ISHS Acta Horticulturae 302: International Symposium on Compost Recycling of Wastes
THE USE OF COMPOST AS A SOIL AMENDMENT |
| Authors: | Y. Avnimelech, M. Kochva, Y. Yotal, D. Shkedy |
| Abstract:
The effects of the application of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) to compacted clay loam and to saline - alkaline soils are reviewed. The compost was applied superficially in order to ensure proper aeration levels to the material following its application, a precondition to an effective action of the compost. Fractions of the organic matter were leached down with the rain or irrigation water, to a depth of up to 60 cm. The water holding capacity, the resistance to penetration and the structural stability of the soil were improved down to that depth. The application of MSWC to a saline sodic soil led to the dissolution of CaCO3, to an increase in soluble calcium and to an effective displacement and leaching of sodium from the soil. In addition, salt leaching was improved due to the stabilization of soil structure and the prevention of crust formation. Yield increase in the fertile clay loam amounted to about 10–20% above that obtained for conventionally fertilized plots at optimal application level of 20–40 M3/ha. Compost, or compost - gypsum application increased yields in the saline-alkaline soil from nill to almost normal yields. | |
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