Abstract
The use of organic residues as a source of organic matter is a common practice to improve physical, chemical, and biochemical soil properties; their effect on soil can be observed for a long period after their application. Three organic materials from different origins were used in the experiment discussed in the chapter: (1) an agricultural compost, made by olive mill wastewater sludge mixed with different agricultural wastes (AC), (2) a municipal solid waste compost (MWC) from the city refuse treatment plant of Villarrasa (Huelva, SW Spain) and (3) a paper mill waste (PW), produced by the paper industry of San Juan del Puerto (Huelva SW, Spain).Significant increases in organic carbon content—total organic carbon (TOC), total extractable carbon (TEC), and humic acid carbon (HAC)—were observed in soils, depending on the nature of organic amendments. The application of the organic residues also caused significant increases in dehydrogenase, phosphatase, β-glucosidase, urease, and BAA–protease activities. This favorable effect on soil-biological activity was more noticeable in MWC and PW treatments. Significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) between enzymatic activities and total organic carbon was found for all treatments.
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