Delayed nutrient application affects mineralisation rate during composting of plant residues
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
The hypothesis that delayed addition of nutrient rich material to compost would influence the mineralisation pattern was investigated by studying N turnover in compost based on wheat straw and clover-grass hay. After 7,5 weeks of composting almost twice as much N was mineralised when the addition of some of the N-rich clover-grass hay was postponed, suggesting that this influenced the microbial succession. The delayed addition resulted in a second temperature peak and a decline in the pH. Despite the altered conditions no significant effect was observed on the weight loss or loss of C and N. In conclusion, compost processes can in a simple way be affected by delayed substrate application leading to a higher nutrient availability without altering other parameters significantly.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Bioresource Technology |
Volume | 96 |
Issue number | 10 |
Pages (from-to) | 1093-1101 |
ISSN | 0960-8524 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |
ID: 21133085