Urban Organic Waste for Urban Farming: Growing Lettuce Using Vermicompost and Thermophilic Compost

A transformation towards sustainable food production requires improved circular nutrient management. Urban organic waste contains relevant nutrients and matter, yet only 4% of global urban nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) sources are presently recycled. One recycling approach is the composting wastes for horticulture. We characterized compost from various fractions assessed their fertilizer value in a pot trial with lettuce plants. Seven treatments were investigated: vermicompost coir paperboard bedding material, thermophilic green human feces, two references mineral fertilization sand control. The yield total uptake P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) highest plants grown coir-based vermicompost. fecal led to shoot P K content, but Ca Mg lower than other treatments. All composts required additional N growth. In conclusion, waste-derived demonstrate high delivery rate plant-available Ca, Mg, K. Research needed on macronutrient availability alternative substitution synthetic fertilization. These findings support composts, furthering efforts recycling.