Carbon mineralization and distribution of nutrients within different particle-size fractions of commercially produced olive mill pomace

Abstract

Composting is a realistic option for disposal of olive mill pomace (OMP) by making it suitable as a soil amendment for organic farming. The chemical and physical characteristics and contribution of particle-size fractions to total nutrients and carbon mineralization of seven commercial composts of OMP (COMP) were investigated. Higher proportions of manure, co-composted with OMP, reduced the organic matter (OM), total carbon and C:N ratio of the product, but increased the content of nutrients and fine particles. The fine particles had higher nutrient contents, but less OM and carbon and, unlike larger particles, did not exhibit any phytotoxicity. Less than 1.5% of added carbon was mineralized in whole compost, but a lower rate was found with larger particles. Separation of COMP by particle size fractionation and application as a soil conditioner is recommended for better optimization of COMP with the <1mm fraction providing the higher quality compost.