Muscolo Adele
Mediterranea University, Italy
Title: Comparison of composts obtained from olive pomace and vegetable residues as alternative to synthetic fertilizers
Biography
Biography: Muscolo Adele
Abstract
In recent years, research is increasingly oriented towards the use of agronomic techniques to improve the productivity in terms of quantity and quality of products, promoting the conservation of natural resources, protecting the soil resource and reducing the environmental impact. In Mediterranean area, crop production is suffering mainly for the loss of soil fertility and the consequent massive use of expensive macro- and micro-nutrient inputs for which agriculture is almost totally dependent on imported products or on fertilizers produced with expensive industrial processes, which generates greenhouse gases (GHGs). In view of the above considerations, this study was conducted to determine the chemical characteristics of six composts obtained with organic wastes from different sources. The fertilizer power was assessed on soil and plant. Waste characteristics influenced the chemical properties of the compost much more than composting process. The obtained compost had a positive effects on soil with an increase in soil organic matter, nutrients, MBC, and bacterial and fungal population that differed in respect to compost features. The best result on soil, was obtained by using the compost produced with a mix of broadleaf vegetables. Regarding crop productivity, the data showed a specificity between crop and type of compost used.