Effect of Deinking Paper Sludge Compost On Nutrient Uptake and Yields of Snap Bean And Potatoes Grown in Rotation

Abstract

The paper industry in Canada faces a challenge of economically sound and environmentally safe disposal of massive amounts of residues. A field study was conducted in 1996 and 1997 to evaluate the effects of application of a compost derived from a mixture of deinking paper residues and poultry manure (DSPC) on P and K uptake, and yields of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Centralia), and potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Gold Rush). The experiment was conducted on a Tilly silt loam (Gleyed Humo-Ferric Podzol) located in Sainte-Croix de Lotbinière, Québec, Canada. The DSPC was applied in the spring 1996 at 0, 14, 28 and 42 Mg ha⁻¹ on a dry matter basis, and supplemented or not with mineral fertilizer (MF) at 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg P₂O₅-K₂O ha⁻¹. In 1997, P fertilizer was applied in subplots at 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. Snap bean yield increased significantly with DSPC and MF application. Apparent P and K recoveries from MF by snap bean decreased with DSPC or MF rate. In combination with DSPC, P and K recoveries from MF by snap bean were smaller at all rates than those with no DSPC. Based on nutrient uptake, P and K in DSPC were more available than in MF. Potato yield in the following year was not significantly influenced by the previous treatments nor by supplemental P fertilizer added in the second year. This experiment indicates that compost derived from a mixture of deinking papermill sludges and poultry manure is a potential source of P and K for crops and will increase crop yields in the application year.