The Influence of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on the Tranformations of Phosphorus Forms in Soil

Abstract

Searching for a renewable phosphorus (P) source for agricultural soils has become a challenge of particular importance on a global scale. Depletion of the world’s phosphate resources as well as the risk of environmental problems caused by excessive P mobility have placed this topic among the most important environmental issues. The aim of this study was to analyse the transformation of phosphorus forms in municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) at different maturity stages, to assess the effects of their application on soil phosphorus status and to evaluate the suitability of MSWC for agricultural soils as a potential phosphorus source. The application of MSWC to the soil had a positive effect on the content of available P. The content of potentially mobile P forms increased significantly in the soil, primarily after the introduction of immature MSWC and confirmed by the significant correlations with the applied P indicators. However, the results indicate that the MSWC does not pose a serious environmental risk and could become a potential source of P in the soil, although the material used for this purpose should be mature. This study also indicated that the assessment of using compost as a P source should not be based on P total content alone, but should include the content of different P forms and specific P-related indicators, to reflect both the P availability and the potential environmental risks.

Education and awareness: keys to solid waste reduction

“…It was found that the application of MSW to the soil increased the available phosphorus content and potentially mobile forms of phosphorus. However, it is noted that the use of MSW as a phosphorus source does not represent a serious environmental risk and could be a viable option, provided that the material is mature [14]. It is recommended to assess phosphorus availability and potential environmental risks when using compost as a phosphorus source rather than relying solely on total phosphorus content.…”

A Quantitative Reconstruction of Nutrient Changes of Quaternary Red Soils (Luvisols) Affected by Land-Use Patterns

“…Horizon Depth (cm) TN (g/100 cm 3 ) TP (g/100 cm 3 ) TK (g/100 cm 3 ) MC (g/100 cm In the primary ecosystem, the form and circulation of phosphorus in soils are affected by factors such as the parent material, climate, environment, time, and topography. During the transition from native ecosystems to systems disturbed by human factors, the form, content, and distribution of soil phosphorus were affected by the input-output of soil and by human activities [29]. There is no gaseous form of phosphorus in the soil.…”