Evaluation of a Compost Prepared with Biodegradable Waste from Aquaculture Production

Abstract

Traditional farming practices are highly dependent on chemical fertilizers, which might deteriorate soils when used in the long term. In face of the increasing generation of biodegradable materials worldwide, the adoption of technologies that harvest nutrients from waste complies with the concepts of a circular economy. This study evaluated the effects of a compost prepared with biodegradable waste from the aquaculture industry, when applied in a Brazilian latosol, for its fertility traits, growth of maize plants and the soil basal respiration over time. The compost was applied to the soil and evaluated at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Soil organic matter increased by an average of 4 g dm−3 after 30–120 days of incubation, and soil fertility was generally increased, especially regarding the concentration of N, P, and micronutrients. Maize plants grew approximately 60% larger in the presence of the waste-based compost, in comparison to the control, and displayed higher concentration of nutrients. In addition, CO2 and NH3 emissions slightly increased when the compost was applied, indicating an advanced degree of stability of the organic soil amendment.