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Attapulgite-modified organic compost effectively reduces soil nutrient loss and enhances microbial interactions
Yuan Cao1, Hong Yang2, Yangting Liu2
1College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Rural Cleaner Production/Key Laboratory of Agricultural Soil Pollution Risk Management and Control for Ecological Environment in Chongqing, Chongqing 400716, China.
Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)
|March 1, 2026
Summary
Adding attapulgite to vegetable compost enhances humification and nutrient retention. This modified compost boosts soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling, improving agricultural waste utilization.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Agricultural biological waste presents a significant resource utilization challenge.
- Effective composting strategies are needed to convert waste into valuable soil amendments.
- Clay minerals offer potential for enhancing compost quality and soil properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of attapulgite on vegetable compost properties.
- To investigate the effects of attapulgite-modified compost on soil nutrient release and microbial communities.
- To evaluate the role of attapulgite in improving agricultural waste resource utilization.
Main Methods:
- Vegetable compost was prepared with and without attapulgite addition.
- Nutrient loss experiments were conducted to evaluate soil nutrient retention.
- Soil microbial community composition and activity were analyzed, including enzyme activities and metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Attapulgite addition enhanced compost humification, humic acid synthesis, and humus stability.
- Attapulgite-modified compost significantly improved soil nutrient retention and enzyme activities (urease, alkaline phosphatase).
- Microbial activity, synergy, and carbohydrate metabolism, including a 30% increase in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity, were promoted.
Conclusions:
- Attapulgite is effective in improving compost quality and soil health.
- Attapulgite-modified compost enhances nutrient cycling and microbial functions in soil.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for the resource utilization of agricultural biological waste through clay mineral application.
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