“In-vivo” and “in-vitro” Experiments on the Influence of Compost Preparations and Heavy Metals on Soil Enzymes Activities and Soil Health

Abstract

Enriching soils with composts and organic waste material will be necessary because high C soils have strong climate change resilience and guarantee stable yields. Annually ≈1 billion tons of agricultural waste is produced which can be brought back to soils after adequate treatment and can relieve atmosphere from CO2. In a field trial municipal solid waste compost (MSW), sphagnum peat (WT), and black peat (HT) were tested. Basic soil parameters pH, C-content and plant nutrients (K, Mg) are significantly increased by MSW. WT and HT were uninfluential. Similar effects are found for microelements Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. MSW increased microelements significantly.