Valorization of Fish Waste Compost as a Fertilizer for Agricultural Use

Abstract

The manuscript presents results of the evaluation of compost from fish waste (FW) as a fertilizer for agricultural use. A pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of compost from FW on the yield and macro and microelemental composition of ice lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). In addition, the phytotoxicity degree of the compost and compost effects on seed germination and primary root growth were determined with white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). Compost used in the study consisted of FW and pine bark. Results of the evaluation enable concluding that the compost from FW is non-phytotoxic, mature, stable, and suitable for use in agriculture. Its addition to soil caused an increase in fresh and dry matter yield of leaves of ice lettuce (L. sativa L.). Fertilization had a significant effect on increased contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium in leaves of the test plant. The average accumulation of microelements in ice lettuce (L. sativa L.) grown in the soil fertilized with compost from FW followed the descending order Fe > Cu > Ni > Zn > Mn, respectively. Soil fertilization with compost from FW improved the K:(Mg + Ca), K:Mg and K:Ca ratios but, simultaneously, deteriorated the Ca:P ratio.