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Volume 2 Special Issue 1 2008
Compost 1 
How to reference: Vargas Garcia MC, Suarez Estrella F, Lopez MJ, Moreno J (2008) Influence of Compost Amendment on Soil Biological Properties and Plants. In: Hao X (Ed) Compost I. Dynamic Soil, Dynamic Plant 2 (Special Issue 1), 1-9
Guest Editor
Xiying Hao
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Center, Canada
CONTENTS AND ABSTRACTS
Mª Carmen Vargas García, Francisca Suárez Estrella, Mª José López, Joaquín Moreno (Spain) Influence of Compost Amendment on Soil Biological Properties and Plants (pp 1-9)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Review: Soil has been a source of wealth for humans for thousand of years and it continues at present. As a consequence of this prolonged exploitation, significant tracts of soil have become barren land nowadays. Both mineral and organic amendments have been applied to soil in an attempt to slow down this progressive impoverishment, and compost is one of the most effective amendments The addition of compost to the soil improves not only physico-chemical properties like aeration, cation exchange capacity, buffer capacity or porosity, but biotic factors too. From a biological point of view, compost can positively affect microbial populations and their enzymatic activities and stimulates the development of plants by means of the presence of growth factors or the increase of antagonistic activity against phytopatogens, among other factors. Moreover, biological activity, mainly microbial activity, plays a key role in soil stability and fertility on account of its participation in structuring processes as well as in biogeochemichal cycles. Thus, modifications of biological properties caused by compost amendments have either an indirect effect on physico-chemical conditions. Therefore, benefits of compost in relation to soil restoration are substantial. Due to these positive effects, compost is applied not only for the improvement of agricultural soils, but for the recovery of disturbed soils as a consequence of pollution or fires or soils given to suffer erosion. Nevertheless, since some aspects of the way in which this positive influence is produced remain unclear, a better understanding of the process, mainly from a biological point of view, is needed.
Xiying Hao, Mônica B. Benke (Canada) Nitrogen Transformation and Losses during Composting and Mitigation Strategies (pp 10-18)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Review: Composting organic material, such as livestock manure, reduces its odor and C:N ratio while sanitizing and improving its physical properties. However, the biggest challenge in composting is N loss, mainly as NH3 and to a lesser extent as N2O. Ammonia contributes to smog formation and reduces air quality. Near large feedlot operations, high atmospheric NH3 depositions have been linked to plant diversity decline, soil acidification and surface water eutrophication. Emission of N2O contributes to global warming and climate change. This paper reviews the mechanisms responsible for N transformation and NH3 and N2O emissions during composting, primarily of livestock manure, and strategies used to mitigate N losses.
Hiraku Sasaki, Shiho Wakase, Kikuji Itoh, Osamu Kitazume, Jun Nonaka, Masaaki Satoh, Kenichi Otawa, Yutaka Nakai (Japan) Microbial Community in a Microbiological Additive and Composting Process (pp 19-24)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Mini-Review: There are many types of commercial microbiological additives (MAs), including feed additives, that are used for controlling odor and speed up composting for animal manure treatments. The detailed microbial composition for most MAs is not disclosed, and therefore the fate and the functions of MAs during animal manure treatments are uncertain. When MAs are used to improve the animal manure treatment process, it is essential to determine the functions and mechanisms of MAs. In addition, to monitor the structure of a microbial community and succession during treatment is an important issue for the understanding of the functions of MAs. This review summaries the effect of a commercial MA on the changes in chemical properties and microbial succession during the composting process, and describes the culture-dependent as well as culture-independent methods for monitoring the predominant microbial population during the treatment.
Mercedes Sánchez-Bascones, Adriana Corrêa-Guimarães, José F. Sanz Requena, Luis M. Navas-Gracia, Jesús Martín-Gil, María A. Díez-Gutiérrez, Salvador Hernández-Navarro (Spain) Animal Solid Waste Management through Composting Techniques. Closed Semi-Continuous Composters as a New Approach for in-Situ Carcasses Disposal (pp 25-34)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Review: A major issue facing modern society is waste management, and the best method to manage agricultural and animal wastes for agricultural use (soil conditioning and agricultural production) is by recycling through composting. From a scientific point of view, the composting process is started and managed under controlled environmental conditions rather than accepting the results of natural, uncontrolled decomposition. The design of successful composting systems requires an understanding of biological, physical and chemical processes such as carbon and nitrogen uptake and heat production and transfer. When managed properly, composting improves the handling characteristics of any organic residue by reducing its moisture content, volume and weight. The process increases the value of raw wastes by destroying pathogens and weed seeds and creating a media for the production and proliferation of beneficial organisms. The study of waste production and management lends itself to interdisciplinary study and farm composting provides an opportunity for real-world problem solving with cooperative learning groups. This work is organised in three parts. In the first one, we review developments on the composting as an animal wastes management strategy through the analysis of objectives and conditions for composting, facilities and alternatives, composting ingredients and qualities of compost. The second part, devoted to show the composting as a suitable method for carcasses disposal, contains the formulation and general principles of the method and the specific procedures, with their advantages and disadvantages. At the end, a new closed semi-continuous composter designed for the in-situ composting of animal mortalities, developed at the University of Valladolid, is presented.
Bijaya Ketan Sarangi, Sandeep Narayan Mudliar, Praveena Bhatt, Shweta Kalve, Tapan Chakrabarti, Ram Awatar Pandey (India) Compost from Sugarmill Pressmud and Distillery Spentwash for Sustainable Agriculture (pp 35-49)
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ABSTRACT
Invited Review: This paper describes the process for rapid composting of sugar mill pressmud and distillery spentwash by using microbial culture. These waste materials are processed to organic manure, a value added produce, which can be used to replenish soil nutrients. Replenishment of soil nutrients is essential since plants utilize them to generate a large amount of crop produce, year after year. Physico-chemical characteristics and the nutritive value of compost generated out of pressmud and distillery effluent have been found to support good plant growth. The product has gained wide utility as an ameliorating agent and as a soil conditioner to replenish soil nutrients for sustainable agriculture. Besides, composting is a suitable method for stabilization of organic wastes which avoids discharge of industrial wastes to land and water ecosystems that may cause pollution. Activated composting through microbial culture and appropriate conditions converts the organic matter of pressmud and spentwash into value added compost. The cumbersome bio-nondegradable portion of these wastes such as lignins, melanoidins and humic acid get converted to humus which is an essential component of soil and further enriches the soil for sustainable crop productivity.
Ena Smidt, Johannes Tintner, Katharina Meissl, Erwin Binner (Austria) Influence of Input Materials and Composting Operation on Humification of Organic Matter (pp 50-59)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: Composts play an important role in the context of resource recovery and soil improvement by increasing soil organic matter. This study focuses on compost quality in terms of humic acid (HA) content which due to its favorable properties provides benefits for soils and plants. A series of Austrian and foreign composts (174 samples) were investigated to find out the level of HAs built up during composting. HA contents from 5.4% ODM to 46.8% ODM were determined. The influence of input materials and process operation on HA formation was demonstrated by monitoring several composting processes. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermal analysis such as thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied as analytical tools for process and product control. Well-balanced mixtures of biowaste comprising kitchen-, market- and yard waste were found to provide the best conditions for HA formation. In these biowastes not only suitable molecules for humification were available, but microbial activity was also maintained for a longer period due to the diverse degradability of chemical compounds. Moderate aeration favored humification whereas too much air supply promoted mineralization. HAs undergo maturation during composting which was revealed by changes of spectral and thermal patterns and the increase of enthalpy. HAs are a sink for carbon and nitrogen. The nitrogen content in HAs was in the range from 5.11 to 8.91% of HA dry matter. The contribution to the total nitrogen in the composts was found to be 15 to 61%. HA molecules contain 48 to 54% carbon. HAs play an important role in carbon sequestration and will be considered as a key factor for carbon credits in the future.
Rafael López, Francisco Cabrera, Engracia Madejón, Felipe Sancho, José María Álvarez (Spain) Urban Composts as an Alternative for Peat in Forestry Nursery Growing Media (pp 60-66)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: Including urban composts in nursery growing media could reduce peat use and promote new markets for these products. The objective of this work was to study the effects of compost incorporation in forestry nursery growing media. Growing media were prepared mixing composts (0-75% in volume) from biosolids, municipal solid waste and pruning waste with peat. As control treatment, a peat-based substrate was employed. Hydrophysical and chemical properties of growing media were determined. Moreover the effects of these growing media on rosemary and cypress plant growth (height, stem diameter, nutrient contents) in propagation and production trials were monitored. Hydrophysical properties of compost based growing media were adequate up to 50% compost. The Carbon/Nitrogen ratio of composts (10.7-12.4) was indicative of compost maturity. Compost EC values frequently surpasses those of standard peat substrates, therefore substrate salinity limited the maximum percentage of compost in substrates. In the case of cutting propagation, rosemary growth was increased to 50% compost (EC 1.1-1.3 dS m-1). Cypress seed germination was not affected until 75% compost (EC 1.4-1.9 dS m-1) and its growth was increased in all compost growing media. Plant growth increased was related to the fertilizing effect of compost. Although composts content of Ni, Zn, and Pb were greater than those of standard peat substrates, only concentration of Zn was greater in compost-media cultivated plants. As a general rule, forestry nursery growing media could incorporate up to 50% composts from biosolids, municipal solid waste and pruning wastes mixed with peat.
Shad D. Nelson, Ram Mohan Uckoo, Heriberto Esquivel, Juan M. Enciso, Kim Jones (USA) Compost Effects in ‘Rio Red’ Grapefruit Production on a Heavy Textured Soil (pp 67-71)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: Citrus is grown primarily in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of South Texas using flood irrigation, with approximately 70% of the citrus raised as ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.). Supplemental irrigation is necessary in this region as annual precipitation is not sufficient to raise citrus in this semi-arid climate. A potential water-conserving strategy for citrus is compost application underneath the tree canopy. A 5-year field study was initiated in 2003 on mature, flood-irrigated ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit trees located in Weslaco, Texas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of bark-chip compost application on soil physical properties, root development, and subsequent citrus production when applied to the heavier soil of the LRGV. Three main treatments were evaluated: unfertilized, non-composted (UNC); fertilized, non-composted (FNC); and fertilized, composted (FC) trees. For this study, compost applications did not significantly alter soil bulk density (BD), however, a trend of decreased soil BD was observed as compost application increased, thus an indication that multiple year organic application can improve the physical properties of heavier soils. Increased compost application did significantly increase soil water retention, suggesting its importance for conserving water under the tree canopy. In 2007, a detailed root density study was performed, comparing: 1) a single 5-cm, 2) a single 10-cm, 3) and annual 5-cm (2003-2007) applications of compost with non-composted trees. Root density with annual compost application was 453% higher than with non-composted trees. The bark-chip compost was a very minor contributor of nitrogen (N) to the soil system due to its low N content, however, the highest average fruit yields from 2004 through 2007 came from FC trees. Grapefruit yields from fertilized trees exceeded that of unfertilized trees.
Mercedes Sánchez-Bascones, María A. Díez-Gutiérrez, Enrique Relea Gangas, Salvador Hernández-Navarro, Adriana Corrêa-Guimarães, Luis M. Navas-Gracia, Jesús Martín-Gil (Spain) Use of Potato Peelings in Composting Techniques: A High-Priority and Low-Cost Alternative for Environmental Remediation (pp 72-89)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: Castilla y León is the leader among Spanish vegetable producers and consumers, with high cultivation and consumption of cereal and potatoes; and with an important alimentary industry based on these cultures (Gullón and Siro groups), which produces a significant volume of residues such as straw and potato peelings. This paper reports our results on a chips factory remainders composting, under three different experimental conditions: only potato peelings and shavings, potato peelings with sewage sludge composting, and potato peelings with low grade meat composting. Tanneries remainders contain utilizable nutrients, but also toxic organic compounds which might affect soil processes and plant growth, and pathogens, which might pose a threat to the local farming community. Composting processes were monitored through different assays and their respective efficiencies were determined. The composting resulting products were characterized by electrolytic conductivity, pH, C:N ratio, and germination index (based on Zucconi method). Some resulting products were rich in organic matter, free of phytotoxicity, and had a high potassium and organic nitrogen content. We believe that this kind of compost can be useful for recultivation purposes of humus-free soils from old gravels in our geographic area. Consequently, different compost mixtures are being evaluated in order to examine their suitability for the formation of stable soil organic matter.
Francisca Suárez-Estrella, Mª del Carmen Vargas-García, María José López, Joaquín Moreno (Spain) Changes in Carbon Fractions during Composting of Plant Wastes and the Influence of a Humic Extract on Soil Microorganism Growth (pp 90-95)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: A composting experiment was carried out to assess the best parameters as indicators for degree of compost maturity and to determine humification indices for practical use. The effect of humic acids extracted on soil microorganisms growth was also simultaneously investigated in vitro under axenic conditions. The parameters used were oxidizable carbon (Co), alkaline-extractable carbon (Cex), humic and fulvic-like carbon (Cha, Cfa), humification ratio (HR), humification index (HI), percent humic acid (Pha) and Cha/Cfa ratio. Results indicated that HR, HI, Pha and Cha/Cfa ratio could be used to describe the evolution of organic matter during the composting of horticultural residues as well as the humification degree of compost. Our microorganism incubation study showed that the addition of humates from lignocellulosic waste based compost at 1, 5 and 10% to the culturing medium enhanced bacterial growth while the above effect was not clearly observed when this product was added to fungi and actinomycetes.
Francisca Suárez-Estrella, María del Carmen Vargas-García, María José López, Joaquín Moreno (Spain) Effect of Humic Substances Extracted from Compost to Plant Growth and Soil Microorganisms (pp 96-102)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: There are many products available for agricultural use falling into the broad category of biological soil conditioners, stimulants or additives. These product kinds enhance crop growth and yield through several mechanisms, such as microbial inoculation into soil, stimulation of soil microbial activity, increasing the activity of critical enzymes, production of phytohormones or supplementing micronutrients. Between these products, humic acids are nowadays being used as liquid organic amendment, since a close relationship exists between soil fertility and its organic matter content. In our work, the response of tomato plants to amendment with humic compounds (HCs) from several origins is reported in a pot trial. The different substrates used were sandy soil (SS) and another inert substrate (IS). The HCs used were potassium humates from compost based on horticultural waste (WCHs) and leonardite (LHs) were used. Two different cultivars of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Raf’ type Marmande or ‘Durinta’)were tested in two pot substrates. Results were evaluated in terms of plant growth and biomass production. The effect of these HCs on soil microbial populations was also investigated. Results showed that the application of low rates of HCs had an overall stimulatory effect on heterotrophic aerobic bacteria, fungi and nitrogen fixing-bacteria growth. The WCHs addition had a positive influence on nitrogen fixing-bacteria and nitrifying bacteria population when ‘Raf’ or ‘Durinta’ were used, respectively. Both groups were favoured when IS was used. On the other hand, lower and thicker plants were observed when WCHs were applied to crops. Therefore, results showed the potential for improving the utilization of HCs extracted from compost based on plant waste (WCHs). The extraction of these substances (WCHs) by the process here described produced an extract which behaved as a stimulatory substance on soil-plant ecosystems and some microorganisms related to the plant roots.
Antonis A. Zorpas (Greece) Sewage Sludge Compost Evaluation in Oats, Pepper and Eggplant Cultivation (pp 103-109)
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ABSTRACT
Original Research Paper: Environmental problems associated with sewage sludge disposal have prompted legislative actions over the past years. Composting of sewage sludge can enhance its quality and suitability for agricultural use. The presence of heavy metals in raw material is one of the most serious problems limiting its use as a final product in agriculture. The application of natural zeolite, has the ability to take up heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in significant levels (p<0.05) as indicated by the final results: 25% (w/w) of zeolite in sludge takes up 100% of Cd, 20% of Co, 36% of Cu, 12% of Cr, 10% of Mn, 40% of Fe and Zn, 32% of Pb and 53% of Ni. The compost was added in pots which contained soil at 25, 50, 75 and 100 (w/w). Oats, pepper and eggplant seed were cultivated in order to observe the absorbance of metals that remain in the compost through the roots, the looms and the leaves. The crop uptake of heavy metals through the roots increased with the amount of compost used in the pot. The application of compost in pepper, oats and eggplant cultivation increased while zeolite could retain the heavy metals and did not let them pass from the roots to the final product. Also, the phytotoxicity and the humics of the final product are presented as a function of evaluation. The substrate was characterized as non-phytotoxic after 80 days of maturity, and the (Germination Index) GI was 78, 75 and 72 for oats, eggplant and pepper seeds, respectively. Total humics was low due the low concentrations of lignin and cellulose in the initial sample.
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