Abstract
One of the principles of the circular economy requires the effective recycling of organic waste, especially since its volume is increasing from year to year. Therefore, one of the best solutions to solve this problem is the composting of organic waste. This paper presents the results of a comparative study of 10 different composts in terms of their quality. The composts varied with regard to waste materials used for composting, the adopted composting method, and the degree of compost maturity. Both biological (seed germination rate and intensity of plant root growth) and chemical methods (contents of macro- and micronutrients, presence of heavy metals, as well as the quality and quantity of humus compounds) were applied to evaluate the fertilisers, providing comprehensive characteristics of individual composts. It was found that composts prepared on the basis of sewage sludge had the highest contents of macro- and micronutrients as well as heavy metals. In addition, these composts contained the greatest amounts of humic substances, although these were of low quality. These composts also strongly inhibited seed germination and plant root growth. The least desirable chemical composition was found for the composts based on yard trimmings and household wastes prepared in home composters. These composts contained good quality humus compounds and had a positive effect on seed germination and plant root growth.
Highlights
Intensive and quick urbanisation is observed in developing countries, and in those of the former communistic block, such as Poland
As shown by the obtained data, the tested composts differed in terms of their contents of macroand micronutrients, the quantity and quality of humus compounds, as well as the impact on the efficiency of seed germination and plant root growth
As confirmed by statistical analysis, the differences in the chemical composition of composts primarily resulted from the use of raw material for composting, and to a lesser extent from the process technology used
Summary
Intensive and quick urbanisation is observed in developing countries, and in those of the former communistic block, such as Poland. Taking the above into consideration, in addition to plastic, paper, glass, and metals, biowaste is increasingly being sorted in municipalities as well. Thanks to adapting such a system of municipal waste collection in recent years, the mass of biowastes has significantly increased in Poland, amounting in 2018 to 28.4% of total mass [4]. It presents a new challenge, because according to the Landfill
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