MODIFICATION OF SOIL-WATER RETENTION AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES BY MUNICIPAL SOLID-WASTE COMPOST

A compost originating from the organic fraction of MSW, separately col lected, was added to a loamy soil at different application rates. Modi fications of soil physical and biological properties were studied afte r compost addition. Water retention properties, after compost addition to soil, were monitored. Organic cart,on mineralization was followed during a six-month incubation. Enzyme activities were assayed immediat ely after compost addition, as well as after incubation of soil-compos t mixtures. These properties provided information about the modificati on of overall microbiological activity and specific nutrient cycles in the amended soil. Water retention, carbon mineralization and most enz yme activities after incubation were increased by compost incorporatio n. The additivity or nonadditivity of compost effects on soil properti es was discussed.