Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soil amended with kitchen compost of varying ages

• Published in: Soil science and plant nutrition (Tokyo) Vol. 69; no. 2; pp. 137 - 147
• Main Authors: Chau, Tran Thi Minh, Someya, Takashi, Akao, Satoshi, Nakamura, Masato, Oritate, Fumiko, Somura, Hiroaki, Yamane, Shinzo, Maeda, Morihiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kyoto Taylor & Francis 04.03.2023; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Aerobic conditions; Agricultural land; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide emissions; Composting; Composts; Emissions; Farm buildings; greenhouse gas emissions; Greenhouse gases; kitchen waste compost; Kitchens; Methane; Nitrous oxide; Soil conditions; Soils; Yard waste
• ISSN: 0038-0768; 1747-0765
• DOI: 10.1080/00380768.2022.2160622

Although the use of kitchen waste compost is very common, GHG emissions from soil amended with kitchen waste compost have not been studied. This study aimed to determine the effects of kitchen compost age and application rates on GHG emissions to identify optimal compost management. Soil samples mixed with kitchen waste compost at three different ages: 1 month (1M), 2 months (2M), and 3 months (3M) at two application rates (1% and 2% w/w) were incubated at 25°C for 28 days under aerobic conditions. Emissions of nitrous oxide (N 2 O), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and methane (CH 4 ) were determined on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Results showed that N 2 O and CO 2 emissions decreased with compost age (p < 0.05). Increased application rates of compost led to increased CO 2 emissions and suppression of N 2 O emissions. Furthermore, CH 4 was emitted from soil amended with kitchen compost even under aerobic conditions. This study suggests that 3M kitchen waste compost is optimal in terms of GHG emissions upon application to soil under aerobic conditions.