Use Of Municipal Solid Waste Compost Research Articles

Response of tomato to innovative organo-mineral fertilizers

Organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) with low organic carbon (Corg) content have been associated with higher mineral fraction nutrient use efficiency. However, the extraction of peat, which is typically used in these OMFs, from endangered ecosystems causes long-time stored Corg to mineralize and to be released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). This study analyzes the replacement of peat in OMFs with biowaste materials. These materials, considered organic byproducts that microorganisms and other living things can decompose through composting and aerobic or anaerobic digestion, offer a viable opportunity. This study investigated three stabilized biowastes—green compost (GC) from pruning residues, municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), and manure-based vermicompost (VC)—as the organic matrices for granular OMFs. These matrices were impregnated with dissolved ammonium sulfate and urea and used to coat diammonium phosphate granules. Each biowaste OMF contained 7.5% Corg, 20% mineral N, and 10% mineral P2O5 (OMF20 − 10). Fertilizers with high nutrient concentrations have the advantage of requiring low application volumes, facilitating their application in the field. Biowaste OMFs were compared with peat OMFs with the same Corg-N-P2O5 concentration. Peat and MSWC were also used to create OMFs containing 7.5% Corg, 10% mineral N, and 5% mineral P2O5 (OMF10 − 5). A 75-day tunnel trial was conducted under semi-controlled conditions using tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fertilized to an equivalent of 81 mg N kg−1 soil and 18 mg P kg−1 soil. Controls included no fertilization (N0P0) and mineral N and P fertilization (MFNP). The Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter and the BBCH (from German Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale as well as the number of shoots were measured over time, as berry and total aboveground yield, N and P uptakes, and N and P use efficiencies (NUE and PUE, respectively) were calculated at harvest. All treatments outperformed the control N0P0 in most indicators. Peat20 − 10 did not have more berry yield than other OMF20 − 10; however, the higher number of shoots indicated a higher potential yield in the event of prolonging the experiment. At the end of 75 days, VC20 − 10 and MSWC20 − 10 showed similar PUE to peat, suggesting that those materials can be used as replacements. In the case of OMF10 − 5, MSWC10 − 5 had yield and N and P uptakes like peat OMFs, confirming the potential use of MSWC as peat replacement even at different nutrient concentrations. This research provides reassuring evidence of the effectiveness of biowaste OMFs, offering a positive outlook for sustainable agriculture. However, their use is not recommendable for short growing seasons.

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Yield, Plant Growth and Nutrient Elements in Strawberry Cultivation

In terms of sustainable economic activities, environmental and production costs of plant nutrition material in agricultural production and wastes that harm the environment, humans and living beings are two important problems. This study, which combines these two problems into a common denominator, aimed to obtain plant nutrition input with low environmental and production costs by using the wastes generated during the domestic consumption process in strawberry cultivation. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) for plant nutrition input and an Albion strawberry variety as a trial plant were used as research materials. In the study, where the random block trial design method was used, the effects of MSWC on plant growth, fruit quality characteristics and plant nutrient parameters were investigated. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that the examined parameters (number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit taste, macro and micronutrient content in plant leaves) were positively affected according to the rate of use of MSWC. In the parameters evaluated within the scope of the study, 4 tons of MSWC applications in fruit weight, stem number, root length, plant width, leaf area, K and Ca parameters; 1.2 tons of MSWC applications in the number of fruits per plant and TA parameters; all MSWC applications in fruit yield per plant, pH, plant height, N, Mn and Cu parameters; 2 tons of MSWC applications in the TSS parameter and 1, 2 and 4 tons of MSWC applications in P and number of leaves per plant parameters gave better results compared to the control. Research findings support the idea that the use of MSWC as a plant nutrition input will provide both the production of plant nutrition input with low environmental and production costs and the prevention of the harms of waste to the environment, humans and living creatures.

Does the timing of short-term biowaste compost application affect crop growth and potential nitrate leaching? The case studies of processing tomato and cauliflower under field conditions

The feasibility of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as a substitute for mineral nitrogen (N) fertiliser was tested for a spring-summer (i.e., processing tomato) and an autumn-winter (i.e., cauliflower) vegetable crop grown in Mediterranean open field conditions. Two different doses (10 and 20 t dm C ha–1) and two distribution timings for each dose (i.e., early application at about nine months before processing tomato transplanting and five months before cauliflower transplanting: C10_early and C20_early; late application at about one month before processing tomato and cauliflower transplanting: C10_late and C20_late) were compared in a two-year field experiment. An unfertilised control and a 100% mineral N fertilisation (MIN, 200 kg N ha–1 for processing tomato and 150 kg N ha–1 for cauliflower) were added to the experiment. The application of MSWC significantly reduced the aboveground DM accumulation compared to the MIN in both crops, and it was inadequate to ensure a high yield for spring-summer and autumn-winter vegetables. However, the timing of compost application seems to play an essential role in reducing the reduction of crop growth due to compost application. In both tomato and cauliflower, when the MSWC was applied a few months earlier than the transplanting (i.e., in the previous summer in tomato and the previous spring in cauliflower), the DM and yield reduction was less apparent than in soil where compost was applied immediately before transplanting. Despite the lowest N-uptake associated with the MSWC application, the N-NO3 concentration in the soil solution was reduced by MSWC. In addition to the amendment effect, compost use may positively impact lowering N leaching risks in the groundwater. Combining the use of MSWC applied early before the crop season with mineral N fertiliser, it is possible to gain high yield, increase soil organic carbon and reduce groundwater contamination risk both in spring-summer and autumn-winter vegetable crops. Highlights- Biowaste compost decreased the aboveground biomass accumulation and yield in processing tomato and cauliflower. - Biowaste compost alone did not meet the N requirement in processing tomato and cauliflower. - Biowaste compost distribution in the summer before the processing tomato growing season alleviated its depressive effect in reducing DM and yield. - Biowaste compost distribution in the spring before the cauliflower growing season alleviated its depressive effect in reducing DM and yield. - Biowaste compost decreased the N-NO3 concentration in soil solution compared to mineral fertilisation with a positive effect in reducing N leaching risks in the groundwater.

Socio Economic Factors Affecting the Use of Solid Waste Compost Produced in Kurunegala and Kundasale Municipalities.

Municipal Solid Waste Compost (MSWC) is popular with organic agriculture in the world. Nearly 100 authorities in Sri Lanka are involved in producing MSWC. Its timely needed to identify the factors affecting the use of MSWC. The Kurunegala and Kundasale municipalities were selected to identify the socio economic factors affecting the use of MSWC. The users (45) and non-users (35) of MSWC were selected using simple random sampling method. Data were collected using questionnaire and key informant interviews. Majority (51%) of the MSWC users were 36-50 years age category and 60% were high income category. Accordingly, 47% MSWC users were vegetable cultivators. Majority (84%) had a higher knowledge on soil fertility nutrient supply and knowledge on method of production and application was at a moderate level. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression resulted monthly income, cultivated land extent, farming experience and knowledge on method of production and application showed significant relationship with the amount of MSWC use. Discriminant function analysis resulted knowledge on soil fertility, productivity , nutrient supply and attitude on advantage of using MSWC lead to discriminate the MSWC users and non users. Conducting interactive drama, multimedia and promotional videos to promote MSWC among farming community are recommended.

Improvement of Soil Quality Parameters by Municipal Solid Waste Compost Application in Clay-Loam Soil

Organic matter (OM) content of the soils should be improved for sustainable productions. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) is an organic material used in several countries to improve soil OM contents. This study was conducted to determine potential use of MSWC as soil amendment. Field experiments were conducted for two years with single MSWC treatments. Experiments were conducted on 18 plots in randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications. Six different MSWC doses (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 t ha-1) were applied to experimental plots. Compost doses were calculated in dry weight basis, applied to 21 m2 plots and sunflower was sown as the experimental plant of the study. Following the sunflower harvest, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken from the experimental plots and soil samples were subjected to various analyses. Applied MSWC doses significantly increased soil OM contents, electrical conductivity (EC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC), aggregate stability (AS) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and reduced soil bulk density (BD). Effects of MSWC on soil pH were not found to be significant. Effects of MSWC treatments were more remarkable with increasing doses. MSWC treatments increased soil OM contents about 3 folds and increased CEC by about 25%. MSWC treatments significantly increased salt contents of the soils. Such increases were found to be significant at 1% level in the first year and 5% level in the second year. Increasing OM contents also increase soil aggregation, thus reduced bulk density and increased hydraulic conductivity. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between OM and AS. Present findings revealed that MSWC positively influenced physical and chemical characteristics of clay-loam soils of arid and arid climates, but salt contents should carefully be monitored in repetitive uses.

Comparison of municipal and agriculture-based solid waste composts: short-term crop-yield response and soil properties in a tropical Ultisol

Most farming communities are reluctant to use municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) although the use of agriculture-based waste compost (AWC) is already highly popularized. The objective of this study was to comparatively assess MSWC and AWC considering their effects on soil acidity, salinity, fertility, and short-term crop yield response in a tropical Ultisol in Sri Lanka. Seven MSWC samples (samples named as S1 – S7) and two AWC samples (samples named as S8, S9) were applied in the field at 10 and 20 Mg ha−1 rates in two consecutive years with bush bean and maize in the first year, and only bush bean in the second year. The soil was initially acidic (pH: 5.3–5.7) and non-saline (Electrical conductivity, EC1:5 35% lower compared with the expected average yield in all the treatments in the first year of cultivation. The yields of bush bean cultivation in the second year showed increases, however, slightly lower than the expected average yield. Yields were higher when the soils were comparatively higher in phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Application of AWC did not produce high yields compared with MSWC. Results revealed that MSWC was comparable or better than AWC considering the crop yield response. However, the use of MSWC can be considered better suited for soils with more acidic conditions. The application of AWC is suitable, while MSWC is not, for soils with already high pH and saline conditions or when the expected crop prefers acidic soil reaction. Further experiments are required on effects of continuous applications on soils and methodologies for lowering the salinity levels of MSWC.

Municipal solid waste composting: Application as a tomato fertilizer and its effect on crop yield, fruit quality and phenolic content

AbstractComposting is an appealing way to reutilize the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW). Beyond the obvious advantage of reducing urban waste, the use of MSW compost in agriculture entails other potential benefits, such as reducing the amount of mineral fertilizer applied to the field and providing a potentially higher quality alternative. However, some concerns may arise from its use, such as crop yield and quality alterations. This work studied the effect of fertilizing with compost obtained from the organic fraction of MSW, on crop yield, crop quality and phenolic content of tomato fruit. Experiments were conducted in the Barcelona area, using Solanum lycopersicum L., var. ‘Penjar’, a popular regional tomato. Compared with the use of mineral fertilizer (M), fertilization with MSW compost alone (C) or combined with mineral fertilizer (C + M) had no significant effect on tomato fruit quality characterized by weight, diameter or Brix, nor was there a significant effect on total phenolic content. In contrast, the C treatment altered the phenolic profile by enhancing a kaempferol derivative, and caused a 43 and 48% yield reduction compared with the C + M and M treatments, respectively. Overall, composted MSW + mineral fertilizer appeared to be the best strategy for the reutilization of MSW in tomato culture, as it did not compromise crop yield or fruit quality.

Application of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Lettuce Yield

Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) has been reported to improve plant development and yield. Additional information is needed to determine the efficacy of use of MSWC for short-season crops including lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Agronomy Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran, in 2008, to determine the effect of MSWC on lettuce, cv. Baboli, growth, yield, and yield components. The MSWC was applied at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 Mg·ha−1. Compost at 100 Mg·ha−1 produced a higher yield than the other treatments. Significant differences were found in plant weight and leaf number. Correlation analysis indicated that plant weight was correlated with yield and leaf number and yield was correlated with leaf number.

Effects of municipal solid waste compost, farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers on wheat growth, soil composition and soil bacterial characteristics under Tunisian arid climate

The use of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as soil organic amendment is of an economic and environmental interest. However, little is known about the effectiveness of MSWC application on agricultural soil in northern Africa arid climate. We assessed the impact of five years' applications of different organic and mineral fertilizers on wheat grain yields and soil chemical and microbial characteristics. Soils were treated with MSWC at rates of 40 (C1) and 80 (C2) Mg ha −1, farmyard manure at a rate of 40 Mg ha −1 (M), chemical fertilizers (Cf) and the combinations (C1Cf, C2Cf, MCf). Wheat grain yield was enhanced with all amendments. Parallel increases of heavy metal levels and faecal coliform were also recorded except for Cf treatments. Based on wheat grain yield, heavy metal and faecal coliform data, we determined the treatment effectiveness index ( E xx ), calculated by dividing the pollutant increase ratio by the grain yield increase ratio. The treatment effectiveness index E C1 indicated lower faecal and heavy metal pollution with positive gains in wheat yields. Despite polluting effects on soil determined by the different treatments, no significant differences between treatments were observed in total bacterial count and soil bacterial community structure, as shown by 16S rRNA gene PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis banding patterns and 16S rRNA gene Length Heterogeneity-PCR analysis. According to the collected data, the use of MSWC at a rate of 40 Mg ha −1 might be recommended.

Heavy Metal Veggies: A Decision Case for Environmental and Nutrition Education

The issues of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal are becoming more complex as landfills close and environmental concerns increase. One alternative to continued landfilling or incineration is the development of MSW composting facilities. These facilities process raw waste into MSW compost, which can then be used for agricultural, revegetation, and landscaping purposes. However, if the MSW compost does not have suitable qualities, such as an optimum carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N), or if it contains high levels of heavy metal contaminants, its use for these purposes is questionable. This case considers a dilemma faced by a farmer in southern Minnesota in 1992 who used MSW compost as a soil amendment for his vegetable garden. Besides being associated with nutrient stress to his crop plants, the compost was suspected of containing heavy metals. The case permits students to examine issues associated with environmental contamination by MSW and to make decisions based on agricultural, environmental, economic, food safety, and ethical considerations. This case has been tested in junior and senior high school social studies and science classes, as well as in a univeristy undergraduate environmental science course. A majority (65%) of the high school students rated the case positively, while 75% of the university students evaluated it as good to excellent. S.R. Simmons, Dep. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, 411 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Buford Circle, Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; C. Hassel, M. Reicks, and J. Schramm, Dep. of Food Science and Nutrition, Univ. of Minnesota; and A.H. Duin and E. Lammers, Dep. of Rhetoric, Univ. of Minnesota. Minnesota Agric. Exp. Stn. Journal Series paper no. 20 773. Received 1 Sept. 1993. 'Corresponding author (ssimmons@maroon.tc.umn.edu). Published in J. Nat. Resour. Life Sci. Educ. 23:103-108 (1994). U RECENTLY, landfills were widely regarded as the least expensive and easiest means for disposing of municipal solid waste (MSW). However, existing landfills are closing, and pollution concerns have made new landfill sites difficult to establish. Disposal into landfills is now much more expensive than a decade ago (Halbach, 1992), which makes consideration of alternative disposal strategies feasible. Production and use of MSW compost has received intermittent attention over the past 30 yr (Rosen et al., 1993). Municipal solid waste is defined as waste generated by domestic and industrial sectors in municipalities, excluding sewage sludge (McCalla et al., 1977). However, MSW compost is sometimes produced with the addition of sewage sludge to provide N and to accelerate the composting process. There were 16 MSW composting facilities operating in the USA in 1992; almost all have been constructed since the mid-1980s (Kitwana, 1992). The state of Minnesota was particularly active in MSW composting, with eight facilities operating in 1992. The capacities of these facilities ranged from 9.1 to 226.7 Mg (10-250 tons) of raw waste composted per day. The future of MSW composting depends on the abili1 Teachers who intend to use this case for classroom or extension education purposes may request a copy of the full Case Teaching Note from the corresponding author. Names of individuals and the composting facility in this case have been disguised. Abbreviations: MSW, municipal solid waste; PCA, Pollution Control Agency. J. Nat. Resour. Life Sci. Educ., Vol. 23, no. 2, 1994 • 103 ty to .produce compost that is safe and uniform in quality. In the USA, major uses of MSW compost are in horticulture, landscaping, and revegetation of disturbed soils. For agricultural purposes, MSW quality factors include C/N ratio, odor, pH, soluble salt content, physical properties, nutrient availability, and heavy metal contamination. Elements of concern in MSW are As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, and Zn. Municipal solid waste compost can contain these contaminants through the inclusion of plastics, metal objects, pigments, solvents, petroleum products, and other discarded materials. Even with screening and sorting of waste, heavy metal contaminants can still be present in the final compost product. When this occurs, use of the compost might result in contamination of the environment and agricultural produce, and thus pose a threat to human health. The following case was developed to engage students with issues associated with the use of MSW compost involving soil science, crop physiology, and human

Horticultural Uses of Municipal Solid Waste Composts

Composting of municipal solid waste (MSW) has received renewed attention as a result of increasing waste disposal costs and the environmental concerns associated with using landfills. Sixteen MSW composting facilities are currently operating in the United States, with many more in the advanced stages of planning. A targeted end use of the compost is for horticultural crop production. At the present time, quality standards for MSW composts are lacking and need to be established. Elevated heavy metal concentrations in MSW compost have been reported; however, through proper sorting and recycling prior to composting, contamination by heavy metals can be reduced. Guidelines for safe metal concentrations and fecal pathogens in compost, based on sewage sludge research, are presented. The compost has been shown to be useful in horticultural crop production by improving soil physical properties, such as lowering bulk density and increasing water-holding capacity. The compost can supply essential nutrients to a limited extent; however, supplemental fertilizer, particularly N, is usually required. The compost has been used successfully as a sphagnum peat substitute for container media and as a seedbed for turf production. High soluble salts and B, often leading to phytotoxicity, are problems associated with the use of MSW compost. The primary limiting factor for the general use of MSW compost in horticultural crop production at present is the lack of consistent, high-quality compost.