New Composting Technology: Evaluation of Compost Quality and its Effects on Soil Fertility

Summary

In agriculture, with growing concerns about the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and the decline in soil organic matter, the demand for organic forms of soil amendments, such as compost, is increasing. While traditionally it takes months to produce compost, a new composting technology (ComFerm Aps) can produce compost in few weeks. This thesis investigated the quality of this compost and its effects on the soil-plant system. A compost-soil incubation experiment was conducted with focus on N mineralization and soil microbial activity, as measured by dehydrogenase activity. A maturity assessment of compost stability (respirometry test Solvita®) and phytotoxicity (cress germination test) was conducted.