Potential Use of Plant Residue Wastes in Forests of Northwestern Germany

• Published in: Forest ecology and management Vol. 66; no. 1; p. 87
• Main Authors: Bauhus, J, Meiwes, K J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1991
• ISSN: 0378-1127

The impacts of organic waste applied to limed and unlimed beech-forest soil were investigated in terms of nitrogen mineralization, nitrate leaching, salt concentrations, and de-acidification. The wastes, which came from plant residues of parks and gardens, were mature organic compost and uncomposted, shredded fresh organic waste. Carbon dioxide evolution and N-mineralization in the wastes and in beech litter were studied in the field and using long-term laboratory incubation. No significant differences were found between the wastes in terms of N mineralization. The fresh organic waste contained a large pool of easily degradable organic substances, which had been largely depleted in the compost. In field soils, the concentrations of potassium and chloride were highest under compost amendment. Over the long term, the wastes had de-acidified the soil, but the potential for nitrate leaching may make the practice risky for groundwater contamination.