Characterization of fungal biodiversity in compost and vermicompost

• Published in: Compost science & utilization Vol. 12; no. 2; pp. 185 - 191
• Main Authors: Anastasi, A, Varese, G.C, Voyron, S, Scannerini, S, Marchisio, V.F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emmaus,PA Taylor & Francis 01.03.2004; JG Press; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Other nutrients. Amendments. Solid and liquid wastes. Sludges and slurries; Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments; Fungi; Compost; Vermicomposting; Biodiversity; Waste reuse; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 1065-657X; 2326-2397
• DOI: 10.1080/1065657X.2004.10702179

The ability of fungi to break down complex carbon sources makes them of vital importance in both the generation and application of compost. This paper illustrates the diversity and functions of the mycoflora of both a green compost (made solely thermophilically from plant debris) and a vermicompost (made mesophilically by the action of earthworms on plant and animal wastes). The soil dilution plate technique was applied on 3 media (PDA, CMC, PDA plus cycloheximide) and at 3 incubation temperatures (24°C, 37°C and 45°C) to isolate and identify fungal entities. Enzymatic activities (amylase, cellulase, chitinase, esterase, ligninase, pectinase, phosphatase, plastic degradation and xylanase) of most species from both composts were evaluated with a semiquantitative method on 15 substrates. There were substantial qualiquantitative differences in the species composition of the two composts. A total of 193 entities were isolated: 54 from green compost only, 77 from vermicompost only, 62 from both. This taxonomic diversity was reflected in the metabolic potential. Amilase, cellulase, protease and esterase activities were significantly higher in the green compost. Lignin and plastic polymer degradation were significantly higher in the vermicompost. Structural and functional characterization of this kind is of assistance in determining both the most appropriate application of composts and their hygienic quality.