COMMUNITY-DERIVED GREEN WASTE COMPOST USED TO GROW WATERMELONS, SWEET CORN, AND TOMATOES

Abstract

Under heavy pressure to prolong the life of landfills, cities have been asked to reduce the amount of trash deposited in them. Yard grass clippings and prunings contribute greatly to filling up local land fills. Since green waste can be easily composted, municipalities are looking into agriculture as a potential candidate in disposing of composted material. It is common knowledge that compost is good for plants. However, most information seems to be anecdotal or testimonial. Therefore, the need for scientific-based information is highly needed if compost is to be used successfully in agricultural lands. To generate hard data, replicated test plots were conducted in watermelons, sweet corn, and tomatoes in which 10 and 20 tons per acre of community-derived, green waste, composted material was used in addition to a commercial fertilizer rate and nontreated check. Soil and tissue analyses were run three times during the season to check nutrients in plants(N, P, and K). Organic matter, electrical conductivity, and pH were analyzed from soil samples. Yields and quality determinations also were taken from all crops for comparisons. Organic matter from compost treatments increased significantly in corn and tomatoes. Electrical conductivity was lower in the composted treatments, and K increased as well. Trials are being funded by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, and it will continue for at lease 1 more year.