MSW compost and brackish water effects on tomato crop in mediterranean conditions

摘要

The application of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost from organic fraction is an alternative to conventional landfill disposal, allowing organic material to be recycled for agricultural use at relatively low cost (Montemurro et al, 2005). MSW compost is mainly applied to soil as an amendment, even if its mineral composition suggests potential as a mineral fertilizer, because of the soil distribution improves plant growth by supplying the sufficient nutrients to plants (Togun and Akanbi, 2003) and affecting the levels of nutritional elements in soil (Giusquiani et al., 1988). Furthermore, Sikola and Yakovchenko (1996) indicate that the addition of MSW compost to soil could influence positively plant yield although this influence is not always directly related to the nutrients present in MSW compost but could depend on the general improvement of the soils physical properties. Tomato crop is classified as moderately sensitive to salinity, which means that it tolerates an electrical conductivity (EC)of the saturated soil extract up to about 2.5 dS m~(-1) without any yield reduction (Maas, 1986). Conversely its cultivation under conditions of soil and water degradation is severely restricted (Cuartero and Fernandez-Munoz, 1999). The aim of this research was to investigate the sustainability of MSW compost on tomato production and its possible application to reduce the negative effects of the saline water.