Effects of Surface Application of MSW Compost On Cotton Production – Soil Properties, Plant Responses, And Nematode Management

Abstract

Equipment was modified and/or developed for broadcast and banded applications of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost at selected rates to agricultural land for cotton production. Replicated tests were conducted for four years to determine the effects of compost on soil properties, crop yield, and nematode populations. Soil type in the test field was Faceville loamy sand. Broadcast application of compost significantly reduced soil compaction in the top 30 cm of soil in cotton rows and row-middles compared to no compost application. Banded application did not affect compaction in the row middles. Columbia lance nematode densities decreased in all compost-treated plots during all four years of study. Several plots treated with compost had nematode densities comparable to those found in the plots treated with Temik 15G nematicide. Compost application significantly increased the soil organic matter content and soil nitrogen content at six and 14 weeks after planting. However, the compost did not affect the leaf nitrogen content of the cotton plant during the same sampling periods. In 1996, 1997, and 1998, all rates of added compost significantly increased seed cotton yield. Yield increase was proportional to application rate. There were very few carry-over compost effects from each previous year's treatments on either soil organic matter, soil nitrogen, or seed cotton yield.