Municipal organic waste compost replaces mineral fertilization in the horticultural cropping systems, reducing the pollution risk

Municipal waste compost was evaluated under open field conditions for replacing synthetic fertilizers in a vegetable three-year succession. Three rates, 45 t ha–1, 30 ha–1 and 15 (dry matter), at combined with 25%, 50% of the full nitrogen rate, were compared to none fertilizations. Crop succession was: tomato followed by endive first year; eggplant and, then, broccoli second endive/broccoli, third year. The application dose least or addition 25% Spring-Summer cycle, sustained growth yield levels comparable those fertilization. However, only very poor residual effect soil treatment on Autumn-Winter crops, observed. Monitoring nitrate content into during cropping seasons, reduction risk groundwater pollution displayed due nitrates released compost, respect fertilizer. cumulative effects properties detected end trials, registering changes chemical parameters analysed, except phosphorus boron.
 Highlights
 - solid organic (MSWC) integrated N can sustain production. MSWC (at d.w.) replaced productions. fertilizer integration is necessary needs reduce gap plant fertilized preserved quality avoided accumulation undesired metals, such as Cu Zn.