Compost and Nutrient Dynamics under Irrigation and Shadowing for Horticulture in Northeast Brazil
2019
Purpose: Determine the decomposition of compost under two levels of shading (total and none) and central pivot
and sprinkler irrigation.
Methods: Litter boxes were made with a 4mm mesh base, and PVC sides and filled with compost. Boxes were
recovered after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months. Amounts of remaining compost and nutrients were measured and
decomposition rates and half-life values were calculated. Soil under the litter boxes was analyzed before and after
removing boxes, for nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) and organic carbon.
Results: Compost was lost quickly over time. Losses were faster under central pivot than sprinkler irrigation. Total
shade caused higher rates of decomposition than without shade. Half-life values varied from 0.12 to 1.02 years. Losses
of nutrients were substantial, with P and K being lost at faster rates than mass loss.
Conclusions: Nutrients were lost rapidly from compost and were mostly not present in the soil. Insects may have
removed compost from the boxes. Total shadowing increases decomposition rates of compost.
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