Study

Soil microbial activity after restoration of a semiarid soil by organic amendments

  • Published source details Ros M., Hernandez M.T. & Garcia C. (2003) Soil microbial activity after restoration of a semiarid soil by organic amendments. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 35, 463-469.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Soil: Add compost to the soil

Action Link
Mediterranean Farmland
  1. Soil: Add compost to the soil

    A replicated, controlled study in 1997–1998 in farmland in Murcia, Spain, found more organic matter, soil organisms, and greenhouse gas in soils with added municipal waste compost, compared to soils without compost. Organic matter: More organic carbon was found in soils with added compost, compared to soils without added compost (14–33 vs 2–4 g C/kg soil). Soil organisms: More microbial biomass (measured as carbon) was found in soils with added compost, compared to soils without added compost (360–760 vs 130–320 µg C/g soil). Greenhouse gases: More carbon dioxide was found in soils with added compost, compared to soils without added compost (40–150 vs 5–15 mg CO2/kg soil/day). Methods: Municipal waste compost was added to three treatment plots (25–30 kg compost/m2), but not three control plots (no compost). The plots were 5 x 3 m. Soil samples were collected 0–24 months after adding the compost (eight time points, four samples/plot, 0–15 cm depth).

     

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