Effects of a Food Waste-Based Soil Conditioner On Soil Properties and Plant Growth

Abstract

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a soil conditioner, prepared from food wastes, on soil microbial activity, soil nutrient levels, and melon (Cucumis melo reticulata) growth and yield. Food waste, generated from a residence dining hall, was fermented with and without a microbial inoculant for 20 days. The resulting soil conditioners were incorporated into soil (Mexico silt loam) by tilling to a 15-cm depth using a rotary tiller. Melon seedlings were transplanted three weeks after soil amendment. Soil nutrient levels and microbial activity were monitored periodically during the growing season to detect effects of the soil conditioners on soils and plant growth. Fruit weight per plant was significantly (P≤0.05) increased with the microbially-inoculated soil conditioner compared to the control in both years, but was not different from the non-inoculated soil conditioner in 2000 or the fertilizer treatment in 2001. Soil conditioners produced from food wastes inoculated with selected microorganisms were as effective as a fertilizer in promoting soil microbial activity and melon growth. Long-term studies (> 2 yr) are needed to verify that enhancement of microbial activity and plant growth is due exclusively to EM-based soil conditioners.