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COMPOST QUALITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REMEDIATING URBAN SOILS

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dc.contributor.authorHeyman, Hannah F
dc.contributor.chairBassuk, Nina Lauren
dc.contributor.committeeMemberWalter, Michael Todd
dc.contributor.committeeMemberBonhotal, Jean F.
dc.date.accessioned2019-10-15T16:48:51Z
dc.date.available2019-10-15T16:48:51Z
dc.date.issued2019-08-30
dc.description.abstractPoor soil health is a critical problem in many urban landscapes. Degraded soil restricts plant growth and microorganism activity, limiting the ability of urban landscapes to perform much needed ecosystem services. Amending soil with compost can increase infiltration, microbial biomass, cation exchange capacity, available water holding capacity, and structural stability. Incorporation of approximately 33% compost by volume into degraded soil has been proven to improve soil health and structure over time while avoiding the financial and environmental costs of importing soil mixes. However, additions of high volumes of compost could potentially increase the risk of nutrient loss through leaching and runoff. The objective of our study was to consider the effects of different compost amendments on soil health, plant health and susceptibility to nutrient leaching. We conducted a bioassay to measure the effects of composts made from different feedstocks on various plant health characteristics. We also collected leachate during the experiment to measure nutrient loss from our different compost-amended soils. We found all compost amendments improved soil health. Nutrient-rich, manure-based composts produced greater plant growth, but also leached higher concentrations of nitrate and phosphorus. We found composts made from food scraps or leafy green waste provided sufficient nutrients for plant growth without excess nutrient loss. Using our findings along with those found in the literature, we provided ranges of compost characteristics to inform the selection of compost for on-site soil remediation. Additionally we concluded, careful consideration of soil texture and an understanding of the conditions and limitations of the intended remediation site are vital in achieving optimal results.
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.7298/jbgr-zd80
dc.identifier.otherHeyman_cornell_0058O_10620
dc.identifier.otherhttp://dissertations.umi.com/cornell:10620
dc.identifier.otherbibid: 11050595
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1813/67612
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.subjectCompost Quality
dc.subjectNutrient Leaching
dc.subjectSoil Remediation
dc.subjectUrban Soil
dc.subjectHorticulture
dc.subjectCompost
dc.titleCOMPOST QUALITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REMEDIATING URBAN SOILS
dc.typedissertation or thesis
dcterms.licensehttps://hdl.handle.net/1813/59810
thesis.degree.disciplineHorticulture
thesis.degree.grantorCornell University
thesis.degree.levelMaster of Science
thesis.degree.nameM.S., Horticulture

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