International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2011
This paper presents results obtained on the evaluation of static composting process aimed at bior... more This paper presents results obtained on the evaluation of static composting process aimed at bioremediation of the hazardous solid olive mill waste (OMW). The static composting process carried out in gaspermeable polyethylene bags followed the fluctuating temperature and oxygen profiles similar to those seen in aerated composting systems. Static composting resulted in apparent increases and decreases in values for total nitrogen and C:N ratios respectively during the process. The amount of nitrogen (>3%) in the composting end product was in agreement with the Italian legislation (Decreto Legislativo 29 aprile 2010, n. 75) specification for nitrogen fertilizer. A gradual decrease in polyphenols during the storage of compost resulted in a non-phytotoxic composted organic matter high in humic substances. Different respirometric tests also stated high biological stability of the end compost product.
The findings presented in this paper have shown conclusively that composted olive mill waste (COM... more The findings presented in this paper have shown conclusively that composted olive mill waste (COMW), characterized by its relatively high humus content, contributed to producing an economically sustainable and fit-for-purpose growing medium for soilless cultivation of strawberries. In so doing, it has also shown to be a successful replacement for the commonly used and expensive peat moss. The capacity of COMW to transport nutrients essential for the growth of different varieties of strawberries was indicated by the optimum levels of nutrients such as N, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu recorded in petioles and leaf blades. The relatively high amount of nutrients left over in the substrate at the end of cultivation meant that it can be recycled as organic matter in different agricultural practices. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 88 (2014) 118e124 c c d d . Total yield of strawberries during autumn and spring in relation to treatment and varieties (interaction significant). Data followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P < 0.05.
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2011
The production of a substrate containing destoned olive mill solid waste for the cultivation of A... more The production of a substrate containing destoned olive mill solid waste for the cultivation of Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach on an industrial scale was studied. A standard mushroom compost (C) mainly made from straw and poultry manure was compared with the experimental compost (EC) containing the same ingredients as (C) but with added olive mill solid waste (10.6% w/w). Microbial indicators such as counts of heterotrophic microbes and actinomycetes were higher in EC than in C. In addition, compost selectivity as indicated by higher mushroom yield and biological efficiency of EC was higher than that of C. Market quality of the mushrooms produced in both C and EC were comparable. These findings support our work that olive mill solid waste can be used safely in thermal composting process to produce a selective substrate for industrial-scale cultivation of A. bisporus. This study also demonstrates an environmentally sustainable system to manage solid waste from olive oil extraction processes thus overcoming environmental pollution brought about by irrational disposal of the waste on farm lands.
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2011
This paper presents results obtained on the evaluation of static composting process aimed at bior... more This paper presents results obtained on the evaluation of static composting process aimed at bioremediation of the hazardous solid olive mill waste (OMW). The static composting process carried out in gaspermeable polyethylene bags followed the fluctuating temperature and oxygen profiles similar to those seen in aerated composting systems. Static composting resulted in apparent increases and decreases in values for total nitrogen and C:N ratios respectively during the process. The amount of nitrogen (>3%) in the composting end product was in agreement with the Italian legislation (Decreto Legislativo 29 aprile 2010, n. 75) specification for nitrogen fertilizer. A gradual decrease in polyphenols during the storage of compost resulted in a non-phytotoxic composted organic matter high in humic substances. Different respirometric tests also stated high biological stability of the end compost product.
The findings presented in this paper have shown conclusively that composted olive mill waste (COM... more The findings presented in this paper have shown conclusively that composted olive mill waste (COMW), characterized by its relatively high humus content, contributed to producing an economically sustainable and fit-for-purpose growing medium for soilless cultivation of strawberries. In so doing, it has also shown to be a successful replacement for the commonly used and expensive peat moss. The capacity of COMW to transport nutrients essential for the growth of different varieties of strawberries was indicated by the optimum levels of nutrients such as N, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu recorded in petioles and leaf blades. The relatively high amount of nutrients left over in the substrate at the end of cultivation meant that it can be recycled as organic matter in different agricultural practices. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 88 (2014) 118e124 c c d d . Total yield of strawberries during autumn and spring in relation to treatment and varieties (interaction significant). Data followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P < 0.05.
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2011
The production of a substrate containing destoned olive mill solid waste for the cultivation of A... more The production of a substrate containing destoned olive mill solid waste for the cultivation of Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach on an industrial scale was studied. A standard mushroom compost (C) mainly made from straw and poultry manure was compared with the experimental compost (EC) containing the same ingredients as (C) but with added olive mill solid waste (10.6% w/w). Microbial indicators such as counts of heterotrophic microbes and actinomycetes were higher in EC than in C. In addition, compost selectivity as indicated by higher mushroom yield and biological efficiency of EC was higher than that of C. Market quality of the mushrooms produced in both C and EC were comparable. These findings support our work that olive mill solid waste can be used safely in thermal composting process to produce a selective substrate for industrial-scale cultivation of A. bisporus. This study also demonstrates an environmentally sustainable system to manage solid waste from olive oil extraction processes thus overcoming environmental pollution brought about by irrational disposal of the waste on farm lands.
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