Title:
Biomass for Compost Production in Organic Farming: Technical Efficiency for Soil Amendment in an Italian Specialized Growning Area
Author(s):
Assirelli, A., Fornasier, F., Mancini, L.M.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The progressive loss of soil organic matter is one of the main problems in maintaining high crop yield and quality standards in both conventional and organic farming systems. A field study was set up to test the effect of repeated soil amendments using a stabilised composted amendment compared to an untreated control. The experiment was carried out on two organic crops for seed production, located at two sites 25 km apart in an agricultural district of the East Po Valley (Italy). Seed crops were grown for two cycles (2019 and 2020) and the production was controlled for both seed quality and quantity. Although a significant increase in microbial activity was observed after two compost applications in both sites, no differences in crop performance were observed. Findings suggest that such organic amendments require careful evaluation of composition, dose and application timing to optimise their beneficial effects.
Keywords:
composting, soil fertility, production, farm, seeds
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Innovative biomass production for energy integrated into traditional agri-forestry systems
Event:
31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AV.4.10
Pages:
127 - 131
ISBN:
978-88-89407-23-3
Paper DOI:
10.5071/31stEUBCE2023-1AV.4.10
Price:
FREE
