Abstract
Many factors affect the potential for composts to provide biological control of diseases caused by soilborne plant pathogens. Heat exposure during composting kills or inactivates pathogens and weed seeds if the process is monitored properly. Unfortunately, most beneficial microorganisms also are killed by this heat treatment. Conditions must be provided after peak heating that enhance natural recolonization of composts by biocontrol agents. The raw feedstock, the environment in which the compost is produced, as well as conditions during curing and utilization, determine the potential for recolonization by this microflora and the induction of disease suppression. Controlled inoculation of compost with biocontrol agents has proved necessary to induce consistent levels of suppression on a commercial scale. Compost stability is another important factor. Immature composts serve as food for pathogens and increase disease even when biocontrol agents are present. On the other hand, excessively stabilized organic amendments, such as highly decomposed peats, do not support the activity of biocontrol agents and disease therefore develops. Finally, salinity, C to N ratio, and other factors affect suppressiveness. Each of these factors will be discussed.
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