Effects of covering composted vegetable wastes on quality of compost, quality and composition of leachate, and survival of plant pathogens

• Main Author: Paré, Monique.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1997
• Subjects: Compost.; Geotextiles.; Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.; Plasmodiophora brassicae.; Fusarium oxysporum.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=20835

Composting trials were undertaken to study the feasibility of using crucifer or carrot residues with straw or sawdust for composting. Compost temperature and moisture were monitored regularly, and compost samples were analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics at the beginning in the fall, before turning in spring, and at the end of each composting cycle. A geotextile cover was tested. Compost leachate volumes were measured throughout the two composting cycles. In addition, the leachate was submitted to phytotoxicity tests and physico-chemical analyses. Selected phytopathogens were introduced in the compost in order to assess their potential for survival during the composting process. Three pathogens having resistant survival structures were included: Plasmodiophora brassicae, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum , and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Greenhouse growth trials were performed with compost-enriched media and a commercial mix. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)