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Impacts of digestate-based compost on soil property and nutrient availability
Ning Wang1, Xinyue Bai1, Dandan Huang2
1Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
Environmental Research
|July 5, 2023
Summary
Adding 20% food waste compost to soil significantly boosts Pak choi growth, enhancing biomass and chlorophyll. Excessive compost, however, can inhibit plant development due to nutrient overload.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Digestate from food waste (DFW) treatment is a challenge in anaerobic digestion.
- DFW compost offers nutrient recycling potential for soil amendment.
- Limited research exists on DFW compost's soil improvement capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of DFW-based compost on soil properties.
- To evaluate the effects of DFW-based compost on Pak choi growth and physiology.
- To determine the optimal application rate of DFW-based compost for plant cultivation.
Main Methods:
- Soil properties were amended with varying percentages of DFW-based compost.
- Pak choi growth parameters (biomass, weight) were monitored.
- Chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were measured.
Main Results:
- DFW compost provided essential nutrients (N, Ca, Mg, organic matter), improving soil quality.
- Pak choi growth significantly increased with up to 20% DFW compost addition.
- Total chlorophyll content and photochemical efficiency were enhanced, but inhibited beyond 20% compost.
Conclusions:
- DFW-based compost effectively improves soil and promotes Pak choi growth by supplying nutrients.
- An optimal addition of 20% DFW-based compost is recommended for Pak choi cultivation.
- Excessive DFW compost application can lead to nutrient imbalances and growth inhibition.
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