c

1.
Compost Science & Utilization, (1993) Vol. 1, No. 3,73-84
Utilization Of MSW Compost And Other Organic
Mulches On Commercial Vegetable Crops
Nancy E. Roe1, Peter J. Stoffella2, and Herbert H. Bryan3
1. Graduate Student, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida,
Gainesville, Florida
2. Professor, Agricultural Research and Education Center, Ft. Pierce, Florida
3. Professor, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, Florida
Increased availability of commercially derived composts and problems with dispos-
al of polyethylene mulch are factors which precipitated an investigation of the long
term effects of organic and polyethylene film mulches on soils, plant growth, and
yields. Three experiments were performed comparing polyethylene filmmulch (PM)
with mulches of commercial municipal solid waste compost (MW), dried sewage
sludge (SS) and wood chips (WC). In 1990, bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants on
PM yielded 8.9 t-ha-1, which was significantly higher than the 1.9,4.6, and 7.2 t*ha-l
produced at MWcompost rates of 13,40 and 121 t-ha-l, respectively. Yields increased
linearly with increasing rates of compost mulch. In spring, 1992, each organic mater-
ial was applied at 224 and 336 toha-1 and winter (spaghetti) squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)
was seeded. Soil moisture was higher under organic mulches than under PM. Soil
temperatures in the mornings were not significantly different among mulches, but in
the afternoons: SS>PM>MW>WC. Plants grown on PM had larger shoots and roots
and produced more fruit per plant, but, because of plant losses to disease, had lower
total yields than plants grown in MW and WC. Higher soil Nacontent occurred in
MW plots and high electrical conductivity (EC) occurred in soils of SS plots. In fall,
1992, bell peppers transplanted into the same plots produced 4.7, 4.5, 3.3, and 2.7
t0ha-l from PM, MW, WC, and SS, respectively. Soil tests detected higher NO,-N in
WC plots, higher K in PM, higher Zn in MW, and lower Mn and higher Mg in SS plots,
than in other treatments. Vegetables grown on PM produced higher fruit yields than
those on organic mulches, however, plant losses to disease were also highest in PM
plots. Environmental and economic considerations and governmental regulations
may encourage organic mulch utilization by commercial vegetable growers.
Introduction
Mulches can reduce evaporation of water from the soil surface, suppress weed
growth, restrict leaching of mineral nutrients, and moderate diurnal and seasonal tem-
perature fluctuations of soil. Vegetable growers in Florida also use polyethylene film
mulch as a protective sealant for fumigation. This production system has dramatical-
ly increased the yields of some vegetable crops.
Polyethylene film mulch use by Florida agriculture is now estimated at more than
9.5 million kg annually (Servis, 1992). Disposal presents a constantly increasing prob-
lem and cost, both to growers and to the environment. Disposal costs in some areas of
Florida have increased by as much as 30 percent in one year (Servis, 1992).
Large supplies of organic materials have been made available by Floridas Sol-
id Waste Act of 1988 (Chapter 88-130, Florida Statute). This Florida law mandates
a 30 percent reduction in solid waste sent to landfills by 31 Dec. 1994, and prohibits
disposal of yard trimmings in landfills after 1 J an. 1992. Some of the woody mate-
rials are now chipped for mulches or nursery soil mixes. Other organic materials
that were formerly landfilled are being composted, often on a large scale. I n some
areas, additional efforts to decrease landfill requirements have resulted in com-
Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993 73
Nancy E. Roe, Peter J. Stoffella, and Herbert H. Bryan
posting of municipal solid waste and/or sewage sludge.
On sandy soils, organic matter can increase water holding capacity and cation ex-
change capacity; stabilize soil structure and increase permeability; add nutrients; and
buffer changes in pH, micronutrients, and heavy metals (Bohn et. al., 1985). Composts
have also reduced growth of plant pathogenic organisms such as Rhizoctonia solani on
small grains (Chung et. al., 1988), Botrytis cinerea on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) (Dittmer
et. al., 1990), and Phytophthora capsici on peppers (Lumsden et. al., 1982).
The problems associated with disposal of polyethylene film mulch, and the con-
comitant availability of large amounts of composts present an opportunity to use or-
ganic materials as mulches for commercial vegetable crop production. Other investi-
gations have generally compared unmulched controls (soil) to polyethylene film
mulches or to organic mulches (Earhart et. al., 1992; Lal, 1974; Locascio and Fiskell,
1977). Our objective was to investigate the long term effects of polyethylene mulch and
several organic mulches on soil properties, vegetable plant growth, and fruit yields.
Materials And Methods
Each experiment was conducted on a commercial bell pepper farm located in
Boynton Beach, Florida. Soil type was a Myakka sand (sandy, siliceous, hyperthermic,
Aeric Haplaquad). Beds were mechanically constructed 20 cm high, 92 cm wide, and
were spaced 1.7 m apart, center to center. Each plot consisted of a single bed 9.1 m in
length.
Total Kjeldahl N was determined for the MW compost used in 1990. The Bray I test
was used for P determination. Potassium, Ca, and Mg were extracted in 1N NH4 ac-
etate. Zinc, Fe, Mg, and Cu were extracted by DTPA-TEA. Sulfur was extracted by
CaP04-500 ppm. Electrical conductivity (EC) was measured in 5:l (v/v) water:soil and
pH in 1:l (v/v) water:soil solution,.
Extractions for the MW compost used in 1992 were done with a Morgan solution
(Wolfe, 1992). Nitrogen, P, and S were determined by a Gilbert spectrophotometer.
Calcium, K, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe were determined by atomic absorption. Electrical
conductivity and pH were measured in a 2:l (v/v) water:soil solution.
Total Kjeldahl N was determined for the heat-dried sewage sludge used in 1992.
Phosphorus was extracted manually by ascorbic acid. Nitric acid was used for K, Ca,
Mg, Fe, Mn, S, Zn, and Cu (EPA Method 3050). The pH was measured in a 1:l (v/v)
water:soil solution.
Electrical conductivity, N03-N, NH4-N, and pH of soil were measured in a 2:l
(v/v) water:soil suspension. The Walkley-Black dichromate method was used to de-
termine soil organic matter (OM) (Nelson and Sommers, 1982). Phosphorus, K, Ca, Mg,
Fe, Mn, S, Zn, and Cu in soil were extracted by the Mehlich I method and analyzed by
inductively coupled argon plasma spectroscopy (Hanlon et. al., 1990).
Data collected from each experiment were subjected to analyses of variance using
SAS (SAS Institute, 1987). Main effects were partitioned into orthogonal contrasts, or
means separated by Duncans multiple range test, 5 percent level.
Experiment 1.2990 Pepper crop. A mean of three soil samples taken from the exper-
imental site contained (mgkg-1): 1293 Ca, 65.3 Mg, 25.6 K, 223.8 P, 8.1 Zn, 9.4 Cu, 27.8
Mn. Soil OM averaged 1.3 percent. A pre-plant fertilizer of 90N, 45P, and 15K (kgha-
l) was broadcast before bedding. A band of 179N and 177K (kgha-l) fertilizer was ap-
plied in the center of each bed. Beds were fumigated with a 98 percent methyl bromide,
2 percent chloropicrin mixture at 202 kgha-l, then immediately covered by white poly-
ethylene film (0.0318 mm thick) mulch (PM). The polyethylene film mulch was re-
moved from the compost plots and compost was applied manually at 13,40, or 121
74 Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993
Utilization Of MS W Compost And Other Organic Mulches
On Commercial Vegetable Crops
TABLE 1.
Characteristics of municipal solid waste composts used in Expt. 1 (MW90), and Expt. 2 and 3
(MW92), and dried sewage sludge (SS) used in Expt. 2 and 3
pH ECZ N F K Ca Mg Fe Mn S Zn Cu
Mulch ppm (dry wt)
MW90 7.9 7.5 5100 433 1593 3750 342 353 121 317 158 93
MW92 8.2 2.5 7 47 532 2210 164 8 17 378 17 <I
ss 7.1 NA 31,900 17,200 1100 149,500 5400 9500 6 13,700 1180 537
ZElectrical conductivity in mmh0s.cm-l
t0ha-l on 21 Aug., 1990. The compost was a commercial municipal solid waste com-
post from a facility in Pompano Beach, F1. (Table 1). Bell pepper, cv. Pr-893 seedlings,
approximately 5 weeks old, were transplanted into the beds on 30 Aug., 30 cm apart
within rows with 2 rows per bed spaced 45 cm apart. Plant population was equivalent
to 39,120 plants/ha. A randomized complete block experimental design with treat-
ments replicated 4 times was used.
On 19 Oct., soil samples were taken at 0-7.5 and 7.5-15 cm depth from each plot,
weighed, dried at 70C for 10 days, and reweighed. Moisture content was calculated on
a wet weight basis.
Peppers were harvested on 9 and 26 Nov. 1990, and 11 J an. 1991, graded, counted,
and weighed. Fruit sizes were 65 or fewer, 65-85,85-100, and 100 or more fruit per stan-
dard 3.9 dekaliter box for extra-large, large, medium, and small, respectively.
Experiment 2.2992 Squash Crop. On 15 J an. 1992, a previous commercial bell pep-
per crop in a different field was removed by mowing. Original beds, size and shape as
previously described, were utilized. Sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate (Vapam) at 74
literha-l was injected into the beds using an injection wheel with openings at 30 cm.
The white polyethylene film (0.0318 mm thick) mulch used for the previous bell pep-
per crop was left on the plots as a designated treatment, and was removed from each
organic mulch plot. Organic mulches were applied manually at 224 and 336 t-ha-l rates
on 14-17 Feb. 1992. Organic mulches were: a commercial municipal solid waste com-
post from Pembroke Pines, FL (MW); a powdered, dried sewage sludge product from
Dade County, FL (SS) (Table 1); and wood chips, principally from Melaleucu quinquen-
ervia, which had been piled and aged for about one year (WC).
Winter squash, cv 'Tivoli', was machine seeded on 19 Feb. in hills spaced 30 cm
apart in the center of each bed, with 1 seed per bed. Plant population was equivalent
to 19,562 plants/ha. A randomized complete block experimental design with treat-
ments replicated 5 times was used.
Plant stands in each plot were recorded on 28 Feb., and 25 Mar., and expressed as
a percentage of potential total stand.
Two plants per plot were excavated manually on 10 Mar. Shoots were severed at
the soil surface, soil washed from root system, dried at 70C for 7 days, and weighed.
Three plants per plot were manually excavated on 23 Apr. Shoots were severed at
the soil surface; soil was washed from the root system; roots were partitioned into tap-
root, which included lateral roots, and basal roots (roots from the root-shoot junction);
and fresh weights were recorded. Soil samples were taken from 0-7.5 and 7.5-15 cm
depth on 23 Apr., using a sampling tube with a bottom diameter of 5 cm and a top di-
ameter of 7.5 cm. Soil samples were weighed, dried for 7 days at 70C, and reweighed.
Soil moisture was determined on a wet weight basis. The 2 depths of samples for each
location were combined and tested for Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Na content, and EC.
-
__ I _ ~ ____--__ __
Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993 75
Nancy E. Roe, Peter J. Stoffella, and Herbert H. B y u n
Squash was harvested on 17,23,24, and 27 Apr. from each 9.1 cm plot. In the first
3 harvests, marketable fruit was weighed and counted. The last harvest included some
fruit which was damaged by insects, but was of marketable size.
Experiment 3.1992 Pepper Crop. Drip irrigation was installed in the identical plots
used for Expt. 2, before planting bell peppers. One drip line (Netafim) was laid about
5 cm deep in the center of each bed. Emitters spaced at 45 cm delivered approximate-
ly 1.1 literhr-l. Two daily irrigations were used, with each supplying about 9,337
literha-l. Fertilizer, at 1.1N and 0.9K kg0ha-l was added through the irrigation system
with each application. Polyethylene film was replaced in the polyethylene-mulched
plots, but no additional mulch was added to the organic mulch plots.
Soil samples were taken on 24 Sqt., and tested for pH, OM, EC, Ca, Mg, P, K, Zn,
Cu, Mn, N03-N and NH4-N using the sampling and testing techniques previously de-
scribed. Soil samples were air dried for 60 days before testing.
Bell pepper, cv. '32008', seedlings (4 weeks old) were transplanted on 6 Oct. 1992.
Plants were spaced at 30 cm within rows, with 2 rows per bed, spaced 45 cm apart. Ex-
perimental design and plot size was identical to Expt. 2. Plant population was equiv-
alent to 39,120 plants/ha.
One plant from each plot was severed at the soil surface on 25 Nov. A 30 cm square
wooden frame was then placed on the soil with the hypocotyl at the center. Mulch
within the square was removed, and roots were strained from the mulch. Soil in the
next 0-7.5 and 7.5-15 cm depths was similarly removed and roots were washed and
separated from the soil. Fruit was removed from the shoots, shoots and roots were
dried at 70C for 8 days, and weighed.
Plant stands in each plot were counted on 15 and 21 J an., 1993, and expressed as
the percentage of initial plant population. Peppers were harvested from a 6.1 m length
of each plot on 28 Dec. 1992 and 15 J an. 1993. Only U.S. Fancy (at least 7.5 cm diame-
TABLE 2.
Soil conditions under white polyethylene film and organic mulches.
Mulch
Percent water (w/w)
at soil depthsZ (cm) Mean temperaturesy (C)
0-7.5 7.5-15 Morning Midday Afternoon
PM 5.2 5.8 23.5 25.0 26.2
Organic mulches (ORM)
MW 6.0 6.3 24.5 24.9 bX 26.1 b
wc 6.1 6.5 26.5 24.1 c 24.6 c
SS
Rate(t*ha-I) (R)
224
6.5 6.4 24.7 25.8 a 27.7 a
6.1 6.3
336 6.3 6.5
F-test
ORMx R
Contrasts
NS NS
. NS NS
NS NS NS
** **
PM vs ORM
NS,**Nonsignificant or significant at P=O.Ol
zSoil moisture was sampled on 23 April
YTemperatures were recorded from 17 April-18 J une, 1992. Recording times were: morning 6-9 AM; midday 11AM-I I'M;
afternoon 4-7 PM
XMean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5 percent level
76 Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993
Utilization Of MSW Compost And Other Organic Mulches
On Commercial Vegetable Crops
ter and 8.8 cm in length) and U.S. No. 1 (diameter and length greater than 6.25 cm) fruit
were counted and weighed (Hochmuth, 1988).
Results and Discussion
Soil Effects The relatively low rates of compost used in Expt. 1 (13,40, and 121 t0ha-l)
were not sufficient to cause significant differences in the soil moisture (data not shown).
However, in Expt. 2, soil water content under all the organic mulches was significantly
higher than under I'M at both depths (Table 2). La1 (1974) reported higher soil moisture
under mulches of rice straw and forest litter. Munn (1992) reported increases in soil mois-
ture under straw and shredded newspaper mulches on a silt loam soil early in a wet sea-
son, but no differences during a drier season. Both of these investigations, however, com-
pared the mulches with unmulched soil, not with polyethylene film. Black polyethylene
film mulch reduced water use more than compost or straw mulches, but compost mulch
had the highest water use efficiency by basil (Palada et. al., 1992). The seepage and drip
irrigation methods used in our experiments tend to maintain uniform soil moisture lev-
els, unlike differences that may occur under an intermittent method of irrigation or un-
der rainfall only.
Organic mulches usually moderate diurnal soil temperature fluctuations (Asghar et.
al., 1987; Palada at al., 1992). Similar moderation in soil temperature fluctuations oc-
curred under WC and MW mulches (Table 2). Soil temperatures did not differ signifi-
cantly at the morning readings (Table 2). By midday, soil temperatures under the SS were
highest among the organic mulches, followed by MW. Soil temperatures of I'M plots
were not significantly different, but were lower than SS plots at all recording times. Af-
ternoon temperatures varied in the same order as those at midday. Higher afternoon soil
temperatures in the SS plots were probably a result of its black color, and lack of insu-
lating value. In south Florida, white coated polyethylene film is used to reduce soil tem-
peratures for crops planted in the late summer and early fall. Black polyethylene film can
be used to increase soil temperature for winter-planted crops. Therefore, the benefits of
moderation of temperature by organic mulches may depend on the planting season.
Soil element concentration taken during the squash harvest period resulted in few
significant differences (Table 3). MW plots had significantly higher soil Na concentra-
tion than all other plots, followed by WC, and then SS. This was a result of the high
(1000 ppm) Na concentration of the MW compost used in this experiment (data not
shown). The SS plots, however, had higher EC than the other treatments. The major
ions which contribute to high salinity of refuse composts, NO3-, HI'04-, H2PO4-, Na+,
K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+(Inbar et. al., 1993), are practically all present at relatively high
rates in the SS material (Table 1). Iron concentration was also highest under SS mulch.
Increased soil Feconcentration in SS and WC plots would probably be an asset in this
soil, as Fe solubility can be reduced in high pH soils.
Higher K, Cu, and Mn concentration, and lower Zn, P, and NO3-N in soil of PM
plots occurred when compared to the organic mulch plots, just before pepper trans-
planting (Table 4). Within the organic mulches, significant depth X mulch interaction
for NO3-N indicated that NO3-N decreased with depth under MW and SS and in-
was highest in NO3-N, and SS had the most Mg and P, and the least Mn soil concen-
tration. Differences in soil Ca and Cu concentration among treatments were less dis-
tinct, and there were no significant differences in EC. Soil organic matter levels were
similar among organic mulch and I'M treatments, because these organic materials
were utilized as a bed cover, and not incorporated into the soil. No available NH4-N
was found in any sample tested (data not shown).
creased under WC. Municipal waste compost plots had the highest pH, K, and Zn; WC
~
" _
Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993 77
Nancy E. Roe, Peter J. Stoffella, and Herbert H. B y a n
Soil pH at this test date was significantly raised by MW and lowered by the SS
(Table 4). Conversion of soil NH4-N to NO,-N lowers pH. Since the SS material is high-
est in total N, there would be more conversion expected in those plots.
High Zn concentration can be a potential obstacle to agricultural use of municipal
centration than the one used in Expt. 1 (Table l), but the MW plots still had a higher
Zn soil concentration than other treatments (Table 4). Cu concentration presents a po-
tential toxicity problem both to plants and the consumers of the crop, especially due
to the large amount of Cu fungicides used on many crops, but our soil tests indicated
a lower Cu in organically mulched plots. Copper tends to bind with organic matter, so
the mulches may have fixed Cu that was sprayed on the crops during the previous
growing season, preventing it from moving into the soil. Mays and Giordano (1989)
reported minimal movement of Cu into the soil past 30 cm deep, even 19 years after
high application rates of a compost containing over 100 times more Cu than the prod-
ucts utilized in these studies. When current municipal waste composts are compared
to those made in the past 20 years, recycling programs and stricter environmental con-
trols on industry have generally resulted in decreased heavy metal concentrations
(Mays and Giordano, 1989). Although further reductions are essential, improved com-
posts may allow for expansion of agricultural uses, with less danger to crops, con-
sumers, and the environment.
Experiment 1: 1990 Pepper Crop. Significantly earlier pepper fruit production from
PM plots occurred when compared to the compost mulches, however rate of compost
did not significantly influence early yields (Table 5).
Total fruit yield from plants in PM plots was significantly higher than from pep-
per plants in the MW plots (Table 5). The significant linear relationship of total yields
and mulch rates suggested that yields would continue to increase with higher rates of
compost mulch. This prompted an increase in compost rates for our subsequent ex-
periments.
solid waste compost. The MW compost used in Expts. 2 and 3 had a lower Zn con- ~~
TABLE 3.
Soil nutrient concentration and electrical conductivity (EC) in squash plots with
polyethylene film or organic mulches. (Expt. 2)
Zn cu Mn Fe Na ECZ
Mulch (mg-kg-l) (ds0m-l)
I'M 14.5 11.3 32.9 48.7 12.5 0.26
Organic mulches (OW)
MW 16.6 11.3 33.7 45.6 by 123.5 a 0.44 ab
wc 13.3 10.7 33.6 46.3 ab 56.1 b 0.29 b
ss 18.8 10.9 44.5 51.3 a 18.8 c 0.64 a
Rute(t*ha-l) (R)
224 17.4 11.0 36.5 47.9 57.4 0.41
336 15.1 10.9 37.5 47.6 74.9 0.50
F-test NS NS NS NS NS NS
ORMx R NS NS NS NS NS NS
Contrasts
PMvsOM NS NS NS NS
NSt**Nonsignificant or significant at P=O.Ol
ZEC was measured in a 2:l water:soil suspension. Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Na in soil were extracted by the Mehlich I method
and analyzed by inductively coupled argon plasma spectroscopy
YMean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5 percent level
78 Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993
NS
**
Utilization Of MSW Compost And Other Organic Mulches
On Commercial Vegetable Crops
More fruits of each size except extra-large were harvested from plants grown on
PM than from the other mulches (Table 5). Fruit yields of each size, except for small
fruit, increased linearly with increasing compost rates.
Experiment 2: 2992 Squash Crop. Initial squash germination ranged from 13 percent
in the SS plots to 87 percent in the WC plots (Table 6). The high EC in the SS plots (Table
3) produced low initial stands and stunting (Table 6). High soil Na concentration in
MW plots (Table 3) may have contributed to the lower initial germination, as compared
to the WC plots (Table 6). By 36 days after seeding, many plants in the I' M and WC
TABLE 4.
Soil characteristics before pepper transplanting for Expt. 3 (1992)
pH OM EC Ca Mg K P Zn Cu Mn NO3
Mulch (%) (mmhosxm-l) (mg.kg-l)
I' M 7.2
Organic mulches (ORM)
MW 7.6 az
wc 7.1 b
ss 6.7 c
Depth ( D) (cm)
0-7.5 7.1
7.5-15 7.2
F-test NS
O Mx D NS
Contrasts
PMvsORM NS
1.22 0.31 1408 90.8 50.7 180 9.1 6.9 13.5 .6
1.28
1.30
1.25
0.16
0.23
0.06
1516 a
1162 b
1250 ab
85.0 b
65.9 c
102.9 a
31.8 a
10.3 b
8.4 b
199 b
182 b
232 a
16.0a 6.0ab 13.2 a 1.1 b
9.4b 6.4a 11.3a 7.7a
10.8b 5.0 b 9.1 b 1.2 b
1.27
1.26
NS
NS
0.17
0.21
NS
NS
1376
1293
NS
NS
92.5
80.0
NS
NS
28.6
22.0
NS
NS
205
193
NS
NS
12.4 6.3 11.9 3.3
10.3 5.9 11.6 2.0
NS NS NS NS
NS NS
NS *
NS NS NS NS
** ** * * x* **
NS,*;'Nonsignificant, significant at P=0.05, or P=O.Ol, respectively
ZEC, N03-N, and pH of soil were measured in a 21 watersoil suspension. The Walkley-Black dichromate method was used
to determine soil OM. P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in soil were extracted by the Mehlich I method and analyzed by in-
ductively coupled argon plasma spectroscopy
YMean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5 percent level
TABLE 5.
Bell pepper yields harvested from polyethylene film (PM) or municipal solid waste compost
( MW) mulch (Expt. 1)
Yield
Extra Early
Mulch Large Large Medium Small Totalz HarvestY Fruit size
(kg- ha-l) (a) (g/fruit)
PM 3190 2240 2090 1350 8870 27 104
MW13' 810 570 140 330 1850 0 101
MW40 2460 1030 520 570 4580 1 112
MW121 4050 1600 980 610 7240 3 122
Contrasts
NS
PMvsMW NS -
MW Linear **
MWQuad. NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
NSr*,**Nonsignificant, significant at P=O 05, or P=O.Ol, respectively
ZYield is the total from 3 harvests
YEarly harvest is the first of 3 harvests
XApplication rate of compost in t0ha-l
** ** ** x* **
**
NS
**
NS
**
. I- .___
Summer, 1993 79 Compost Science & Utilization
Nancy E. Roe, Peter J. Stoffella, and Herbert H. B y an
plots had developed symptoms of "damping off" disease and died, while more con-
tinued to germinate in the MW and SS. Plant stands in the PM plots were significant-
ly higher than the organic mulch plots, 10 days after seeding, but were significantly
lower by 36 days after seeding (Table 6). Martinez (1965) reported that higher numbers
of replants were needed in plots mulched with black polyethylene film than in unm-
ulched soil, and the lowest number was needed in plots mulched with sawdust.
Squash plants on WC mulch initially grew vigorously, exhibiting increased shoot
and'root weights when compared to other organic mulches (Table 6). Later in the sea-
son, these plants expressed N deficiency symptoms. Their early growth was apparent-
ly a response to residual fertilizer in the soil. As N was utilized, metabolism of the wood
chips further depleted the residual N. A higher N03-N concentration in the deeper soil
samples taken after the crop indicates that leaching was also a factor (Table 4).
Higher shoot weights occurred in the PM plots than in the organic mulch plots 19
days after seeding (Table 6). This difference resulted in higher shoot:root ratio in the PM
plots. Shoot/root ratios were lowest in the plants in the SS plots, which were under high
salt stress. Shoot/root ratios of clover generally increased with increasing N, if water
and P were adequate (Davidson, 1969). Shoots and roots of WC plants were heavier than
MW or SS plants at both sampling dates. By 60 days after seeding, similarities between
the growth rates of WC and PM plants were evident in the shoot weight and the per-
centage of total root weight comprised of taproot (including lateral roots) and basal
roots. Plants from PM plots had a significantly lower percentage of the root biomass at-
tributed to the taproot when compared with the organic mulch plots.
TABLE 6.
Plant stands, shoot and root measurements, and yields from squash plants mulched
with white polyethylene film or organic materials (Expt. 2)
Days after seeding
10 36 19 60 Fruit
Stand Shoot2 Root2 Shoot ShootY RootY Shoot RootsX Yield Size
% wt(g) wt(g) root wt(g) wt(g) root Tap Basal t-ha-1 kg/plant kg/fruit
PM 74 21
Organic mulches ( O M )
MW 62b 69a
WC 87a 49b
ss 13c 56ab
Rate(t4za-l) (R)
224 55 63
336 53 53
F-test NS NS
OKMx R NS NS
Contrasts
PMvsORM' **
2.03 0.05 55
0.89b 0.06b 16a
1.94a 0.11a 22a
0.28~ 0.03b 9b
1.05 .06 15
1.02 .07 16
NS NS NS
NS NS NS
NS **
xx
1076
949a
1189a
526b
940
836
NS
NS
NS
21 53 34 66
20b 49 58a 42b
25a 49 40b 60a
9c 55 66a 34b
20 51 53 47
17 50 56 44
* NS NS NS
NS NS N-s NS
NS NS * NS
8 3.6 1.3
12a l .l b .9b
13a 2.0a l .l a
5b 0 . 5 ~ .9b
10 1.1 1.0
10 1.3 1.0
NS NS NS
NS * NS
NS ** NS
NS,',*'Nonsignificant, significant at P=0.05, or P=O.Ol, respectively
%hoot and root weights measured after oven drying
YShoot and root weights measured on a fresh weight basis
XTaproots and basal roots are presented as a percentage of the total root dry weight
Wean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5 percent level
80 Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993
Utilization Of MS W Compost And Other Organic Mulches
On Commercial Vegetable Crops
TABLE 7.
Bell pepper stands, shoot and root measurements, and yields from plants mulched with white
polyethylene film or organic materials
Stand (%I Shoot Root (%) Yield
Fruit
Mulch - 1012 107 wt(g) Mulch 0-7.5Y 75-15 kg.ha-lx EarlyW g/plant size(g)
PM 8 <1 17.8 0 87.5 12.5 4704 100 277 176
Organic mulches (OM)
MW 43aV
wc 46a
ss 24b
16ab
25a
7b
11.3ab
8.6b
12.0a
35.6a
16.8b
Ob
55.61,
66.813
94.2a
8.8
16.4
5.8
4471a
329813
2692b
92ab
88b
98a
210a
161b
140b
171
173
173
Rate(t.ha-1) (R)
224 40
336 35
F test NS
ORMxR NS
17
15
NS
NS
10.6
10.7
NS
NS
16.0
18.9
NS
NS
75.2
72.3
NS
NS
8.8
8.8
NS
NS
3532
3443
NS
NS
93
92
NS
NS
177
164
NS
NS
173
172
NS
NS
Contrasts
PMvsORM **
** ** ** ** **
NS NS
NS,",*'Nonsignificant, significant at P=0.05, or F=O.Ol, respectively
ZDays after transplanting
YSoil depth (cm)
XTotal of 2 harvests: 28Dec., 1992 and 15 Jan., 1993
Tercentage of fruit in first harvest
"Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5 percent level
Due to early losses to damping off and later losses to gummy stem blight (My-
cosphaerella citrullina), overall squash yields were low (mean=9.5 t-ha-l) (Table 6). The
percentage of PM plants (21 percent) which survived to harvest was also very low
(Table 6). Although over half of the plants in the SS plots survived, they were stunted
and affected by a sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) mediated disorder
known as silverleaf (Maynard and Cantliffe, 1990). Few plots even produced fruit
(Table 6). The mulch rates used in Expt. 2 were excessive for a dried sludge product.
Bryan and Lance (1991) reported that, as rates of heat-dried sludge (soil-incorporated
in strips) increased from 0 to 34 t*ha-l, tomato plant size decreased. Total squash yields
from plants in MW and WC plots were higher than SS or I'M plots, but yield per plant
was significantly higher in I'M plots (Table 6). High soil Na concentration and low
available N in MW plots (Table 3) may have resulted in the smaller size and lower yield
per plant than the WC plots (Table 6). Mean fruit size (g/fruit) from PM plants was
similar to fruits from organically mulched plants, although fruits from WC plants were
significantly larger than those from MW or SS.
Experiment 3: 2992 Pepper Crop. Shoot dry weight was highest in pepper plants on
I'M mulch, and lowest with WC (Table 7). There was no discernable root growth into
the dried sludge, but more than 16 percent and 33 percent of the weight of roots from
the plants on WC and MW, respectively, was located in the mulch layer (Table 7).
Plants in I'M plots had a significantly higher percentage of roots at the 0-7.5 cm depth
and lower percentage at the 7.5-15 depth when compared to organically mulched
plants. This may have been a response to the nutrients in the SS material. Most plants
grown on the WC mulch exhibited the small size and light green color which are symp-
-
_-_____I__ ________ _______.
Compost Science 8 Utilization Summer, 1993 81
Nancy E. Roe, Peter J. Stoffella, and Herbert H. B y an
tomatic of N deficiency, suggesting that the roots grew deeper because of lack of nu-
trients. Asghar et. al. (1987) reported a higher percentage of corn (Zea mays L.) root
growth closer to the plant when fertilizer or fertilizer and mulch were compared with
plants with no amendments or mulch only. Transplanting work crews are accustomed
to planting in polyethylene film mulches, so many of the transplants were planted into
the mulch layer, rather than into the soil, as evident in the high percentage of root
growth located in the MW and WC mulches (Table 7). This may have contributed to
the N deficiency symptoms in plants in the WC plots. Further investigations are nec-
essary to determine if this placement may be advantageous in the MW mulch, which
has a higher nutrient concentration and water holding capacity. Knave1 and Mohr
(1967) reported that root systems of muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.), summer squash
(Cucurbita pepo L.), and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under black polyeth-
ylene film or black paper mulch were more spreading and shallow than those under
clear polyethylene film or no mulch. The soil temperature, moisture, and light com-
ponents which contributed to these results may also be factors in the significantly high-
er percentage of pepper roots in the top 7.5 cm of soil under the SS mulch (Table 7).
However, availability of elements in the SS mulch probably exerted the main influence
over root growth.
The high preplant rate of NO3-N detected in the soil from the WC plots (Table 4)
was not evident in this crop. This occurrence may have been partly an effect of time
between sampling and testing, as the conversion from organic N to NO3-N may have
continued after samples were bagged. This suggests that a high rate of organic N was
present in these samples.
Over 600 mm of rain fell during this growing season, and plant losses to Phytoph-
thora on the rest of the farm were almost 100 percent. Plant survival was highest in plots
mulched with MW and WC, and was not affected by rates of mulch or interactions be-
tween mulch rate and material. By the second harvest date, only 8 percent of the plants
grown in the polyethylene film-mulched plots were viable (Table 7). Phytophthora, a
water mold, is encouraged by high moisture, so the environment under the polyeth-
ylene film may be more conducive to development of the disease. Water splashing onto
stems and leaves also promotes development of this disease (Black et. al., 1991). Less
splashing of water onto the plants in the organic mulch plots may have occurred, as
compared to the I' M plots. Madden and Ellis (1990) reported increased splashing of
simulated rainfall on strawberries mulched with polyethylene film when compared to
those mulched with straw. Considerable evidence indicates that compost has disease
suppressive properties. Lumsden et. al. (1982) reported significant reduction of dis-
eases caused by Phytophthora capsici in soils amended with a compost of sewage sludge
and wood chips. The SS product used in these experiments was not a true compost and
was used at excessive rates, so the disease suppressive effect of compost would not be
expected in SS plots. However, disease suppression by compost may have been active
in the MW and WC plots, where survival was highest (Table 7).
Early yields of peppers were significantly different among treatments (Table 7)
and were attributed to stand reduction variations. However, earlier fruit development
and a trend toward larger fruit on the plants in PM plots suggested that, even in a more
normal year, plants from I' M plots may have had higher early yields similar to Expt.
1. Increases in early fruit production on polyethylene film mulch have also been re-
ported in tomatoes (Brown et. al., 1992). Nutrient leaching, N utilization by microbes
metabolizing carbon in the compost, and decreased soil temperatures may be delay-
ing crop maturity in the organically mulched plots. La1 (1974) suggests that increased
maize (Zea mays L.) yield under organic mulches may be due to decreased soil tem-
perature, improved soil moisture, or chemical or biochemical factors. Locascio and
82 Compost Science & Utilization Summer, 1993
.
Utilization Of MS W Compost And Other Organic Mulches
On Commercial Vegetable Crops
Fiskell(1977) reported that N leaching from soil under polyethylene film mulch was
less than from unmulched soil, resulting in higher yields.
Total pepper fruit yields were exceptionally low due to high disease and insect
pressure (Table 7). Plant losses to Phytophthora increased rapidly late in the growing
of a second harvest in this treatment, total yields and yield per plant from I' M plots
were significantly higher than from those grown on organic mulch plots. Fruit sizes
were similar between I'M and organic mulch plots.
Most research indicates that mulches improve vegetable yields when compared
with plants grown on unmulched soil. Organic mulches increased yields of tomatoes
(Munn, 19921, eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) (Daisley et. al., 1988) and corn (Lal,
1974). Polyethylene film mulch increased yields of bell peppers (Locascio and Fiskell,
1977), tomatoes (Kovach and Brown, 1992) and triploid watermelons (Citrullus vul-
garis Schrad.) (Earhart et. al., 1992). However, there are limited and conflicting reports
comparing polyethylene film directly with organic mulches. I'alada et. al. (1992) re-
ported that basil under drip irrigation had higher fresh and dry weights from plots
mulched with compost than with black polyethylene film. Highest pepper yields were
harvested from plants mulched with white polyethylene film, intermediate yields
from plants mulched with compost, and lowest yields from unmulched plants (Roe
et. al., 1992). These experiments indicate differences in soil effects and plant growth
variables among organic mulch materials, and between polyethylene film and organic
mulches.
Most benefits of compost use develop over extended periods of time (Mays and
Giordano, 1989; Bryan and Lance, 1991). The use of compost as a mulch may result in
even longer intervals before any advantages are realized. Carter and J ohnson (19881,
reported that eggplant yields were higher from plants mulched with black polyethyl-
ene film in the first year, but equal to those grown with a pine-needle or newspaper
mulch in the second year, and all were higher than yields from unmulched plants.
season (Table 7) and resulted in premature termination of the harvest. Despite the lack
~~
Conclusions
Compost mulch produced generally favorable effects on soil temperature and dis-
ease incidence. Yields of pepper and squash fruit were generally lower when plants
were mulched with organic materials than with polyethylene film. However, in one
experiment, yields increased with increasing municipal solid waste compost rates.
Management of compost mulches is extremely complicated because of the variability
of composts, and the numerous edaphic and environmental factors which must be con-
sidered. Although the organic mulches resulted in lower yields, organic mulches may
be a viable alternative to polyethylene film mulches if environmental and govern-
mental regulations and economic factors are taken into consideration.
University of Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-03109.
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