Assessing the Agronomic Quality of Compost from a Novel Rapid Composting System for Agri-Food Waste Valorization

Summary

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the quality and limitations of compost produced in a novel automated closed system within 7-10 days compared to the compost produced under a traditional windrow system and a commercial organic fertilizer.
Methods
The compost maturity was evaluated using Solvita® stability test and phytotoxicity test. Mineral nitrogen (N) dynamics and enzyme activities were determined in unamended control soil and soil samples amended with the composts and organic fertilizer during a 91-days long incubation experiment.
Conclusion
Applying the closed system compost in soils increased microbial activity while decreasing N availability, indicating the need for further research that synchronizes nitrogen availability with crop demand. The novel rapid-composting closed system shows the potential for valorizing farm waste, nutrient cycling, and improving soil health.