Abstract
PurposeThe region of Souss-Massa generates huge quantities of organic horticultural wastes estimated up to 1,307,465 tons·year−1. Fruit and vegetable producers are asked to process the organic wastes because of the GlobalGAP certification requirements. As a result, there is a need to assess the existing composting plants at regional scale, to improve their efficiency, produce a high-quality soil amendment, free from any pathogens, and weed seeds.MethodsThe survey consisted of a diagnosis of the quantitative and qualitative status of the organic horticultural wastes (axillary buds; pruned leaves), and an agro-environmental assessment of nine composting units.ResultsThe analysis of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in the organic wastes reveals that 13 million euro worth of N, P, and K can be generated by composting all horticultural wastes (12,000 tons of nitrogen, 6000 tons of phosphorus and 14,000 tons of potassium · year−1), constituting for soils an important source of fertilization backup. Results of field investigations showed that 55% of the composting plants have an area equal to one hectare. The proximity between mature piles and raw materials in 55.5% of cases could highly contaminate them by root knot nematode inoculum. Only 11% of composting units were operating on impermeable surface. The test of circular chromatography showed that 80% of sampled composts are immature, even with high operational costs.ConclusionMuch effort is required to control and optimize the maturation process. The composting activity should be organized through a professional skilled organization, supported by scientific research and government subsidies.
Highlights
There is no doubt that sustainable agricultural practices can supply synergies that limit serious effects of the climate change
The survey consisted of a diagnosis of the quantitative and qualitative status of the organic horticultural wastes, and an agroenvironmental assessment of nine composting units
The analysis of macronutrients in the organic wastes reveals that 13 million euro worth of N, P, and K can be generated by composting all horticultural wastes (12,000 tons of nitrogen, 6000 tons of phosphorus and 14,000 tons of potassium Á year-1), constituting for soils an important source of fertilization backup
Summary
There is no doubt that sustainable agricultural practices can supply synergies that limit serious effects of the climate change. The report of the FAO stated that sustainable agriculture helps to counteract climate change by restoring soil organic matter content as well as reducing soil erosion and improving soil physical structure (Scialabba and Hattam 2002). The evidence for increased carbon sequestration in organic soils seems clear: the addition of manures, compost, mulches, and cover crops restored organic matter (Mae-Wan and Li Ching 2008). Composting can be a feasible treatment to stabilize horticultural wastes and, to improve their properties for use as organic fertilizers (Gavilanes et al 2016). The organic agricultural waste from animal breeding and horticultural production consist mainly of (1) cattle manure and (2) crop residues. In the Souss-Massa region (South Western Morocco), the production of such plant by-
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
