Plant Pathogen Eradication During Composting: A Literature Review

The process of composting, when managed in such a way that adequate temperature conditions are achieved, can lead to significant reductions in the levels of many plant and human pathogens. When adequate pathogen reduction is achieved, it is possible to create a beneficial and safe product from waste materials that would otherwise be disposed of in a landfill or incinerator. Time and temperature conditions necessary for the eradication of various types of plant pathogens during composting were evaluated via a literature review. Varying time-temperature conditions have been suggested in the literature and by compost standards organizations in Europe to treat plant pathogens in compost. Literature data suggested conditions for the eradication of phytopathogens were compared with the time-temperatures specified by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for human pathogens. Most bacterial plant pathogens and nematodes, and many fungi and fungu...