Assessment of Productivity and Plant Nutrition of Brussels Sprouts Using Municipal Solid Waste Compost and Compost Tea as Fertility Amendments

Abstract

Growth in the organic industry has prompted the need for evaluation of allowable fertility amendments. Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea L. gemmifera DC) growth was compared using an organic fertilizer blend (OF), municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), two rates of a MSWC tea (MSWT × 1 and MSWT × 2), and a soil-applied tea drench (MSWTD). OF and MSWC provided adequate and equivalent nutrition to produce acceptable yields. Tissue P, K, and S were highest in MSWC plots. In a second experiment, Brussels sprouts were grown using two levels of rock phosphate and the same OF amendment. High rock P additions did not affect yield or tissue nutrient levels. Tissue concentrations of P, K, B, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and S decreased during the period from 8 to 16 weeks after transplanting; leaf tissue elements were likely reallocated to sprout production. MSWC tea may only be useful as a supplemental fertility source applied to foliage.

Keywords:

• Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
• Compost tea
• Leaf nutrients
• MSW compost
• Organic
• Soil fertility

This work was supported by a grant from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council and research funds provided by Coastal BioAgresearch Ltd. The authors also thank Dr. Derek Lynch for the use of his laboratory facilities.