International Journal of Waste Resources

Comparison of composts obtained from olive pomace and vegetable residues as alternative to synthetic fertilizers

4^th World Congress and Expo on Recycling

July 27-29, 2017 | Rome, Italy

Muscolo A, Mallamaci C, Panuccio M R, Papalia T, Settineri G, Romeo F and Jeske-Kaczanowska A

Mediterranea University, Italy

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Int J Waste Resour

Abstract:

In recent years, research is increasingly oriented towards the use of agronomic techniques to improve the productivity in terms of quantity and quality of products, promoting the conservation of natural resources, protecting the soil resource and reducing the environmental impact. In Mediterranean area, crop production is suffering mainly from the loss of soil fertility and the consequent massive use of expensive macro- and micro-nutrient inputs for which agriculture is almost totally dependent on imported products or on fertilizers produced with expensive industrial processes, which generates greenhouse gases (GHGs). In view of the above considerations, this study was conducted to determine the chemical characteristics of six composts obtained with organic wastes from different sources. The fertilizer power was assessed on soil and plant. Waste characteristics influenced the chemical properties of the compost much more than composting process. The obtained compost had a positive effect on soil with an increase in soil organic matter, nutrients, MBC, and bacterial and fungal population that differed in respect to compost features. The best result on soil was obtained by using the compost produced with a mix of broadleaf vegetables. Regarding crop productivity, the data showed a specificity between crop and type of compost used.

Biography :

Muscolo A graduated in Biological Sciences (MSc), has completed her PhD in Food Science at the Policlinic Federico II University of Naples, Italy. In 1988, she started is professional career as Researcher at “Mediterranea” University of Reggio Calabria where she is still working as Full Professor in Soil Chemistry and Ecology. Since 1990, she is reviewer for international scientific journals and since 2008 she is evaluator of projects for European Community, International Funding Research Agencies and Italian and Foreign Research Ministries. She is Chair of many regional, national and international research projects. She is examiner of international PhD dissertations. She published more than 180 papers in international journals with IF and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of many international journals. She is Associate Editor for JFR.

Email: amuscolo@unirc.it