Phytotoxicity of Biosolids Compost at Different Degrees of Maturity

By Anonymous

Biosolids compost is a good organic amendment but immature compost can exhibit phytotoxic behavior reflecting different toxic substances, note two University of Buenos Aires scientists in Argentina. They write: “Our objective was to determine the phytoxicity of Biosolids; Mix of biosolids and sawdust a day after composting started; same materials at end of thermophilic stage; cured compost.” Observed researchers Maria Zubillaga and Paul Lavado: Phytotoxicity was related mainly to extract pH and electrical conductivity. Potentially toxic elements, volatile organic acids, phenolic compounds and ammonia were not related to germination, they write in the Autumn 2006 issue of Compost Science & Utilization. To get a copy of the issue – or subscribe to CS&U e- mail csuedit@jgpress.com or call 610-9674135 ext. 21.

Copyright J.G. Press Inc. Dec 2006

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