitivane osobine. S druge strane, razlike između ostalih tretmana nisu bile statistički značajne, ali ukazuju na to da neki od ispitivanih oplemenjivača zemljišta imaju značajan potencijal za primenu u proizvodnji rasada povrća i mogu biti adekvatna zamena ranije registrovanog komercijalnog oplemenjivača zemljišta na bazi zeolita. Za te svrhe, prirodne zeolite odgovarajuće granulacije trebalo bi obogatiti većim dozama tj. koncentracijama hraniva, posredstvom organskih i mineralnih đubriva.
... L. observes the adaptation process with cold water and dry toilets: When you arrive, it is difficult, but if you let time pass you get used to it. Then, you take a cold shower and do not even feel it […]The difference is that instead of pushing the flush button, you throw sawdust … I imagine there could be people with issues washing their buckets, but for us, after the first time … What's the matter?Volunteer testimonials suggest an easy acceptance of the dry toilets considering the urban routine of getting away from any kind of waste(Garcia-Becerra et al., 2021) and the historical prejudice of physical proximity and interaction with human excreta(Garcia- Becerra et al., 2021;Morales-Corts et al., 2014). At the same time, despite the existence of rules around using biodegradable products, it was possible to verify, mainly through the analysis of images, that both common and volunteer tourists broke rules by using conventional products such as toothpaste, detergent, and soap.The testimonies that describe visitor experiences are extremely positive, talking about learning, rejuvenation, inspiration, healing, and physical and mental transformations that are lived through the process of experiencing alternative mundane practices. ...
O presente trabalho almeja contribuir para o campo de estudos em anticonsumo, o estudo das "razões contra o consumo?, ao investigar, de forma exploratória, significados e práticas associados a participações espontâneas em experiência turística norteada por restrições em consumos cotidianos. O caso estudado é um projeto de conservação ecológica, que funciona como uma pousada, onde formas alternativas de consumo e anticonsumo são incentivadas, suportadas e até mesmo impostas a seus visitantes. Os resultados sugerem que a experiência tem significados positivos, ao mesmo tempo em que estrutura, dentro de tempo e espaço específicos, novas práticas de consumo. Possíveis efeitos transformacionais de longo prazo em seus participantes ainda precisam ser melhor investigados.
... L. observes the adaptation process with cold water and dry toilets: When you arrive, it is difficult, but if you let time pass you get used to it. Then, you take a cold shower and do not even feel it […]The difference is that instead of pushing the flush button, you throw sawdust … I imagine there could be people with issues washing their buckets, but for us, after the first time … What's the matter?Volunteer testimonials suggest an easy acceptance of the dry toilets considering the urban routine of getting away from any kind of waste(Garcia-Becerra et al., 2021) and the historical prejudice of physical proximity and interaction with human excreta(Garcia- Becerra et al., 2021;Morales-Corts et al., 2014). At the same time, despite the existence of rules around using biodegradable products, it was possible to verify, mainly through the analysis of images, that both common and volunteer tourists broke rules by using conventional products such as toothpaste, detergent, and soap.The testimonies that describe visitor experiences are extremely positive, talking about learning, rejuvenation, inspiration, healing, and physical and mental transformations that are lived through the process of experiencing alternative mundane practices. ...
In consumer behavior studies, psychology-based perspectives dominate, based on logical,
rational, cognitive and learning abilities, or even on hedonic and aesthetic aspects that
essentially value the individual to the detriment of their social context (LEVY, 2006;
HOLBROOK and HIRSCHMAN, 1982; HIRSCHMAN and HOLBROOK, 1982). However,
sociocultural, experiential, symbolic and ideological characteristics are beginning to gain
strength and space in consumer studies (CASOTTI and SUAREZ, 2016; BELK and
CASOTTI, 2014; ARNOULD and THOMPSON, 2005; MOREIRA, CASOTTI and
CAMPOS, 2018).
We highlight here two perspectives that inspire our research path: the Consumer Culture
Theory (CCT), a family of theoretical perspectives concerned with "addressing the dynamic
relations between consumer actions, the market and cultural meanings" (ARNOULD and
THOMPSON, 2005, p. 868); and Transformative Consumer Research (TCR), focused on
supporting research that leads to improved well-being and quality of life for the consumer and
society (MICK, 2006; OZANNE, 2011; MICK et al., 2012).
Based on the perspectives of the CCT and TCR, this research aims to contribute to the field of
anti-consumption investigations (CHATIZIDAKIS and LEE, 2012; LEE et al., 2011) by
investigating meanings, practices and transformations reported by volunteers at the end of
their experience as volunteers in ecological conservation project, eco village style.
The project, here called Eco Brasil, is described on its website as an accommodation space,
holistic retreats and artistic residences, built to preserve nature through eco-friendly and
sustainable practices. In this way, and backed by permaculture principles, the location directs
consumption practices in its territory. Abdala and Mocellin (2010) describe permaculture as
the harmonious integration between man and nature. Permaculture involves the design,
implementation and maintenance of productive ecosystems that maintain the diversity,
resilience and stability of natural ecosystems, promoting energy, housing and human nutrition
in a harmonious way with the environment (MOLLISON, 1999).
With the support of field notes obtained in participant observation, the analysis of the reports
indicates personal transformation and well-being effects in an environment of consumption
restrictions. Next, we describe the Eco Brazil project, the stages of the study, the main
findings and reflections that indicate future research paths to be covered.
... L. observes the adaptation process with cold water and dry toilets: When you arrive, it is difficult, but if you let time pass you get used to it. Then, you take a cold shower and do not even feel it […]The difference is that instead of pushing the flush button, you throw sawdust … I imagine there could be people with issues washing their buckets, but for us, after the first time … What's the matter?Volunteer testimonials suggest an easy acceptance of the dry toilets considering the urban routine of getting away from any kind of waste(Garcia-Becerra et al., 2021) and the historical prejudice of physical proximity and interaction with human excreta(Garcia- Becerra et al., 2021;Morales-Corts et al., 2014). At the same time, despite the existence of rules around using biodegradable products, it was possible to verify, mainly through the analysis of images, that both common and volunteer tourists broke rules by using conventional products such as toothpaste, detergent, and soap.The testimonies that describe visitor experiences are extremely positive, talking about learning, rejuvenation, inspiration, healing, and physical and mental transformations that are lived through the process of experiencing alternative mundane practices. ...
This article is inspired by the lens of practice theories to investigate a tourist and ecological conservation project located in central Brazil. The enterprise, here called Eco Brasil, seeks to be environmentally sustainable and promotes touristic experiences to support more sustainable consumers. Analyzing elements such people, materiality and social rules, we show how the project is constituted to reshape ingrained everyday practices, co-creating, at the same time, extraordinary experiences that seem to raise awareness, teach, and engage consumers in new forms of consumption. The research obtains its data from various qualitative techniques inspired by ethnography methodology. The results contribute to studies on tourism and environmental sustainability, incorporating insights from Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) literature about extraordinary consumption experiences and suggesting new positive relations between tourism, hedonism and sustainability, mainly in post COVID-19 times. ABSTRACT: This article is inspired by the lens of practice theories to investigate a tourist and ecological conservation project located in central Brazil. The enterprise, here called Eco Brasil, seeks to be environmentally sustainable and promotes touristic experiences to support more sustainable consumers. Analyzing elements such people, materiality and social rules, we show how the project is constituted to reshape ingrained everyday practices, co-creating, at the same time, extraordinary experiences that seem to raise awareness, teach, and engage consumers in new forms of consumption. The research obtains its data from various qualitative techniques inspired by ethnography methodology. The results contribute to studies on tourism and environmental sustainability, incorporating insights from Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) literature about extraordinary consumption experiences and suggesting new positive relations between tourism, hedonism and sustainability, mainly in post COVID-19 times.
... During 6 months of treatment, the average of germination rate and the average of fresh weight per plant of Chinese cabbage are in the same order of the weight reached in EEP (Morales-Corts et al., 2014). In addition, GW25 and GW50 afforded better results than GW0. ...
Dredged sediments display a great potential for growing media applications; however, there are few studies about their beneficial reuse for the waste storage reclamation. This research study aims at checking the agronomic values and environmental impacts of three growing media based on waterways sediments (WSs) and green waste (GW) according ecolabel requirements. For this purpose, three growing media named GW0, GW25, and GW50 were prepared at field pilot scale by co-composting WS and GWs during 12 months. Samples were submitted to ecolabel analyses package. Following to the ecolabel requirements, the growing media comply with criteria like pH, electrical conductivity, trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contents, chlorides, and pathogens, whereas they are not in compliance with the EU Ecolabel guidelines for propagules, organic matter, and zinc contents. Results of laboratory leaching tests performed according to NF EN 12457-2 for GW0, GW25, and GW50 have shown that sulfates, soluble fraction exceed limit for inert waste storage. Lysimeter tests at pilot scale were performed during 6 months to check the leaching potential of pollutants from growing media under real field conditions, including a European ecolabel product. Results demonstrate that Ba, Mo, Sb, Zn, Se, and Sb are higher in GW0, GW25, and GW50 than in the European ecolabel. As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and F ⁻ are more soluble in the commercial product compared to other growing media. This study allowed to demonstrate that main characteristics are fulfilling for reusing these growing media in the specific field of waste storage reclamation.
... Regarding the tested species production, focusing on shoot dry weight, rosemary was negatively affected by the green compost when higher than a 10% (v v −1 ) proportion, possibly because of the low nutrient requirements of this species. On the other hand, for cypress, petunia, and pansy, no differences were assessed between all of the compost proportions and the 100% peat control, whereas lettuce and onion reached values comparable to those of control, up to a 25% and a 10% share of compost in the substrate mixture, respectively [150]. Citrus and green waste compost used as partial substitute of peat (1/4 w w −1 ) for the cultivation of melons in greenhouse nurseries had better results than those of plants growth on peat substrate [151]. ...
Vegetable and ornamental crops require high input demand to adequately support their standard commercial quality and yield. For these crops, a very high level of agronomic use efficiency of many productive factors can be achieved in soilless culture. For example, the benefits derived from the adoption of soilless closed loops for the recirculation of the nutrient solution are well known as a benchmark of excellence for nutrient and water use efficiency. The challenges that we now face are as follows: (i) making soilless systems more inclusive of sustainable and eco-friendly growing substrates, possibly available at a local level; (ii) replacing chemicals with more sustainable products (e.g., organic active compounds) as much as possible for plant nutrition and protection. These goals can be addressed by following different approaches, but the adoption of peat-free organic substrates may play a central role. This work investigates four organic materials, i.e., biochar, coir, green compost, and wood fibers, to assess their role in plant nutrition and protection when used as components for the preparation of growing media in the soilless cultivation of containerized crops. In further detail, the work highlights how these materials may support normal agronomic practices.
... In addition, the increase of soil microorganisms and the water-retaining effect of the returned materials can promote the growth of plant roots, which can indirectly promote tree growth and yield increases (Aslantas et al., 2007). Moralescorts et al. (2014) found that using green and pruning wastes as compost materials to produce plant growth media could significantly promote the growth of Leyland cypress, petunia, and pansy. Mbuthia et al. (2015) also pointed out that after degrading the residues of hairy vetch, the soil quality could be improved by 4.6%, and the production of cotton crops could be guaranteed without adding any inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. ...
The addition of pulverized grape pruning wood to grape soils has a positive effect on fruit quality. However, its effects on the soil microecology of the root zone and the growth of the grape plants are not fully understood. To address this, ‘Shine Muscat’ grapes were cultivated in media consisting of garden soil and crushed grape pruning material at different mass ratios [100:1 (T1), 50:1 (T2), 30:1 (T3), 20:1 (T4), and 10:1 (T5)] and in garden soil without the pruning material, as a control. The changes in the plant fresh weight, leaf area, soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) value, root development, soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and soil enzyme activity were determined over time. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to determine the soil bacterial community structures. The pruning supplementation increased the grape plants fresh weight, leaf area, and SPAD values. The T2 and T3 treatments increased the grape root length, surface area, and the projected area and number of the root tips; the soil organic carbon content, microbial biomass carbon content, soil invertase activity, amylase activity, and β-glucosidase activity were also significantly increased. The addition of the grape pruning material was found to increase the bacterial diversity and richness 60 and 150 days after treatment. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria , Acidobacteria , and Actinobacteria were the dominant groups, and the grape pruning material increased the relative abundance of the Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria after 60 and 150 days. The relative abundance of the Actinobacteria in the T2 treatment was 1.7, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.3 times that of the control, after 60, 90, 120, and 150 days, respectively. The T2 treatment was identified as the optimal treatment for grapes in the field because it improved the soil microecology and promoted root and tree development the most compared with the other treatments tested.
... Several studies highlighted the effects of compost application on soil parameters and plant growth (Morales-Corts et al. 2014;Massa et al. 2018;Boutasknit et al. 2020a). ...
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forages and legume crops in the Mediterranean region, where extensive soil exploitation and low soil fertility are among the factor limiting its production. In this study, a field experiment was carried out in the semi-arid area of Morocco, in order to assess the influence of the individual and combined application of autochthonous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), rhizobium strain and green compost supply on alfalfa. Vegetative yield, physiological and biochemical traits were evaluated together with the associated changes in the soil’s physico-chemical parameters. The results show that AMF and rhizobium inoculation combined with compost application induced the greatest effect. This treatment increased the dry matter yield, leaves and nodules number, and AMF infection rate. Moreover, the combined use of these biofertilizers further enhanced stomatal conductance, photosystem II efficiency, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), protein and sugar content along with the nutrients uptake (Phosphorus (P), Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) and Calcium (Ca)). When compared with the initial soil status, the compost (10 t/ha) combined with AMF and rhizobium significantly improved the organic matter, N and P content, decreased soil pH and increased electrical conductivity. This treatment is also efficient in increasing soil glomalin content. This study demonstrated that the interaction between green waste compost, AMF and rhizobium inoculation could have important implications in alfalfa sustainable agriculture.
... The vermicompost is not only nutrient rich but also contains high quality humus, plant growth hormones, enzymes, and substances which are able to protect plants against pests and diseases [1,11]. Different studies have also showed the potential of vermicompost as growth media for vegetable and fruit crops seedlings [16,[17][18][19] where the seedling growth including seedling height, stem girth and seedling survival after filed plantation showed significant improvement. In Ethiopia, vermicomposting of different feedstocks including sorghum straw, tef straw, industrial waste, fruit waste and khat waste [20] and Prosopisjulifera [21]. ...
The experiment was conducted during 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of different bedding
materials and waste feeds on vermicompost production and local earthworm performance at Wondo Genet, Ethiopia.
This activity was conducted in special constructed bins or divided cement-constructed pool (up to 35 cm long ×
60 cm width × 45 cm depth) for each earthworm type under shade condition. Treatment arrangements were three
earthworm species by four feeding materials, with the total number of 12 bins. Cow dung + Soil + Stevia leaves
and Stevia leaves + Maize stalk + Fresh food scraps + Khat /Chat/ wastes were used as source of bedding and
feed materials for vermicompost production respectively. The earthworm population and size increased during
incubation for 90 days. The Meskan local worms increased from 70 to 6233, Zway local worms to 6198 and Ambo
exotic worms increased to 6041when grown individually using maize stalks, chat and stevia leaves, and fresh food
scraps. Meskan local and Zway local worms performed better than exotic Ambo worms. Maize stalk, chat and stevia
leaves, and fresh food scraps were best to least feed materials for earthworm multiplication. The stinger number of
worms (2067) was obtained by feeding worms on maize stalk, whereas the lowest worm number (713) was obtained
on fresh food scraps. The highest cast was also produced (13.3) from worms fed with maize stalk, while the lowest
cast was produced (9.3) from worms fed with fresh food scraps. Therefore, maize stalk, chat wastes, stevia leaves
and fresh food scraps were also best to least feeding ZXmaterials for cast production. The nutrient contents of
vermicomposts prepared from different crop residues and waste materials were indicated that higher N content
was found in Ambo + stevia leaves followed by Zeway + stevia leaves, while P, K and Na contents were higher in
Meskan + fresh food scraps, followed by Zway + fresh food scraps. The highest CEC, Mg, Mn and Ca contents were
recorded from chat leaf vermicompost, followed by maize stalk waste vermicompost.
... The highest content was reached with 100% compost, because these elements are accumulated in the largest amount by the species (Fernandes et al. 2013), indicating potential use of this treatment to supply the initial development of the seedlings. Compost increases the availability of macro and micronutrients (Wang et al. 2016), increasing the root surface area per unit of soil volume, water-use efficiency and photosynthetic activity, which directly affects the physiological processes and utilization of carbohydrates (Abdelaziz et al. 2007;Morales-Corts et al. 2014;Ali et al. 2007); therefore, composts tend to contribute to plant growth. ...
Purpose To comply with purposes of circular economy and sustainability, as well as promoting an appropriate destination for waste from Bactris gasipaes agro-industry and adding value to this product, we evaluated the compost of the plant residue as substrate for seedlings production.
Methods Waste was collected, composted, dried and ground. Compost samples were characterized chemically and physically. The treatments consisted of different proportions of compost and soil (medium commonly used in B. gasipaes seedling nurseries), to make five growth media (v:v composted peach palm:soil): T1 - 100: 0; T2 - 75:25; T3 - 50:50; T4 - 25:75 and T5- 0: 100. After 120 days of planting the peach palm seedlings, morphological parameters were evaluated.
Results For the majority of physicochemical properties, T1 showed superior characteristics, i.e. higher water retention capacity (74.19 v/v), higher total porosity (74.78%) as well as higher concentrations of N, P, K (with 2.90 %, 3412.00 g dm-3 and 7120.00 g dm-3, respectively) when compared to T5. Likewise, for seedling morphological parameters, the material grown in T1 presented higher height and shoot fresh and dry weight.
Conclusion B. gasipaes residue compost shows adequate amounts of macro and micronutrients and physical properties that enable satisfactory development of seedlings from the species, thus promoting a self-sustainable seedling production system.
... Many studies confirm the possibility of using compost as substrates for vegetable crops without causing a negative impact on them or the environment (Waldron and Nichols 2009). Additionally, based on research, properly composted organic wastes are compatible with the requirements of peat substratum in potted plants (Morales-Corts et al. 2014). Due to the need to find new materials as horticultural substrates simultaneously with the large amounts of plant material remaining as a result of energy willow cultivation, the concept of the production of composts based on available biomass appeared. ...
The aim of the study was to assess the transformation of humic substances during composting of biomass of energetic plants and municipal solid waste. The type of the organic material to be composted and the type of technology used affect the course of the humic substances transformation and formation of compost maturity parameters. Compost produced from the mixture of energetic willow and hay biomass contained humic substances with higher share of low-molecular fractions and lower share of humic acids in total organic carbon than those produced from municipal solid wastes. Obtained results also showed that insoluble alkali fraction plays an important role in humification process by its convertion to a new humic substances. Share of humic and fulvic fractions in relation to the total organic carbon appears to be reliable indicator of composting as a process of enhancing organic matter humification.
... So, mainly pig manure (Atiyeh et al., 2000;Arancon et al., 2005;Bachman & Metzger, 2008;Lazcano et al., 2009) and cattle manure (Tringovska & Dintcheva, 2012;Sultana et al., 2015) were used and also sometimes green and vegetable crop wastes (Fornes et al., 2012;Belda et al., 2013;Morales-Corts et al., 2014). ...
Full document at http://hdl.handle.net/10272/17043
The use of organic materials as compost, vermicompost, and biochar as peat substitutes in the ornamental containerized bedding plant production is an interesting biotic strategy to store carbon in garden soil. In the case of biochar the stored C could be maintained for centuries improving the life cycle analysis of this process.
Severa! studies have produced interesting results, but additional research is needed to evaluate those materials and how to combine them as compost-biochar or vermicompost-biochar which may produce similar or better plants while also similarly or better support the transplanting process.
This research
aims to contrast the hypothesis that is possible to grow commercial quality plants of Petunia. hybrida and Pelargonium peltatum using biochar as partía! substitute of peat based growing media. Those plants also will be able to adapt themselves conveniently to a garden soil after being transplanted.
Finally will contrast the hypothesis that is possible to diminish nutrients leachate when growing both species using biochar and vermicompost as peat based substrate partial substitute.
To contrast these hypothesis three different comparative greenhouse studies were conducted to assess the
suitability of biochar and vermicompost as partial substitutes for peat-based growing media for ornamental plant production
The three trials mentioned above were therefore defined. After finishing the first experiment it has been possible to affirm categorically that it is possible to cultivate bedding ornamental plants such as petunia and geranium in
container with good commercial quality using different mixtures of biochar / vermicompost with a substrate
based on peat. The calculation made about potential storage in soil, suggests that it would be possible for long periods of time to store first in the plant 's container and then in urban garden 's soil after transplanting, up to
88.74 g of CO,e per 800 cm3 container.
The second experiment has demonstrated that Petunia and Pelargonium plants, grown with the best biochar / vermicompost substrate mixtures of the first experiment, showed a similar or better physiological response than the plants grown on a substrate based on a commercial peat that was used as control.
In the third experiment it has been seen that by using these better mixtures, it is possible to reduce both the volume of leachate from the irrigation and the amount of nitrates contained therein, by including biochar / vermicompost in the mixture with the control substrate. It was also verified that the incorporation of biochar to the substrate can suppose an extra source of potassium fertilization that can be considered when planning the fertilization of the crop.
These results obtained with different mixtures of biochar and vermicompost may be of interest to those producers of bedding ornamental plants in container who wish to:
• reduce the consumption of peat for the production of ornamental plants in containers.
• reduce the carbon footprint , and incorporate the owners of gardens where bedding plants can grow to the global biotic strategy of carbon sequestration in soil for long periods of time to compensating in this way the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and thus contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
• reduce nitrate 's leachate of in this productive sector.
In this context it has to be indicatively noted, that if we consider that around 11 million metric tons of peat in horticulture are consumed every year in the world. If it is also considered that 50 o/o of this amount was used in floriculture and 20 o/o in container production, then it would be possible to store carbon in urban gardening soil for long periods of time for a maximum value of one million metric tons per year, just by partially replacing the neat of the usual substrate with a mixture of 20 o/o vermicomoost and 12 o/o biochar.
El uso de materiales orgánicos como compost, vermicompost y biochar usados como sustitutos de turba en la producción de plantas ornamentales en contenedor, es una estrategia biótica interesante para almacenar carbono en el suelo de los jardines. En el caso del biochar, la cantidad de almacenado podría mantenerse durante siglos, mejorando el análisis del ciclo de vida de este proceso.
Varios estudios han producido resultados interesantes, pero se necesita investigación adicional para evaluar esos materiales y cómo combinarlos como compost-biochar o vermicompost-biochar de forma que puedan producir plantas similares o mejores y al mismo tiempo que respalden el proceso de trasplante también de manera similar o mejorada.
Esta investigación pretende contrastar la hipótesis de que es posible cultivar plantas de calidad comercial de Petunia hybrida y Pelargonium pe!tatum utilizando biochar como sustituto parcial de sustratos basados en turba. Esas plantas también podrán adaptarse convenientemente a un suelo de jardín después de ser trasplantadas.
Finalmente, se contrastará la hipótesis de que es posible disminuir los lixiviados de nutrientes al cultivar ambas especies utilizando biochar y vermicompost como un sustituto parcial de sustrato a base de turba.
Para contrastar estas hipótesis, se realizaron tres estudios comparativos de invernadero diferentes para evaluar la idoneidad de biochar y vermicompost como sustitutos parciales de los medios de cultivo basados en turba para la producción de plantas ornamentales.
El grupo de estudios expuesto anteriormente ha generado una serie de conclusiones que se detallan a continuación.
El estudio de revisión que informa sobre el estado del arte en este tema, concluyó con la necesidad de llevar a cabo ensayos de investigación dirigidos a verificar la viabilidad del uso combinado de vermicompost y biochar para la sustitución parcial de turba en la producción de plantas ornamentales en contenedor.
Los principales resultados del primer experimento fueron que es posible cultivar plantas ornamentales de arriate como la petunia y el geranio en contenedores, con calidad comercial, utilizando diferentes mezclas de biochar / vermicompost añadidos al sustrato con base de turba. Con este cambio en el sustrato sería posible almacenar hasta 88,74 g de C02e por contenedor de 800 cm3 durante largos períodos de tiempo, primero en el contenedor donde se ha multiplicado la planta y luego en el suelo después del trasplante de la misma.
En el segundo experimento, las plantas de Petunia y de Pelargonium cultivadas en las mezclas de sustratos con biochar / vermicompost que mejor rendimiento mostraron en el primer estudio tuvieron, además, una respuesta fisiológica similar o mejor que las plantas cultivadas en el sustrato comercial basado en turba utilizado como control.
Finalmente, en el tercer experimento se confirmaron una reducción en el volumen de lixiviados y también una disminución en la cantidad de los nitratos en los mismos debido a la inclusión de biochar / vermicompost en los sustratos empleados. Por otra parte se verificó que la adición de biochar puede ser una fuente de fertilizante de potasio. Estos resultados obtenidos con diferentes mezclas de biochar y vermicompost pueden ser de interés para aquellos que desean:
• reducir el consumo de turba para la producción de plantas ornamentales en contenedor.
• reducir la huella de carbono, e incorporar a los poseedores de jardines donde puedan crecer plantas de arriate a la estrategia biótica global de secuestro de carbono en suelo por largos periodos de tiempo para compensar de este modo la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero a la atmosfera y así contribuir a la mitigación del cambio climático.
• reducir los lixiviados de nitratos de este sector comercial productivo.
Además, a modo indicativo, se puede señalar que considerando que cada año se consumen 11 millones de toneladas de turba en la horticultura. Si el 50 o/o fuera en floricultura y el 20 o/o en contenedor y si la turba fuera reemplazada por una mezcla de 20 o/o de vermicompost y 12 o/o de biochar, habría un posible almacenamiento máximo de carbono en suelo de un millón de toneladas por año.
http://hdl.handle.net/10272/17043
... Micronutrients will show great variability depending on the raw material, although they usually present concentrations that can be consumed by the crop fields, always within normal values (Morales-Corts et al., 2014). The application rates vary and will depend on the elemental composition of the applied compost, but are considered between 10 and 300 t/ha, although the optimum values are usually between 20 and 40 t/ha (Papafilippaki et al., 2015). ...
Organic Farming
Global Perspectives and Methods
2019, Pages 1-16
Chapter 1 - Contribution of Organic Farming Towards Global Food Security: An Overview
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Terence EpuleEpule
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https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813272-2.00001-X
Abstract
This chapter verifies the contributions of organic and inorganic farming within the context of global food security. This chapter is based on data obtained from a synthesis of existing literature obtained through Google Scholar, the Scientific Citation Index (SCI) database, and ISI Science. The first part of this work explores the conceptual issues around organic and inorganic farming; this is followed by a synthesis of the potential effects of organic and inorganic farming on global food security and finally the effects of organic and inorganic farming on food security in Africa. The results from this synthesis show that organic farming can indeed reduce global food insecurity but there is a limitation to the extent to which this can be obtained as it has been observed that there is a threshold beyond which a combination of organic and inorganic farming options produce the best effects and organic farming alone cannot sustain production. A system dependent on organic farming is rather complex and may warrant that: the current scale of arable production be expanded while the farmers need to be trained on how to valorize the advantages of organic farming especially in Africa. Understanding how to make use of other components of agro-ecology is mandated. The weaknesses of conventional farming must be evaluated in detail by setting up pilot agro-ecology farms and comparing their yields with conventional farms around the world in general and in Africa in particular. Most of the studies consulted recommend either inorganic farming or a combination of inorganic and organic. Therefore, as a way forward, farmers must be given the opportunity to take decisions on which way to go and this should be based on the availability of sufficient information on the economic, social, and environmental sustainability implications of their actions. In addition, the markets for farm inputs should become more competitive and efficient, and this will trigger lower prices and better services to the farmers.
... Ben Janena et al. (2013) studied chicken manure and olive mill residues as a peat substitutes for vegetable seedlings production. Many other kinds of composts, such as forestry waste compost, pig manure compost, slumgum compost, grape marc, green pruning compost and many others were objects of research in numerous studies (Ribeiro et al., 2007;Zmora-Nahum et al., 2007;Carmona et al., 2012;Ben Jenana et al., 2013;Morales-Corts et al., 2014;Meng et al., 2017). ...
... In vermicompost, researchers used different manures for their transformation by means of lombriculture techniques to identify products that could be used in horticulture. So, mainly pig manure (Atiyeh et al., 2000;Arancon et al., 2005;Bachman & Metzger, 2008;Lazcano et al., 2009) and cattle manure (Tringovska & Dintcheva, 2012;Sultana et al., 2015) were used and also sometimes green and vegetable crop wastes (Fornes et al., 2012;Belda et al., 2013;Morales-Corts et al., 2014). ...
Identifying options of climate change mitigation is of global interest to researchers. Whereas wide range of techniques of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon sequestration have been studied in row crops and forest systems, little research has been done on the ornamental horticulture. The ornamental industrial sector has indeed some negative impacts on the global environment, but also presents opportunities to reduce GHG emissions and increase C sequestration. Thus the objective of this study was to synthesize the potential contributions of some substrates used in the horticultural sector to carbon sequestration. The specific focus of the review is on the possible use of compost, vermicompost and biochar as soilless substrate substitutes for containerized ornamental plants production. Around 11 million kilograms of sphagnum peat moss are used annually in the world for horticultural production. Therefore, the potential of using compost, vermicompost and biochar as growing media is assessed on the basis of data from greenhouse studies. Peat-based substrate can be substituted up to 30% to 35% by compost or vermicompost and up to 20% to 25% by biochar. Some examples from field studies are included to conduct the life cycle assessment of using these growth media. An estimate of C storage on the long-term basis in soil indicates up to 3 million tons of CO2 equivalent as the maximum C potential storage per year in the global productive sector if the peat-based growing media are substituted by compost/vermicompost and biochar at the ratios mentioned above. Finally, synergies between compost vermicompost and biochar are discussed when these materials are combined as growing media additives and research gaps in this area of activity have been identified for further research.
... ¨alperujo¨)(Fernández-Hernández et al., 2013), organic fraction of the guacamole industry(González-Fernández et al., 2015), organic wastes of greenhouse horticultural production(Mendoza-Hernández et al., 2014), citrus pulp(Gelsomino et al., 2010), grape marc(Trillas et al., 2006), brewery sludge(Sánchez- Monedero et al., 2004), etc.In vermicompost, researchers used different manures for their transformation by means of lombriculture techniques to identify products that could be used in horticulture.So, mainly pig manure(Arancon et al., 2005;Atiyeh et al., 2000;Bachman and Metzger, 2008;Lazcano et al., 2009) and cattle manure(Loggiodice et al., 2009;Sultana et al., 2015;Tringovska and Dintcheva, 2012) were used and also sometimes green and vegetable crop wastesFornes et al., 2012;Morales-Corts et al., 2014). ...
Identifying options of climate change mitigation are of a global interest to researchers. Whereas wide range of techniques of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon sequestration have been studied in row crops and forest systems; little research has been done on the ornamental horticulture. The ornamental industrial sector has indeed some negative impacts on the global environment, but also presents opportunities to reduce GHG emissions and increase C sequestration. Thus the objective of this study was to explore this biotic strategy to sequester CO2 in the ornamental horticultural production sector. Around 11 million kg of sphagnum peat moss is used annually in the world for horticultural production. Therefore, the potential of using compost, vermicompost and biochar as growing media is assessed on the basis of data from greenhouse studies. Peat-based substrate can be substituted up to 30 % to 35 % by compost or vermicompost and up to 20 % to 25 % by biochar. Some examples from field studies are included to conduct the life cycle assessment of using these growth media. An estimate of C storage on the long-term basis in soil indicates up to 3 million Mg CO2 equivalent as the maximum C potential storage per year in the global productive sector if the peat-based growing media is substituted by compost/vermicompost and biochar at the ratios mentioned above. Finally, synergies between compost vermicompost and biochar are discussed when these materials are combined as growing media additives and research gaps in this area of activity have been identified and need for further research prioritized.
... Green waste compost is a new concept for resource utilization developed in recent years [3], which is applied to floricultural substrate or substrate for nursery-grown plant production in most areas [4][5][6]. Recently, green waste compost has become an important means of relieving urban green waste and amending urban polluted soil [7][8][9]. ...
Resource utilization of urban green waste compost for soil improvement in afforested land is an important way of digesting urban green waste. In this study, artificial Sophora japonica Linn. Woodland in the Beijing plain, where the million mu (66,700 ha) afforestation project was carried out, was taken as an experimental area to investigate the influences of urban green waste composting on soil improvement and soil microorganisms. Application amounts of green waste composts for each tree were as follows: CK treatment: no application of fertilizer; T1 treatment: 5 kg/each tree; T2 treatment: 10 kg/each tree; T3 treatment: 15 kg/each tree. Results showed that the application of green waste had a significant effect on soil improvement, such as improving of organic matter, available phosphorus, and available potassium content (p < 0.05). The high-level application amount (T3 treatment) had a greater effect on soil improvement. Compared with the control treatment (CK), soil pH in T3 treatment decreased to 7.28-7.45, Soil organic matter contents reached more than 35 g·kg⁻¹, and soil total nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, and soil available potassium increased by 25-28%, 200-400%, and 80-177%, respectively. Soil carbon-nitrogen ratio has increasing to 15.61-24.38 in the three treatments, which would not obviously slow down the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the soil. After the application of green waste compost, the soil microbial structure was changed. From the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) level, bacterial abundance increased by 12-13%, but the change in bacterial diversity was not significant. The influences of pH and contents of organic matter content, available phosphorus, and rapidly available potassium on the bacterial community were greater. This study will provide the necessary scientific basis for the application of green waste compost in the improvement of soil on afforested land in the Beijing plain.
... The composting process and the end-product quality are adjusted to the compost quality standards depending on final usage (Bernal et al., 2009). GW compost is mainly used as a growth medium for ornamental plants and/or horticulture (Morales-Corts et al., 2014;Zhang et al., 2014;Kazamias et al., 2017;Massa et al., 2018) and a soil quality amendment (Karami et al., 2011;Zhu-Barker et al., 2015;García-Jaramillo et al., 2016;Marín-Benito et al., 2018). ...
Green waste (GW) is an important fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW). The composting of lignocellulosic GW is challenging due to its low decomposition rate. Recently, an increasing number of studies that include strategies to optimize GW composting appeared in the literature. This literature review focuses on the physicochemical quality of GW and on the effect of strategies used to improve the process and product quality. A systematic search was carried out, using keywords, and 447 papers published between 2002 and 2018 were identified. After a screening process, 41 papers addressing feedstock quality and 32 papers on optimization strategies were selected to be reviewed and analyzed in detail. The GW composition is highly variable due to the diversity of the source materials, the type of vegetation, and climatic conditions. This variability limits a strict categorization of the GW physicochemical characteristics. However, this research established that the predominant features of GW are a C/N ratio higher than 25, a deficit in important nutrients, namely nitrogen (0.5-1.5% db), phosphorous (0.1-0.2% db) and potassium (0.4-0.8% db) and a high content of recalcitrant organic compounds (e.g. lignin). The promising strategies to improve composting of GW were: i) GW particle size reduction (e.g. shredding and separation of GW fractions); ii) addition of energy amendments (e.g. non-refined sugar, phosphate rock, food waste, volatile ashes), bulking materials (e.g. biocarbon, wood chips), or microbial inoculum (e.g. fungal consortia); and iii) variations in operating parameters (aeration, temperature, and two-phase composting). These alternatives have successfully led to the reduction of process length and have managed to transform recalcitrant substances to a high-quality end-product.
... To that direction, several authorities are attempting to limit the use of peat as a growing medium and soil quality enhancer while at the same time both local and national authorities encourage organic waste reuse as a substrate component (Moral et al. 2013). Lately, there has been great interest in exploring and using alternative high-quality and low-cost components as growing media for horticultural crops due to increasing needs and the rising cost of peat (Morales-Corts et al. 2014). ...
Peat-based growing media are not ecologically sustainable and peat extraction threatens sensitive peatland ecosystem. In this study, olive-stone waste (OSW) and paper waste (PW) were used in different ratios—as growing media—for ornamental crop production, as peat (P) substitutes. Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), petunia (Petunia x hybrita L.) and matthiola (Matthiola incana L.) plants were grown in (1) P (100%), (2) P:OSW (90%:10%), (3) P:OSW (70%:30%), and (4) P:OSW:PW (60%:20%:20%). The physicochemical properties of these substrates and the effects on plant growth were determined. The addition of 10–30% OSW into the substrate increased marigold height compared to plants grown in 100% peat. No differences in plant size, plant biomass (leaves and flowers), and dry matter content were found. Adding PW, in combination with OSW, maintained marigold height and total number of flowers produced to similar levels as in plants grown in 100% peat. In matthiola, adding 30% OSW into the substrate reduced plant size and fresh weight, but not plant height. No differences were observed when plants grew in lower OSW (i.e., 10%) content. Petunia’s height, its total number of flowers and flower earliness (flower opening) were increased in the presence of OSW compared to the plants grown in 100% peat. The addition of OSW did not affect petunia’s size and fresh weight among treatments. The addition of PW suppressed several plant growth-related parameters for both matthiola and petunia. The insertion of OSW did not change leaf chlorophyll content whereas the presence of PW decreased chlorophylls for marigold, petunia, and matthiola. Both OSW and PW altered the content of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) in leaves and flowers for marigold and petunia. Both 30% OSW and PW increased antioxidative enzyme metabolism due to the increased damage index and lipid peroxidation observed in plants. Leaf N and P content decreased in PW-based media, while matthiola displayed visual phytotoxicity symptoms when PW was added into the substrate. The present work indicates that up to 30% of OSW can replace peat for marigold and petunia growing and only up to 10% of OSW for matthiola, while the addition of PW on top of OSW is not recommended, so further research is needed.
... Besides, compost prevents the development of pathogens and is also used as mulch to hinder weed seed growth and as a covering medium. It has been declared that compost is beneficial in the production of fruit, vegetables and ornamental plants [13,14,22]. The tendency towards good farming practice has stimulated interest in compost use. ...
This trail aimed investigate the benefits of the use of wastes such as hazelnut husk and rice hull composts in organic strawberry cultivation and their effects on productivity and fruit. The research was carried out in the Ondokuz Mayis University’s (OMU) Faculty of Agriculture Research and Practice garden in Samsun in 2010 and 2011. In the research, effects of some organic wastes (hazelnut husk, hazelnut husk compost, rice hull, rice hull compost and farmyard manure) on yield and quality of strawberry cvs. “Camarosa”, “Sweet Charlie”, “Redlands Hope” and “Fern” were examined. In the experiment, yield per plan (g/plant), amount of rotten fruits (g/plant), fruit weight (g), total soluble solid (TSS) (%), titrable acid content (%) and vitamin C content (mg/100 g) were examined in order to determine impacts of organic wastes on yield and quality. No statistical difference could be established with regard to yield criteria among organic wastes in the experiment. Different organic waste practices have occasionally had significant impacts on some properties of fruit quality. In the experiment, the heaviest fruits were obtained from garden soil (S) and hazelnut husk compost (2010) application; the highest TSS content was obtained from the S and hazelnut husk compost (2011) applications and the highest vitamin C content was obtained from the hazelnut husk compost (2010), garden soil (2011) and hazelnut husk compost applications in 2011.
... The onions in sites 4 th and 5 th have increase in weight respectively by 6 % and 14.3%, and in diameter by 2% and 7% compared to the control. This confirms the results showing that incorporation of vermicompost in plant medium leads to onion total dry weight increasing (0.06 g vs 0.04 g in control) [Morales-Corts et al., 2014]. ...
Podzolic soils belong to a low fertile soils. To obtain a crop it is necessary to add fertilizers. It was suggested to use vermicompost as fertilzer. Vermicompost is a natural fertilizer that is beneficial against chemical fertilizers. To confirm positive effect of biohumus different plants were grown. Grass and radishes were grown in forms, and radishes, onion and marigolds were grown in outdoor experimental plot. It was grown plants in poor podzolic soil with added vermicompost. Grass had a higher growth in medium with 4 % vermicompost. The best foliage length of radish was for sample with 4 % vermicompost added. Radish root crop diameter was 2.5 times more than control when growing in forms. In experimental plot radishes were grown with 43.5 % increasing in weight and 17.7 % increasing in diameter. Incorporation of vermicompost in amounts of 5 kg/m2 and 7 kg/m2 led to increasing the weight and diameter of onions. The length of onion leaves was slightly larger than control. Marigolds grown in vermicompost medium had the most powerful sprouts and greatest length. Marigolds stem diameter, flower diameter, and quantity of inflorescences were also higher than control. Obtained data indicates the success of using vermicompost for podzolic soils enrichment and plants growing.
In the beekeeping industry, “slumgum” is generated as a solid organic waste during the beeswax-rendering process from old scraped honeycombs. This bio-waste could be considered as a novel organic fertilizer due to its high content in organic matter and nutrients. As a novelty in this study, we analysed the effect of application of solid and liquid slumgum transformed or not with Penicillium chrysogenum on purslane ( Portulaca oleracea ) yield and its relationship with soil rhizosphere. For this purpose, nutritional composition, enzymatic activities involved in the P, N and C cycles, fungal and bacterial community composition, diversity and potential functionality in the rhizosphere were measured. The application of solid and liquid slumgum transformed with P. chrysogenum (TS and TL, respectively) and slumgum liquid (L) significantly increased purslane shoot biomass and foliar P content, compared to the non-transformed solid slumgum (S). The different types of slumgum tested resulted in changes in the composition of both bacteria and fungi communities, resulting in distinct communities for each treatment. Moreover, changes in the functional fungal guilds were observed, with increased abundances of saprotrophs and reduced number of plant pathogens under the TS, TL, and L treatments. Solid slumgum transformed with P. chrysogenum (TS) was also the most effective in enhancing enzymatic activities related with C, N and P cycles in the rhizosphere. Conversely, the use of solid slumgum (S) led to an increase in the abundance of bacterial genes primarily associated with the denitrification process. Our preliminary results suggest that solid and liquid slumgum transformed with P. chrysogenum , as well as liquid non-transformed slumgum (TS, TL, and L, respectively), could be considered as novel organic fertilizers, amendments or additives within the circular economy context and the sustainable use of natural resources. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to validate the positive outcomes observed, particularly under field conditions and with a variety of species.
The use of organic fertilizers is one of the appropriate ways to produce medicinal plants due to their proper
impact on the various soil properties, maintaining environmental health and better plant growth. This study
was conducted to investigate the impact of various vermicompost levels on the growth and the
morphological and physiological properties of the medicinal-ornamental plant of the Mullein, under drought
stress conditions. The research was carried out in the form of split plots in a complete blocks design with
four replicates. Experimental treatments included the use of vermicompost organic fertilizer at three levels of
zero, 4, and 8 kg/m2 (equivalent to zero, 4, and 8 tons per hectare) and drought stress at two levels of normal
irrigation (no stress) and irrigation at 50% of soil field capacity (FC). The results showed that the use of
vermicompost and drought stress improved the morphological and physiological traits of the medicinal plant
of Mullein. The highest height of the stem, the stem flower, the number of leaves, the height of the flower,
the dry weight of shoot, and the root length were obtained by the use of vermicompost at 4 and 8 kg/m2
levels. The use of vermicompost at the rate of 8 kg/m2 increased chlorophyll and anthocyanin, respectively,
by 53.7 and 122% compared to control. It was observed that by applying vermicompost at the levels of 4 and
8 kg/m2, significant changes in the morphological and physiological traits of the Mullein plant occurred. On
the other hand, the combination of vermicompost application and mild drought stress also caused positive
changes in the plant traits. Therefore, mild drought stress, and also for improving the vegetative growth and
reproductive efficiency of the medicinal-ornamental plant of the Mullein, the use of vermicompost at 4 kg/m2
(equivalent to 4 tons per hectare) are recommended.
The use of vermicompost (VC) in growing medium can potentially promote plant growth and provide a way to reuse biowaste. Although VC has widely been studied recently in the production of growing medium, a quantitative assessment of the effects of VC on the physicochemical properties of the growing medium and plant growth is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to synthetically evaluate the effects of VC on the physicochemical properties of growing medium and plant growth. We observed that VC significantly increased the nutrient content of the growing medium; in particular, it increased the contents of available nitrogen and phosphorus by 133.8% and 256.7%, respectively. Furthermore, VC significantly improved the water-holding porosity of the growing medium by 25.3% but slightly reduced total pore space by 2.6%. Moreover, during plant growth, VC increased seed germination rate, seedling index, shoot biomass, root biomass, and total biomass on an average by 30.4%, 57.8%, 52.6%, 58.3%, and 54.4%, respectively. Comprehensively, we also observed that cattle manure-VC was the most promising material for the production of growing medium and that the optimum proportion of VC for plant growth in growing medium was 40–60%. These results are therefore proposed to provide a reference for the regulation of the physicochemical properties of growing medium, including the selection of waste materials and the VC proportion during the production of growing medium. Similarly, the positive effects of VC on plant growth will provide more possibilities for reducing fertilizer input and cycling waste.
Organic amendments added to growing media are claimed to improve plant growth by mechanisms such as providing nutrients, stimulating growth, enhancing flowering and fruiting, increasing beneficial microbes and controlling diseases and pests. However, the claims have received relatively little scientific scrutiny, particularly in containerized plant production. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of compost-based organic amendments in containerized production horticulture, including composts and vermicomposts produced from plant residues, animal manures, and municipal and industrial wastes; compost teas; and vermicompost teas. Their features and drawbacks, suitability and typical application rates in specific production systems, and knowledge gaps are identified. The variability within and among compost-based organic amendments makes it difficult to generalize about their utility to containerized plant production, however grape marc compost and green waste compost have the widest application in vegetable and ornamental species, respectively.
The scarcity of turfy soil (TS), which is the most commonly used external-soil spray seeding (ESSS) substrate component, has recently increased. The aim of this study was to introduce a substitute for TS as an organic matter additive in substrate. Green waste compost (GWC) that was combined with sandy loam soil, polyacrylamide (PAM), and super absorbent polymer (SAP) was used for preparing the soil substrate. Further, a modified soil-spraying experiment and artificial rainfall experiments with an orthogonal design (L164³) were conducted. These experiments assessed the feasibility of GWC as a component of ESSS substrate and the optimal formulation. The results indicated that the degree of influence of the three factors controlling the amended substrate is GWC > PAM > SAP. GWC improved the physical and chemical properties of the substrate, as well as the seed germination rate and seedling growth. Significant improvements can be observed with respect to the soil bulk density, soil porosity, steady infiltration rate, and anti-shearing strength (p < .01). Additionally, the runoff and soil loss decreased under heavy rainfall. Except for the soil nutrients and seedling height, all other indicators of the GWC substrates were better than those of the commercially available TS substrates. Principal component analysis and range analysis revealed that the optimum values of various design parameters were 40% for the compost volume content, 200 g m⁻³ for PAM and 100 g m⁻³ for SAP. Based on these results, GWC can be considered to be an effective alternative to TS for ESSS.
Food production and waste management are two increasing issues ensuing from the growing world population. Recycling organic residues into amendment for food production seems to appear as an opportunity to partially solve this double challenge. Vermicomposting is a process whereby earthworms transform organic residues into compost that can be used as a substrate for plant growth. Many studies have evaluated the effect of vermicompost on plant growth, but a quantitative summary of these studies is still missing. This is the first meta-analysis providing a quantitative summary of the effect size of vermicompost on plant growth. We found that vermicompost brought about average increases of 26% in commercial yield, 13% in total biomass, 78% in shoot biomass, and 57% in root biomass. The positive effect of vermicompost on plant growth reached a maximum when vermicompost represented 30 to 50% of the soil volume. The best original material to be used for vermicompost production was cattle manure. The effect was stronger when no fertilizer was added, and lower when the standard Metro-Mix 360 substratum recommended by some authors was used as a growing medium in greenhouse or climatic chambers. Herbs (especially Cucurbitaceae and Asteraceae) and legumes exhibited the largest biomass increase in the presence of vermicompost. These results are discussed through an analysis of potential publication biases showing an over-representation of studies with a high effect size. We finally recommend authors of primary research to provide a minimum set of statistical parameters, output variables, and experimental condition parameters to make it easier to include their work in meta-analyses. Overall, our study provides synthetic information on the beneficial effects of vermicompost for plant growth, which could help bring waste management and agriculture together towards a society with a more circular economy.
Vermicompost is becoming an important substitute for peat in horticulture due to the negative consequences of peat depletion. There is no aerobic fermentation pretreatment in the process of direct digestion of fresh cow manure by earthworms, which resulted in different properties of vermicompost compared with traditional treatment methods. However, there is limited knowledge on the properties of vermicompost in the direct earthworm digestion process. In the present study, a large-scale earthworm bio-bed was used to convert fresh cow manure into vermicompost, and then the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of the vermicompost were determined. To study the influence of mineral nutrient additions, vermicompost was mixed with vermiculite at a ratio of 4:1 (v/v), and was then used as the growth medium for capsicum seedlings. The results showed that nitrate nitrogen (243.39 mg/kg), ammonium nitrogen (50.38 mg/kg), total phosphorus (47.61 g/kg), available phosphorus (41.68 g/kg), catalase activity (2.17 mL/g·h), bacterial biomass (3.60 × 10⁷ cfu/g), actinobacterial biomass (2.40 × 10⁷ cfu/g), and fungal biomass (1.55 × 10⁶ cfu/g) measurements were significantly higher in vermicompost than in the parent material. However, moisture (50.01%), electrical conductivity (2.07 mS/cm), total nitrogen (8.52 g/kg), organic matter (28.47%), and urease activity (0.63 mL/g·h) were significantly lower in the vermicompost compared to the parent material. The shoot and root morphological indices and the capsicum biomass accumulation measurements in the vermicompost treatments were superior to those found in the commercial peat medium (CK). Leaf expansion (14.83 cm), shoot height (24.20 cm), stem diameter (4.38 cm), leaf number (16.20 No.), root length (352.83 cm), root surface area (60.30 cm²), root diameter (0.61 mm), and root volume (0.92cm³) significantly higher in vermicompost-vermiculite mixed media with added urea (0.5 kg/m³), superphosphate (10.0 kg/m³), and potassium chloride (1.0 kg/m³) than in CK at the late seedling growth stage. The addition of mineral nutrients (NPK) had little effect on the physical properties of the vermicompost media, but it improved the available nutrients. In summary, fresh cow manure without pre-treatment can be processed into vermicompost using a large-scale earthworm bio-bed. Vermicompost could serve as an alternative for commercial peat media in the cultivation of capsicum plug seedlings, and the beneficial effects of adding NPK gradually emerged as the seedling growth time increased.
Este libro, íntegramente escrito por miembros de la Red Española de Compostaje, se ha convertido en una referencia en lengua castellana, para científicos, técnicos y académicos cuyo campo de especialización es el Compostaje.
The maturity of compost can be determined using sensitive species to phytotoxic metabolites by germination bioassays. In order to obtain a stabilized and non-phytotoxic product, the phytotoxic compounds must be biodegraded or immobilized during the maturity phase of composting. In this study the sensitivity of lettuce (Lactuca sativa, var. Four Seasons) and radish (Raphanus sativus, var. Cherry Bell) seeds to extracts from composted agroindustrial residues was evaluated. The extracts were obtained by mixing agroindustrial residues with distilled water in a ratio of 1:5. The agroindustrial residues evaluated were residues of instantaneous coffee (C), a mixture of residues of instantaneous coffee and fresh fruit residues (C+F) and wine residues with broiler manure residues (V+G). The relative germination rates (PGR), relative growth of radicle (CRR) and germination index (IG) were determined for both species. The results showed that radish was more sensitive to phytotoxic compounds than lettuce. V+G showed the highest phytotoxicity for both species according to the germination index. The Chilean Regulation for Compost (INN, 2004) establishes the phytotoxicity level based on the relative germination rate of radish seeds. According to this Regulation only V+G was classified as phytotoxics free compost. The germination index was the most sensitive parameter for evaluating the chemical maturity level of composted residues for agricultural use. This index was especially useful for evaluating the phytotoxicity of compost or any organic substrate used for pots. This is due because when plants are grown in pots the effects of phytotoxic compounds are more important than when plants are cultivated in the field
Petunia (Petunia x hybrida Hort. Vilm.Andr.) is an annual ornamental species with a long flowering period; it is easy to grow and has a wide range of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, it is a species tolerant to salinity, which makes it a very versatile plant for a more sustainable landscape approach in marginal soils. Given the need to seek substrates alternative to peat moss for commercial production, this research evaluated the effect on indicators of growth, flower and seed production of three substrates: agricultural saline soil (T1), agricultural saline soil supplemented with 30 % (v/v) compost of cattle manure and crop residues (T2), and agricultural saline soil containing 80 % (v/v) of the same compost (T3). Addition of 30 % compost (T2) markedly improved plant growth (P<0.05); plants were taller and produced flowers with seeds. On the other hand, addition of 80 % compost significantly decreased soluble Na+ and Cl in the substrates, and although this treatment (T3) produced the largest shoot diameter, more sprouts, leaves and flowers (P<0.05), plant height was not the highest, and plants were more susceptible to lodging than those of the other treatments and did not produce seeds. Lodging was provoked by a higher production of dry biomass, as a consequence of higher N and K contents in leaf tissue. It was concluded from this study that up to 30 % (v/v) compost made from cattle manure and crop residues to amend saline soil significantly improves growth in petunia plants and maintains flower and seed production.
Different origin composts and a digestate from a biogas plant and their respective alkali soluble (SBO) and insoluble (IOR) fractions have been tested as organic fertilizers in growth media. The materials have been characterized by determination of pH, salinity, C, N, P, and K content. A preliminary evaluation of the possible phytoxicity has been performed by determination of the germination indexes of cress (Lepidium sativum), white mustard (Sinapsis alba) and radish (Raphanus sativus). Most of the materials did not promote the germination of the seeds. Notwithstanding these negative results, the materials were also used as partial peat substitute in a commercial substrate to test the growth of marigold (Tagetes patula), radish (Raphanus sativus), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The dimension and dry weight of the plants grown on the substrate mixed with the composts, the digestate or the SBOs were similar to those observed on the substrate. Moreover, most of the SOBs provoked the increase of the dry weight of the roots of the radishes, therefore an increase of the quality. The insoluble fractions (IOR) from the composts allowed a growth of the plants similar to that obtained with a commercial substrate. In contrast, the IOR obtained from the digestate was phytotoxic.
Petunia (Petunia x hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr.) is an annual ornamental species with a long flowering period; it is easy to grow and has a wide range of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, it is a species tolerant to salinity, which makes it a very versatile plant for a more sustainable landscape approach in marginal soils. Given the need to seek substrates alternative to peat moss for comercial production, this research evaluated the effect on indicators of growth, flower and seed production of three substrates: agricultural saline soil (T1), agricultural saline soil supplemented with 30 % (v/v) compost of cattle manure and crop residues (T2), and agricultural
saline soil containing 80 % (v/v) of the same compost (T3). Addition of 30 % compost (T2) markedly improved plant growth (P≤0.05); plants were taller and produced flowers with seeds. On the other hand, addition of 80 % compost significantly decreased soluble Na
and Cl
in the substrates, and although this treatment (T3) produced the largest shoot diameter, more sprouts, leaves and flowers
-
(P≤0.05), plant height was not the highest, and plants were more susceptible to lodging than those of the other treatments and did not
produce seeds. Lodging was provoked by a higher production of dry biomass, as a consequence of higher N and K contents in leaf
tissue. It was concluded from this study that up to 30 % (v/v) compost made from cattle manure and crop residues to amend saline
soil significantly improves growth in petunia plants and maintains flower and seed production.
In the present work, different strategies for the utilization of an organic beekeeping waste called slumgum were analysed. Slumgum appears in the beeswax-rendering process. A physico-chemical characterization was carried out and the hypothesis that slumgum could be used as nutrient source and growth substrate constituent for seedling production was tested. Analyses revealed that slumgum has an important potential for fertilization: 6.10% N, 0.23% P and 0.4% K, with a total organic matter average content of 78.63%. Also, some disadvantages such as an overly acid pH and high electrical conductivity were found. Assays of seedling production were carried out for two years and lettuce and pepper were used as model crops. Treatments were performed mixing different slumgum formats [minced slumgum (MS), slumgumgypsum granules (SG) and slumgum-superphosphate granules (SC)] with peat (Pe): 25MS-75Pe (in %), 33MS-67Pe, 25SG-75Pe, 33SG-67Pe, 25SC-75Pe and 33SC-67Pe. Controls were no fertilized peat, organic and mineral commercial fertilizers. The best results for lettuce and pepper leaf area, shoot dry weight, and N percentage in leaf were obtained when treatment 25MS-75Pe was applied. Moreover for treatments 25SG-75Pe, no significant differences were observed with respect to the controls in seedbed parameters. Important reductions in emergence and seedling production were detected with SC, most probably due to their high acidity. Results suggest that MS (25MS-75Pe and 33MS-67Pe) and 25SG-75Pe offer a relevant nutritional potential and their high organic matter contents allow them to be considered as organic fertilizers.
Hog manure from windrows composted at different operating strategies was used in a bioassay to determine phytotoxicity. Twelve windows that differed in composting strategies (i.e. turning frequency and moisture content adjustment) were built. The effects of hog manure water extracts on seed germination and primary root growth of cress (Lepidum sativum L.) was measured. The germination index (GI, a product of relative seed germination and root elongation) was related to the chemical characteristics (electrical conductivity, nitrogen compounds, C:N ratio, heavy metals and humification parameters) of the hog manure. The water-extractable chemical properties of the hog manure that showed the highest negative correlation with GI were extractable Cu, extractable Zn and NH(4)(+)N, demonstrating that these chemical compounds gradually decrease during composting due to transformation to other compounds and immobilization effects. A GI>80 (an indicator of the disappearance of phytotoxicity) was reached when the concentrations of NH(4)(+)-N, extractable Cu, and extractable Zn were 2gkg(-1), 15mgkg(-1), and 15mgkg(-1), respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that NH(4)(+)-N was the most important factors affecting the phytotoxicity of the hog manure. Composting strategies employed affected the speed of composting, time of maturation, and disappearance of phytotoxicity. The disappearance of phytotoxicity corresponded with the time of maturation of the hog manure. If optimum composting conditions (windrows turned every 4d with weekly moisture adjustment to 60%) are met, phytotoxicity disappears within 56d.
Post transplant success after nursery stage is strongly influenced by plant morphology. Cultural practices strongly shape plant morphology, and substrate choice is one of the most determining factors. Peat is the most often used amendment in commercial potting substrates, involving the exploitation of non-renewable resources and the degradation of highly valuable peatland ecosystems and therefore alternative substrates are required. Here the feasibility of replacing peat by compost or vermicompost for the production of tomato plants in nurseries was investigated through the study of the effect of increasing proportions of these substrates (0%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 75% and 100%) in target plant growth and morphological features, indicators of adequate post-transplant growth and yield. Compost and vermicompost showed to be adequate substrates for tomato plant growth. Total replacement of peat by vermicompost was possible while doses of compost higher than 50% caused plant mortality. Low doses of compost (10 and 20%) and high doses of vermicompost produced significant increases in aerial and root biomass of the tomato plants. In addition these treatments improved significantly plant morphology (higher number of leaves and leaf area, and increased root volume and branching). The use of compost and vermicompost constitute an attractive alternative to the use of peat in plant nurseries due to the environmental benefits involved but also due to the observed improvement in plant quality.
Vermicomposts processed commercially from food wastes and paper wastes were applied, to 4.5 m(2) field plots, under high plastic hoop tunnels, at rates of 5 or 10 tha(-1) to evaluate their effects on the growth and yields of strawberries (Fragaria ananasa) var. 'Chandler'. The vermicomposts were incorporated into the top 10 cm of soil and supplemented, based on chemical analyses, with amounts of inorganic NPK fertilizers calculated to equalize the initial fertilizer rates of 85-155-125 kgha(-1) NPK applied to the inorganic fertilizer plots. All treatments were replicated four times, in a completely randomized design, at two field sites on Doles silt loam or Hoytville silty clay loam at Piketon and Fremont, Ohio, respectively. Vermicompost applications increased strawberry growth and yields significantly; including increases of up to 37% in leaf areas, 37% in plant shoot biomass, 40% in numbers of flowers, 36% in numbers of plant runners and 35% in marketable fruit weights. These responses seemed not to be dose-dependent, since strawberries at one site grew fastest and yielded most in response to the 10 tha(-1) vermicompost application rate, whereas they responded positively and similarly to both the 5 and 10 tha(-1) rates of applications at the other site. These responses could not have been mediated by availability of macronutrients, since all plots were supplemented with inorganic fertilizers, to equalize macronutrient inputs for all treatments, but based on other research in our laboratory could have been due to production of plant growth regulators by microorganisms during vermicomposting.
Rooted cuttings of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Clotzsch ‘Amy’) and seedlings of bibb lettuce (Lactusa sativa L.), baldhead cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. Capitata), sweet william (Dianthus barbatus L.) and pansy (Viola & Wittrockiana Gams.) were grown in Sunshine Mix and 7 experimental media containing 30-day-old (“New”) or 90-day-old (“Aged”) cocompost (polymer dewatered sewage sludge composted with processed garbage), perlite or vermiculite, and peatmoss. Plants were fertilized biweekly with water soluble fertilizer of 25N-2.2P-16.6K (25-5-20) at 250 ppm of N applied at 0, 1 or 2 wks after transplanting. The growth of all species did not vary with compost age. Dianthus and pansy plants grown in 50% “New” compost and dianthus grown in 25% “New” compost produced significantly lower top dry mass than those grown in Sunshine Mix. All other treatments for cabbage, lettuce, dianthus and pansy showed no significant difference in top growth from those grown in Sunshine Mix. Poinsettia plants grown in Sunshine Mix produced greater total growth than all other treatments except those grown in equal portions of “New” compost, peat and perlite. Lettuce and cabbage leaf tissue contained cadmium levels less than 0.5 ppm regardless of compost level.
Total carbon (C) in soils is the sum of both organic and inorganic C. Organic C is present in the soil organic matter fraction, whereas inorganic C is largely found in carbonate minerals. The wet combustion analysis of soils by chromic acid digestion has long been a standard method for determining total C, giving results in good agreement with dry combustion. Methods for total C are basic for many of the procedures used to determine organic C in soils. In contrast to noncalcareous soils, inorganic C must be removed from calcareous or limed soils before the analysis if wet or dry combustion techniques are used to directly measure the organic C present. The organic matter content of soil may be indirectly estimated through multiplication of the organic C concentration by the ratio of organic matter to organic C commonly found in soils.
This Bulletin discusses the use of compost in vegetable production systems in Florida, United States. It discusses the surface application of compost as a mulch, soil amendment, and as a method of weed control. N mineralization in compost after application, and the leaching of N from compost, particularly in compost applied to sandy soils, are described.
The goal of revegetation projects on degraded or polluted lands is to create a near-natural, stable, and quick-response ecosystem that does not require particular management after establishment and that is compatible with the surrounding landscape. Municipal waste compost (MWC) is commonly used in revegetation projects as a source of organic matter. The aim of this study was to investigate the germination percentage and average time of germination of 23 species (12 cultivated grasses and legumes and 11 native herbs) as affected by the leachates from soil, three different mixtures of soil-compost, and pure compost. The treatments influenced the average time of germination (ATG); legumes were the most affected species, followed by grasses and wild herbs. The percentage of germination of Festuca arundinacea was not affected by the presence of compost leachate, while Lolium multiflorum was the most sensitive species. A higher content of compost in the mixture caused a delay in germination of all the grasses. Most of the legumes were able to germinate in the leachate of the soil-compost mixtures, but their germination was delayed; Trifolium pratense had the highest sensitivity in terms of average time of germination. The native herbs Lepidium sativum, Matricaria chamomilla, and Sanguisorba officinalis germinated without any adverse effect when treated with leachate from high levels of MWC; the germination of Amaranthus cruentus was influenced by all levels of MWC in substrates, suggesting a high specific sensitivity for toxic components of leachate from MWC-soil mixtures.
An inventory of materials suitable for use as growing media for ornamental potted plant production in Spain has been prepared. Special attention has been paid to solid organic wastes generated by production, industrial and consumer activities. Information obtained from this study has been organised into two data bases. Data base 1 contains the “General Characteristics” file of more than 105 materials. In this file, data are available regarding generation points, material availability, uses, cost, disposal expenses, etc. Data base 2 is comprised of the “Specific Properties” file of 63 materials selected from data base 1. The main physical, chemical and biological properties of these materials as container media have been characterised, and the results obtained have been compiled. Finally, a computerised data bank has been created which can be found in the home page of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (http://agritel2.mapya.es/sustratos/).
The use of forestry wastes (barks, sawdust, wood chips) as potting media components can involve serious problems of toxicity that must be evaluated. Evaluation methods may consist of analytic techniques to detect and quantify phytotoxic molecules, or rapid bioassays, with low technical requirements, using species sensitive to the toxic elements. These bioassays should be able to predict plant behaviour in real growing conditions.In this study we used as substrate cork oak bark (Quercus suber L.). This material, like other forestry wastes, contains phytotoxic phenolic compounds which can be washed out with hot water. The phenolic content of cork (C) and washed cork (WC) was measured, and two germination bioassays were carried out with eight horticultural species. In the first, aqueous extracts of cork (C) and washed cork (WC) obtained with water at 15 °C and 70 °C were used, and the second was done directly on the substrates. In addition, a seedling growing test was carried out with the same species. We concluded that tomato and lettuce are the most sensitive species, and the direct test on the substrate is recommended owing to its simplicity and close correspondence to growing conditions.
Commercial potting media often contain substantial amounts of peat that was mined from endangered bog and fen ecosystems. The main objectives of this study were to assess (1) whether the amendment of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% (v/v) of vermicompost (VC) to a fertilized commercial peat potting substrate has effects on the emergence, growth and biomass allocation of tomato seedlings (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under greenhouse conditions, (2) whether possible impacts on seedlings can affect tomato yields and fruit quality even when transplanted into equally fertilized field soil, and (3) whether effects are consistent among different tomato varieties. Amended VC was produced in a windrow system of food and cotton waste mainly by earthworms Eisenia fetida Sav. Vermicompost amendments significantly influenced, specifically for each tomato variety, emergence and elongation of seedlings. Biomass allocation (root:shoot ratio) was affected by VC amendments for two varieties in seedling stage and one field-grown tomato variety. Marketable and total yields of field tomatoes were not affected by VC amendments used for seedling husbandry. However, morphological (circumference, dry matter content, peel firmness) and chemical fruit parameters (contents of C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, l-ascorbic acid, glucose, fructose) were significantly affected by VC amendments in seedling substrates; these effects again were specific for each tomato variety. Overall, vermicompost could be an environmentally friendly substitute for peat in potting media with similar or beneficial effects on seedling performance and fruit quality. However, at least for tomatoes, variety-specific responses should be considered when giving recommendations on the optimum proportion of vermicompost amendment to horticultural potting substrate.
Vermicompost was produced from a green waste compost feedstock and assessed for its potential use in a high value horticultural market. Replicated plant growth trials were undertaken with lettuce using pure worm cast (vermicompost), green waste-derived compost and mixtures of the two, i.e. 50/50 (v/v) and 20/80 (v/v) of worm casts and green waste feedstock. Results showed that plant biomass production was optimal with a 20/80 (v/v) compost blend, whilst pure worm cast and green waste compost yielded poor growth. Leaf chlorophyll content indicated that pure worm cast inhibited plant growth and depressed N content, whereas plant grown with the other treatments contained similar amounts of chlorophyll. In general, the vermicomposting process did not result in an increased availability of nutrients or potentially toxic elements, the only exception being Zn.
In this study, co-composting of food waste and green waste at low initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios was investigated using an in-vessel lab-scale composting reactor. The central composite design (CCD) and response surface method (RSM) were applied to obtain the optimal operating conditions over a range of preselected moisture contents (45-75%) and C/N ratios (13.9-19.6). The results indicate that the optimal moisture content for co-composting of food waste and green waste is 60%, and the substrate at a C/N ratio of 19.6 can be decomposed effectively to reduce 33% of total volatile solids (TVS) in 12days. The TVS reduction can be modeled by using a second-order equation with a good fit. In addition, the compost passes the standard germination index of white radish seed indicating that it can be used as soil amendment.
A container experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that uncomposted wool wastes could be used as nutrient source and growth medium constituent for container-grown plants. The treatments were: (1) rate of wool-waste application (0 or unamended control, 20, 40, 80, and 120 g of wool per 8-in. pot), (2) growth medium constituents [(2.1) wool plus perlite, (2.2) wool plus peat, and (2.3) wool plus peat plus perlite], and (3) plant species (basil and Swiss chard). A single addition of 20, 40, 80, or 120 g of wool-waste to Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in pots with growth medium provided four harvests of Swiss chard and five harvests of basil. Total basil yield from the five harvests was 1.6-5 times greater than the total yield from the unamended control, while total Swiss chard yield from the four harvests was 2-5 times greater relative to the respective unamended control. The addition of wool-waste to the growth medium increased Swiss chard and basil tissue N, and NO(3)-N and NH(4)-N in growth medium relative to the unamended control. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis of wool fibers sampled at the end of the experiments indicated various levels of decomposition, with some fibers retaining their original surface structure. Furthermore, most of the wool fibers' surfaces contained significant concentrations of S and much less N, P, or K. SEM/EDX revealed that some plant roots grow directly on wool-waste fibers suggesting either (1) root directional growth towards sites with greater nutrient concentration and/or (2) a possible role for roots or root exudates in wool decomposition. Results from this study suggest that uncomposted wool wastes can be used as soil amendment, growth medium constituent, and nutrient source for container-grown plants.
Despite the long-time application of organic waste derived composts to crops, there is still no universally accepted index to assess compost maturity and stability. The research presented in this article investigated the suitability of seven types of seeds for use in germination bioassays to assess the maturity and phytotoxicity of six composts. The composts used in the study were derived from cow manure, sea weeds, olive pulp, poultry manure and municipal solid waste. The seeds used in the germination bioassays were radish, pepper, spinach, tomato, cress, cucumber and lettuce. Data were analyzed with an analysis of variance at two levels and with pair-wise comparisons. The analysis revealed that composts rendered as phytotoxic to one type of seed could enhance the growth of another type of seed. Therefore, germination indices, which ranged from 0% to 262%, were highly dependent on the type of seed used in the germination bioassay. The poultry manure compost was highly phytotoxic to all seeds. At the 99% confidence level, the type of seed and the interaction between the seeds and the composts were found to significantly affect germination. In addition, the stability of composts was assessed by their microbial respiration, which ranged from approximately 4 to 16g O(2)/kg organic matter and from 2.6 to approximately 11g CO(2)-C/kg C, after seven days. Initial average oxygen uptake rates were all less than approximately 0.35g O(2)/kg organic matter/h for all six composts. A high statistically significant correlation coefficient was calculated between the cumulative carbon dioxide production, over a 7-day period, and the radish seed germination index. It appears that a germination bioassay with radish can be a valid test to assess both compost stability and compost phytotoxicity.
Two composts prepared from agroindustrial wastes were assayed as substrates: C1 from brewing waste (yeast and malt) plus lemon tree prunings; and C2 from the solid fraction of olive mill wastewater plus olive leaves. Sixteen substrates were prepared by combining each compost with Sphagnum peat or a commercial substrate (CS) in different proportions. The nutrients (N and K) provided by the composts, which acted as slow-release fertilisers, influenced especially the development of calendula, although the physical and physico-chemical properties such as total pore space and electrical conductivity (EC) were also relevant. On the other hand, in the salt-sensitive calceolaria hybrid, EC and chloride concentration were the main factors influencing growth. Adequate substrates for the development of calendula can be prepared by mixing C1 at up to 75% with peat or at up to 50% with CS, and C2 at up to 50% with peat or CS. For calceolaria, the substrate should have a lower proportion of compost, C1 at up to 50% and C2 at up to 25%, both mixed with peat or CS. Therefore, composts of agroindustrial origin such as these can be used as an alternative to peat and CSs for growing ornamental plants. provided the mixture contains at least 25% peat or CS.
The objective of this work was to study the use of pruning wastes compost (PWC) as a growing media component for ornamental plants. The main physical, chemical and biological characteristics of PWC were analysed in order to evaluate its suitability for use in soil-less cultivation. Six growth substrates were prepared by mixing PWC with peat (P), ground leaves (GL), sand (S) and spent mushroom compost (SMC) in different proportions. Two different pot experiments were carried out to test its characteristics of production using perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) as indicators and the different media as treatments. The growth experiments showed that PWC required mixing with a nutrient-richer material to produce higher results. Therefore, substrates containing SMC (PWC+P+SMC and PWC+SMC) seems to be the most adequate growing media. After the statistical analysis, we concluded that the PWC could be used as a growing media component.
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