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Effects of Surface Application of MSW
Compost On Cotton Production – Soil
Properties, Plant Responses, And
Nematode Management
A. Khaliliana, M. J. Sullivana, J.D. Muellera, A. Shiralipourb, F.J.
Wolakc, R.E. Williamsonc & R.M. Lippertd
a Edisto Research & Education Center, Blackville, South Carolina
b Center for Natural Resources, University of Florida, Gainesville,
Florida
c Agricultural & Biological Engineering Department, Clemson
University, Clemson, South Carolina
d Crop and Soil Environmental Science Department, Clemson
University, Clemson, South Carolina
Published online: 23 Jul 2013.
To cite this article: A. Khalilian, M. J. Sullivan, J.D. Mueller, A. Shiralipour, F.J. Wolak, R.E.
Williamson & R.M. Lippert (2002) Effects of Surface Application of MSW Compost On Cotton
Production – Soil Properties, Plant Responses, And Nematode Management, Compost Science &
Utilization, 10:3, 270-279, DOI: 10.1080/1065657X.2002.10702089
To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1065657X.2002.10702089
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Compost Science & Utilization, (2002), Vol. 10, No. 3, 270-279
Effects of Surface Application of MSW Compost
On Cotton Production – Soil Properties, Plant Responses,
And Nematode Management
1
1
1
2
3
A. Khalilian , M. J. Sullivan , J.D. Mueller , A. Shiralipour , F.J. Wolak ,
3
4
R.E. Williamson and R.M. Lippert
1. Edisto Research & Education Center, Blackville, South Carolina
2. Center for Natural Resources, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
3. Agricultural & Biological Engineering Department,
Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
4. Crop and Soil Environmental Science Department,
Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
Equipment was modified and/or developed for broadcast and banded applications
of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost at selected rates to agricultural land for cot-
ton production. Replicated tests were conducted for four years to determine the ef-
fects of compost on soil properties, crop yield, and nematode populations. Soil type
in the test field was Faceville loamy sand. Broadcast application of compost signifi-
cantly reduced soil compaction in the top 30 cm of soil in cotton rows and row-mid-
dles compared to no compost application. Banded application did not affect com-
paction in the row middles. Columbia lance nematode densities decreased in all
compost-treated plots during all four years of study. Several plots treated with com-
post had nematode densities comparable to those found in the plots treated with
Temik 15G nematicide. Compost application significantly increased the soil organic
matter content and soil nitrogen content at six and 14 weeks after planting. Howev-
er, the compost did not affect the leaf nitrogen content of the cotton plant during the
same sampling periods. In 1996, 1997, and 1998, all rates of added compost signifi-
cantly increased seed cotton yield. Yield increase was proportional to application rate.
There were very few carry-over compost effects from each previous year’s treatments
on either soil organic matter, soil nitrogen, or seed cotton yield.
Introduction
The objectives of this project were: a) to modify and evaluate equipment for broad-
cast or banded applications of composted municipal solid waste at selected rates to
agricultural lands for cotton production; b) to determine the effects of compost on cer-
tain soil parameters such as organic matter content, soil compaction, soil fertility and
additive effects over years; c) to evaluate plant responses such as yield and nutrient
content to compost application; and d) to evaluate the effects of compost application
on Columbia lance nematode population density.
Methods and Materials
The Bedminster Bioconversion Corporation’s composting facilities in Sevierville,
Tennessee provided the MSW compost for this study. Analyses of the composted mater-
ial are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Tests were conducted from 1995 to 1998 at the Edisto Re-
search and Education Center at Blackville, South Carolina on a Faceville loamy sand
(Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic) with soil properties listed in Table 3. A randomized complete
block design with four replications was the statistical model selected for comparing dif-
ferent treatments. Two application methods (broadcast and banded), three application
270 Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002

Effects of Surface Application of MSW Compost On Cotton Production –
Soil Properties, Plant Responses, And Nematode Management
TABLE 1.
Analytical laboratory results of composted municipal solid waste at the time of application
Percent
Year
pH
Moisture
P
K
Ca
Mg
S
C
C/N
1995
1996
1997
1998
7.5
7.0
6.8
7.3
23.4
22.6
17.8
30.7
0.47
0.55
0.72
0.62
0.31
0.27
0.33
0.37
1.85
1.99
2.28
2.22
0.20
0.20
0.23
0.26
0.38
0.36
0.49
0.37
24.5
23.8
27.4
28.3
24.7
22.5
19.3
23.8
TABLE 2.
-1
Annual heavy metal levels (kg ha , dry weight) for highest application rate of MSW compost
used in the project and EPA limits (CPLR and APLR) for land applications
As
Cd
Cr
Cu
Pb
Hg
Mo
Ni
Se
Zn
MSW
CPLR
0.23
41
0.09
39
0.72
3,000
150
3.0
1,500
75
4.12
300
15
0.01
17
0.23
–
0.82
420
21
0.11
100
5.0
9.02
2,800
140
1
2
APLR
2.0
1.9
0.85
–
CPLR= Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rates: Establish the maximum amount (mass) of each regulated pollutant that can
be applied to a site (kilogram per hectare) during the life of the site (EPA CFR 503.13). APLR= Annual Pollutant Loading
Rates: Establish the maximum amount (mass) of pollutants in compost that can be applied to a site during a 365-day
period (EPA CFR 503.13).
TABLE 3.
Initial pH, soil extractable P, K, Ca, and Mg and organic C content for the test field
P
K
Ca
Mg
Organic C
(%)
Year
pH
(ppm)
1996
1997
1998
6.0
6.2
6.2
82
72
43
43
56
84
285
358
478
28
47
98
0.8
0.9
0.8
-1
rates (11.2, 22.4, and 33.6 Mg ha ), and a control (no compost) were used in 1995. The
same treatments were used in 1996, 1997 and 1998, except the broadcast application plots
were split in half to determine the additive effects of compost over the years. No addi-
tional compost was applied to one-half of the plot while the other half received the same
rate as in 1995. The cotton was grown using recommended practices for seedbed prepa-
rations, seeding, fertilization, and insect and weed control (Lege’ et al. 1996). Plot size was
12 rows (10 m ꢀ 30 m). The two middle rows of each plot were machine harvested for
yield determinations.
A commercially available spreader (Knight Pro Twin Slinger, model 8024) was
used for broadcast application of compost in 1995. The spreader was adjusted to ap-
ply different rates of compost. With this system, swinging hammers deliver the ma-
terial to the side resulting in a uniform coverage over 7.5-m width of the test plots.
A 4-shank subsoiler-bedder was used to disrupt the hard pan and incorporate the
composted material. Drift was a problem with this spreader under windy conditions.
In 1996, 1997 and 1998, a conventional flatbed, chain-conveyer type manure spread-
er was used for broadcast application to eliminate the drift problem associated with
the side delivering system. An adjustable gate was added to the spreader to control
application rates.
Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002 271

A. Khalilian, M. J. Sullivan, J.D. Mueller, A. Shiralipour, F.J. Wolak,
R.E. Williamson and R.M. Lippert
A 4-row device for band application of the MSW compost was developed and
mounted behind a John Deere MaxEmerge2 cotton planter. The unit consisted of a
hopper with four fluted wheel metering devices at the bottom of the hopper. A hy-
draulic motor was used to run the metering system. Compost application rates were
adjusted by changing speed of the motor using a flow control valve. This system
dispensed the material in a band ( 20-cm wide) over each seed furrow.
To determine the effect of compost on soil compaction, a tractor mounted, hy-
draulically operated, microcomputer-based, digital recording penetrometer system
was used to quantify soil resistance to penetration. Soil cone index values were calcu-
2
o
lated from the measured force required to push a 3.2 cm base area, 30 -cone into the
soil at a constant velocity. Penetrometer data was taken before compost application
and immediately after cotton harvest in 1996. Penetrometer readings were taken to a
depth of 45 cm from crop rows and row-middles at four different locations in each plot
(total of 16 probes per plot).
Each plot was sampled for Columbia lance nematodes, soil organic matter, and
ammonium and nitrate contents at planting, six weeks after planting and 14 weeks af-
ter planting. Twelve cores 20-cm deep and 2.5-cm in diameter were taken from each
plot on each date. Plant tissues (35 leaves/plot) were collected and analyzed for nitro-
gen. Nematodes were extracted using a combination of wet-seiving centrifugal flota-
tion (Jenkins 1964).
Results
Cone index values before tillage and compost application indicated that the field had
a hardpan in the E horizon at a depth of 17 to 25 cm. All rates of broadcast compost ap-
plications significantly reduced formation of the hardpan in the top 30-cm of soil for cot-
ton rows compared to no compost application in 1996 (Table 4). In addition, all rates of
broadcast application significantly reduced soil compaction in the top 30 cm of the row
middles compared to no compost application (Table 5). Banded application did not af-
fect compaction in the row middles. Similar results were obtained in 1997 and 1998.
Multiple broadcast applications of compost (1995 and 1996) significantly reduced
formation of the hardpan in the top 30 cm of cotton row compared to no compost ap-
TABLE 4.
Effect of compost rate and application method on formation of hardpan under cotton
rows at harvest during 1996. Clemson University, Edisto Research and Education Center,
Blackville, South Carolina.
Cone Index (kPa)
Application
Method
Compost
-1
0-7.5 cm
Depth
7.5-15 cm
Depth
15-22.5 cm
Depth
22.5-30 cm
Depth
(Mg ha
)
Broadcast
Band
334.7 B
580.1 B
740.5 B
1116.0 B
11.22
22.43
33.65
400.8 bc
302.0 c
301.2 c
605.0 b
549.3 b
586.1 b
706.2 b
754.6 b
760.7 b
1253.2 b
808.2 c
1286.5 b
513.7 A
670.3 B
1091.2 B
1203.5 B
11.22
22.43
33.65
535.7 ab
495.2 ab
510.2 ab
644.1 b
691.8 b
675.1 b
1146.3 b
1097.0 b
1030.2 b
1236.5 b
1154.9 bc
1217.5 bc
None
577.9 A
1198.6 A
2176.5 A
1909.3 A
Values in a column followed with the same letter are not significantly different (LSD, ꢁ = 0.05).
272 Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002

Effects of Surface Application of MSW Compost On Cotton Production –
Soil Properties, Plant Responses, And Nematode Management
TABLE 5.
Effect of compost rate and application method on soil compaction for row-middles at harvest
during 1996. Clemson University, Edisto Research and Education Center, Blackville, SC.
Cone Index (kPa)
Application
Method
Compost
-1
0-7.5 cm
Depth
7.5-15 cm
Depth
15-22.5 cm
Depth
22.5-30 cm
Depth
(Mg ha
)
Broadcast
Band
888.7 B
1877.0 C
2332.0 B
1731.8 B
11.22
22.43
33.65
1016.6 bc
858.4 c
1869.7 c
2009.5 c
1751.9 c
2374.2 b
2330.5 b
2292.0 b
1756.5 c
1859.4 abc
1579.5 c
791.2 c
1815.5 A
3183.5 B
2852 B
2065.8 A
11.22
22.43
33.65
1884.1 a
2018.5 a
1544.0 a
3143.0 b
3337.2 ab
3073.4 b
3263.6 a
2631.0 ab
2663.8 ab
2214.4 a
2086.3 ab
1896.7 abc
None
2024.1 A
3807.2 A
3233.8 A
2120.8 A
Values in a column followed with the same letter are not significantly different (LSD, ꢁ = 0.05).
plication (Figure 1). Also, there were significant differences in cone index values be-
tween no compost application and a single application of compost. In row-middles,
both a single application and multiple applications of compost significantly reduced
soil compaction in the top 22.5 cm of soil compared to no compost application. Also,
there was a significant differ-
ence in cone index values in
the 7.5- to 15-cm depth of soil
between compost applied
only in 1995 versus 1995 and
1996 applications (Figure 2).
Recovery of Columbia
lance nematodes (Hoplolaimus
columbus) prior to planting in
1995 was minimal. By midsea-
son reproduction in the un-
treated check plots was more
than double that in all treat-
ments except the 22.4 Mg ha
Figure 1. Effect of multiple compost applications on formation of hard-
-1
-1
pan from crop rows after cotton harvest in 1996 (33.6 Mg ha ).
(10 tons/acre) banded appli-
cation (Table 6). Columbia
lance nematode populations
decreased in all treatments be-
tween harvest in 1995 and
planting in 1996. By harvest in
1996, nematode population
densities had again increased
significantly, especially in the
check, which had almost triple
the density of any of the other
treatments. Several of the com-
post treatments had nematode
densities comparable to those
found in plots treated with
Figure 2. Effect of multiple compost applications on soil compaction
-1
from row-middles after cotton harvest in 1996 (33.6 Mg ha ).
Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002 273

A. Khalilian, M. J. Sullivan, J.D. Mueller, A. Shiralipour, F.J. Wolak,
R.E. Williamson and R.M. Lippert
TABLE 6
Effect of compost rate and application method on density of
Columbia lance nematodes from soil
3
Columbia Lance Nematodes/100 cm soil
Application
Method
Compost
-1
1995
Midseason
1996
Harvest
1997
Midseason
1998
Harvest
(Mg ha
)
Broadcast
19 C
12 B
14 C
3 C
11.2
22.4
33.6
31 b
22 b
3 b
24 a
13 a
0 a
11 d
8 d
1 d
6 cd
2 cd
24 cd
Band
45 B
11 B
53 AB
17 AB
11.2
22.4
33.6
13 b
71 a
52 a
5 a
52 ab
41 bc
66 a
22 a
20 ab
11 bc
13 a
16 a
None
125 A
19 C
61 A
13 B
61 A
39 B
29 A
13 AB
Temik
In-furrow
Values in a column followed with the same letter are not significantly different (LSD, ꢁ = 0.05).
aldicarb. Aldicarb was applied in-furrow, at planting at the rate of 1.18-kg a.i./ha. At
midseason in 1997 and harvest in 1998, only the broadcast applications provided level
of control comparable to that
provided by aldicarb.
Figure 3 shows soil organic
matter content averaged over
the top 20 cm of the soil for
1996. Application of MSW
compost significantly in-
creased the soil organic matter
content and soil nitrogen con-
tent (Figure 4) 6-weeks-after
planting proportional to com-
post application rate. Howev-
er, these differences did not af-
fect the leaf nitrogen content of
cotton plants during the same
Figure 3. Soil organic matter content as affected by the rate and method
of compost application six weeks after planting (1996).
sampling period (Figure 5).
Similar results were obtained
in 1995 and 1997.
Figure 6 shows soil organ-
ic matter content 14-weeks-
after planting. Except for 11.2
-1
Mg ha (5 tons/acre) banded
application rate, MSW com-
post significantly increased
soil organic matter in the top
20-cm compared to no com-
post application. Only appli-
-1
cation of 33.6 Mg ha (15
tons/acre) compost (broad-
cast or banded) statistically
Figure 4. Soil nitrogen content as affected by rate and method of com-
post application six weeks after planting (1996).
274 Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002

Effects of Surface Application of MSW Compost On Cotton Production –
Soil Properties, Plant Responses, And Nematode Management
increased soil nitrogen con-
tent averaged over top 20 cm
of the soil (Figure 7).
Table 7 shows seed cotton
yields for the 1995 to 1998
tests. Application of 33.6 Mg
-1
ha of MSW compost (broad-
cast or banded) significantly
increased seed cotton yield
-1
(187 kg ha ) compared to no
compost application in 1995.
There were no significant dif-
ferences in yield among the
rest of the treatments. In 1996,
1997, and 1998 all rates of
MSW compost significantly
increased seed cotton yield
for both application methods.
Yield increase was propor-
tional to application rate. In
Figure 5. Leaf nitrogen content as affected by the rate and compost ap-
plication method six weeks after planting (1996).
-1
1996, for 33.6 Mg ha broad-
cast application treatment,
-1
yield increase was 498 kg ha
or 23% more compared to no
compost application. In 1997
and 98, yield increases at this
level of application rate were
30% and 29% higher than no
compost application, respec-
tively.
Figure 6. Soil organic matter content as affected by the rate and compost
application method 14 weeks after planting (1996).
Table 8 shows carry-over
and additive effects of com-
post on soil organic matter
and soil nitrogen for both 6-
and 14-weeks-after planting
and seed cotton yield. There
were very few carry over ef-
fects with all of these parame-
ters except for soil organic
matter content 6-weeks-after
-1
planting at 33.6 Mg ha (15
tons/acre) application rate
(treatment 3b, Table 8). Addi-
tive effects of compost were
significant on soil organic
matter, nitrogen content and
Figure 7. Soil nitrogen content as affected by the rate and compost appli-
cation method 14 weeks after planting (1996).
seed cotton yield (treatments 1a, 2a and 3a as compared to 1b, 2b and 3b). Increased soil
organic matter and nitrogen contents combined with the potential increase in soil wa-
ter-holding capacity and decreases in soil bulk density associated with MSW compost,
could be the contributing factors to yield increases.
Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002 275

A. Khalilian, M. J. Sullivan, J.D. Mueller, A. Shiralipour, F.J. Wolak,
R.E. Williamson and R.M. Lippert
TABLE 7
Effect of compost rate and application method on seed cotton yield.
-1
Application
Method
Compost
-1
Yield (kg ha
)
(Mg ha
)
1995
2217 A
1996
2452 A
1997
1998
Broadcast
3104 A
2004 A
1879 c
11.2
22.4
33.6
2063 c
2213 bc
2375 ab
2323 c
2400 bc
2633 a
2814 c
3093 b
3406 a
1990 bc
2144 a
Band
2232 A
2385 A
3085 A
1967 A
11.2
22.4
2084 c
2216 bc
2396 a
2306 c
2353 bc
2495 ab
2831 c
3064 b
3361 a
1869 c
1951 bc
2081 a
33.6
None
None
2208 A
2135 B
2617 B
1657 B
Values in a column followed with the same letter are not significantly different (LSD, ꢁ = 0.05).
TABLE 8.
Carry over and additive effects of broadcast compost application on soil nitrogen and organic
matter contents and seed cotton yield during 1996. Clemson University, Edisto Research and
Education Center, Blackville, South Carolina.
-1
Compost (Mg ha
1995
)
NO -N (ppm)
Organic Matter (%)
Yield
(Kg ha )
3
-1
Trt. No.
1996
6 W*
14 W
6 W
14 W
1a
1b
2a
2b
3a
3b
7
11.2
11.22
22.4
11.2
None
22.4
12.7 b
8.4 c
2.1 ab
1.6 b
1.23 b
0.95 cd
1.38 a
1.00 cd
1.48 a
1.05 c
1.15 b
0.95 c
1.18 b
0.88 c
1.35 a
0.98 c
0.93 c
2323 bc
2131 d
2400 b
2144 cd
2633 a
2057 d
2135 d
13.8 b
7.2 c
2.4 ab
1.6 b
22.4
None
33.6
33.6
16.4 a
9.5 c
3.0 a
33.6
None
None
2.0 ab
1.5 b
None
7.7 c
0.90 d
*6 W and 14 W = 6 and 14 weeks after planting. Values in a column followed with the same letter are not significantly
different (LSD, = 0.05).
Discussion
The results of this experimental study clearly indicate that all rates of broadcast
applications of composted MSW significantly reduced soil compaction in the top 30-
cm of soil for cotton rows and row-middles when compared to no compost applica-
tion. These results are in agreement with other investigations using composted MSW
as a broadcast application (Cook et al. 1979; De Smet et al. 1991; Sabrah et al. 1995; Spug-
noli et al. 1993). In a study conducted in Washington D. C., composted MSW or
biosolids were surface-applied in a restoration project in a heavily trafficked and com-
pacted parkland (Cook et al. 1979). Compost application increased water infiltration
rate, decreased bulk density and increased pore volume. De Smet et al. (1991) report-
ed a decrease in soil infiltration resistance by application of pig slurry. Application of
MSW compost to sandy soils of Saudi Arabia decreased soil bulk density and pene-
tration resistance (Sabrah et al. 1995). A study by Spugnoli et al. (1993) indicated that
soil treated with composted MSW was less compactable than untreated soil. The re-
sults in our experiments also indicated that the multiple broadcast applications re-
duced the compaction and hardpan formation in top 30 cm of seed furrow and top 22.5
cm of row-middles. From these results, it appears that broadcast compost application
is an effective and probably an economically feasible method for reducing soil com-
paction and decreasing hard pan formation (Cook et al. 1979).
276 Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002

Effects of Surface Application of MSW Compost On Cotton Production –
Soil Properties, Plant Responses, And Nematode Management
Over the four-year study, Columbia lance nematode densities decreased in all
of the compost- treated plots. Many other investigators have obtained similar re-
sults utilizing various organics or composted MSW for control of other nematode
species (Singh and Sitaramaiah 1970; Muller and Gooch 1982; Rodriguez-Kabana et
al. 1987; Marull et al. 1997). It is difficult to pinpoint the exact mechanism by which
compost application can reduce population densities of nematodes and other pests.
Two classes of biological mechanisms known as “general” and “specific” suppres-
sion have been described for compost-amended substrates (Hoitink and Fahd 1986;
Hoitink, et al. 1997). These mechanisms are based on “competition, antibiosis, hy-
perparasitism, and the induction of systematic acquired resistance in the host
plant.” Utilizing olive pomace, chicken litter and MSW, as soil amendments for the
control of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javinica) in green pepper and tomato
growth studies, Marull et al. (1997) demonstrated that amended soil had a lower
densities of nematodes in roots than those grown in the control soils. Esterase ac-
tivity was higher in amended soils than in control soils, regardless of whether or not
the soils had been treated with methyl bromide. Nematode population per gram of
root was inversely related to soil esterase activity in unfumigated soil but not in soil
treated with methyl bromide. The increase in esterase activity was attributed to the
increase in organic mater content of the soil by compost application. Therefore, it is
possible to assume that the reductions in nematode populations in our study re-
sulted from increased esterase activity of the soil by compost application and in-
creased in organic matter and microorganisms population. However, the mecha-
nism that reduced the Columbia lance nematode population by composted MSW
shown in our study needs further study.
The increase in soil organic matter content by all rates of compost applications
in our study is in agreement with the work of many investigators (Biswas and
Khosla 1971; Gallardo-Laro and Nogales 1987; Knoop and Culter-Talbott 1990). The
organic matter content of composted MSW exceeds 25% and its addition to most
soils increases the organic matter content (Hernando et al. 1989; Shiralipour et al.
1992b). Also, the major benefits from the application of composted MSW to soil is
derived from improved physical properties related to the increased organic matter
content (Shiralipour et al., 1992b). Therefor, it is reasonable to assume that the re-
duction in hardpan formation and decrease in soil compaction in our study is the
result of the increased soil organic matter content by compost application. Compost
application to cotton fields showed an increase in plant yield. Our results are simi-
lar to the yield increase obtained in a cotton crop farm in Lost Hills Valley, Califor-
nia (Shiralipour and Epstein, 1996). In that field experiment, the yield increases for
-1
7.5 or 15 Mg ha MSW compost in comparison to control plots were 24.3 and 37.2
percent, respectively. The researchers attributed the yield increase to improvements
in both chemical and physical properties of the soil. They suggested that the com-
post nitrogen, which was in organic form, was released slowly by the mineraliza-
tion process over the growing season and it supplemented the nitrogen provided
through fertilization. They also believed that the increase of 7 to 10 percent in wa-
ter content and additional micronutrients of compost-treated plots could have af-
fected the cotton yields.
There were very few carry-over effects from the previous year’s applications on
soil organic matter, soil nitrogen and seed cotton yield due to a lack of compost appli-
cation after the first year. It appears that in such cases the residual compost in follow-
ing years was not considerable and the rate of nitrogen mineralization was negligible
leading to very little carry-over effects.
Compost Science & Utilization
Summer 2002 277

A. Khalilian, M. J. Sullivan, J.D. Mueller, A. Shiralipour, F.J. Wolak,
R.E. Williamson and R.M. Lippert
Conclusions
The municipal solid waste compost product utilized in this field study was ben-
eficial for cotton production in a number of ways. Its application significantly in-
creased soil organic matter content, which resulted in benefits such as: a) signifi-
cantly reduced soil compaction; b) nematode control; and c) increased soil nitrogen
and seed cotton yield.
Reduced soil compaction occurred in the top 30 cm of soil in cotton rows and row-
middles when compost was applied through broadcast application. Banded applica-
tion was not effective in row middles. Based on the results, broadcast compost appli-
cation is an effective methodology for reducing soil compaction in agricultural fields.
Compost application was very effective in nematode control and in some cases, the re-
duction in density by compost application was comparable to the nematocide used in
this study. Compost application appears to be a viable alternative to pesticides for the
control of nematodes in agricultural fields, especially when land is used for vegetables
or other food products. Lastly, the addition of MSW compost significantly increased
soil nitrogen and seed cotton yield. It appears that compost could at least be used as a
partial substitute for commercial fertilizers to increase yield. Unlike chemical fertiliz-
ers, compost application improves soil physical properties and its application is an en-
vironmentally benign method of waste reduction.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the support of the South Carolina Cotton Grower Associa-
tion, the Cotton Incorporated, the South Carolina Universities Research and Education
Fund, and Bedminster Bioconversion Corporation. The assistance of Dr. William
Bridges in helping with statistical analysis is gratefully acknowledged.
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