Analyzing nutrient distribution in different particle-size municipal aged refuse

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Agronomy

Background:

• Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a growing concern, with potential for beneficial reuse.
• Aged MSW can be a source of nutrients for plant growth.
• Particle size significantly influences the properties of aged MSW.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the suitability of aged MSW as farmland soil.
• To evaluate the nutrient content (N, P, K) and inorganic phosphorus fractionation in aged MSW.
• To determine the impact of particle size on nutrient availability.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of total and available N, P, and K in aged MSW across various particle size fractions (900-0 μm).
• Fractionation of inorganic phosphorus to assess its availability.
• Comparison of nutrient levels with general soil compositions.

Main Results:

• Total N, P, and K quantities in aged MSW exceeded those in general soil.
• Available N, P, and K were found to be adequate for plant growth.
• While total phosphorus was sufficient, the available-P to total-P ratio was suboptimal.
• Nutrient content varied significantly with decreasing particle size.

Conclusions:

• Aged MSW possesses sufficient total N, P, and K to be considered for cultivated soil.
• Different particle-size fractions of aged MSW can be utilized to enhance poor soils.
• Comprehensive utilization of aged MSW based on particle size is scientifically supported.