Composting of school lunch left-overs, and its influence on the growth of several types of vegetables

• Published in: Bulletin of Osaka Prefectural Agricultural and Forestry Research Center (Japan) no. 40
• Main Authors: Uchiyama, T. (Osaka-fu. Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences Research Center, Habikino (Japan)), Hashimoto, T, Tanigawa, N, Inno, Y, Sakimoto, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: 01.03.2004
• Subjects: COMPOSTING; FOOD WASTES; GROWTH; VEGETABLE CROPS
• ISSN: 0919-5017

Summary Organic materials for maintenance of soil fertility are unevenly distributed, and there are few materials which guarantee an economical and stable supply. Therefore, we decided to examine ways of replacing manure or soil improvement materials by composting school lunch left-overs. First, when we looked specifically at composting methods and their compatibility with additional materials, we found that mixtures with tree clippings offered excellent workability as compared to mixtures with school lunch left-overs alone or mixtures with chaff. In order to establish the safety of the manufactured compost, we performed analyses of the constituents and examined seedlings. As a result, we found that the amount of harmful constituents was less than a reference value, and the damage to seedlings was reduced by composting. However, the fertilizer effect expected from the total nitrogen content was not observed. Next, this compost was used for cultivation of 'Mizuna', 'Mibuna', Japanese radishes and onions in the field, and its influence on growth was investigated. We found that the fertilizer effect of this material was slow, and it was necessary to use a readily available fertilizer together at least as a basal dressing. If this is done, the same production as that in the past can be obtained.