ISHS Acta Horticulturae 563: International Conference on Environmental Problems Associated with Nitrogen Fertilisation of Field Grown Vegetable Crops
LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.) AND CABBAGE (BRASSICA OLERACEA L.VAR. CAPITATA L.) GROWTH IN SOIL MIXED WITH MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COMPOST AND PAPER MILL SLUDGE COMPOSTED WITH BARK |
| Author: | L.M. Brito |
| Keywords: | ammonium nitrate, DW, electrical conductivity, N uptake, nitrogen |
| Abstract:
Crop responses to soil amended with municipal solid waste compost and paper mill sludge composted with bark was investigated in pot experiments using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) cvs. Animo and Jory and summer cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L) cv. Lima. Dry matter accumulation generally increased with increasing concentrations of composted paper mill sludge. Municipal waste compost severely reduced plant growth compared to composted paper mill sludge, and caused complete crop mortality unless leached beforehand with water. The main cause of death or growth inhibition of experimental plants observed with municipal solid waste compost is likely to be the result of its poor stability and high electrical conductivity. Lettuce dry matter accumulation increased when composted paper mill sludge treatments were amended with ammonium nitrate up to between 0.1 and 0.2 g N l-1 but declined with further amounts. Dry matter accumulation of lettuce and nitrogen accumulation of cabbage could be described as a function of compost nitrogen content and electrical conductivity. Possible methods for improving the characteristics of such composts as substrates for horticultural crops are discussed. | |
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