A short-term greenhouse evaluation of non-conventional organic wastes

Abstract

In this greenhouse trial several organic fertilizing-soil additive materials were evaluated on a clayey calcareous soil, using tomatoes as a test crop. These included imported and local commercially processed wastes, i.e. Dubaline, Humobacter, Bovisol, Biotersan, Fertilaid, Cofuna, and plant extract sprays, Raimul and Tecrop. Municipal waste, farm manures and a compound inorganic fertilizer were used for comparison in terms of dry matter yield and nitrogen uptake. Most materials increased growth relative to the control; the most effective were chicken manure, Biotersan, the inorganic fertilizer and, to a lesser extent, Dubaline. Responses to most other materials were not significantly higher than the control. Yields from Bovisol were less than the control, while Fertilaid inhibited germination and plant establishment. Most of these novel materials are less competitive economically than the traditional organic or inorganic fertilizer sources. Opportunity costs associated with disposal of material, which is otherwise waste, should be considered in establishing market prices.