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12. Effects of composts in growth media on soilborne pathogens

H.AJ. HOITINK and G.A. KUTER

12.1. Introduction

Properties of organic matter that affect its utilization in container media can
be conveniently divided into three major categories, i.e. chemical, physical and bi-
ological. Changes in anyone of these frequently have significant effects on the
overall characteristics of the medium. For example, changes in particle size due to
decomposition of an organic component may change aeration and, therefore, af-
fect growth of the plant, the microflora and the interaction of these biological
components.
Sphagnum peat for many years was the principle organic component used in
media. It resists decomposition and its physical and chemical properties are well
recognized and do not change considerably throughout the production cycle of
plants. Media of predictable and relatively stable properties can by formulated
with sphagnum peats (2, 8, 11,23,75).
During the past two decades various composted organic wastes prepared from
tree barks, solid waste, sewage sludges and crop residues have partially replaced
peat in container media (37, 38, 49, 51, 57,65, 77,89,93,95). The recycling of
these wastes has been adopted in many parts of the world. Several advantages are
associated with the use of composts. For example, some of the compost-amended
media suppress the major soilborne plant pathogens (21, 39, 46,62,79,82,83,
91). This has eliminated the need for sterilization of such media, as well as reduc-
ed fungicide use (26).
A distinct disadvantage of most composts is that they continue to decompose
after potting. Inadequate techniques are available for measuring their stability.
Therefore, the history of each type of compost needs to be known so that media
of predictable qualities can be formulated.
Compost type, maturity level as well as the physical and chemical properties
of the container media in which they are used, affect plant growth and soilborne
plant pathogens and the diseases they cause. In this article the effects of com-
posting process and effects of utilizing composts in container media on soilborne
plant diseases are emphasized.

Y. Chen and Y. A vnimelech (eds.), The Role of Organic Matter in Modern Agriculture.
ISBN 90-247-3360-X.
© 1986, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Dordrecht.
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12.2. The composting process

Several recent articles and books review composting (36, 44,73). Therefore,
this discussion is limited to some general definitions and specific factors affecting
preparation of composts for use in container media. Composting is a form of
waste stabilization that requires special conditions, particularly of moisture and
aeration, to yield thermophilic temperatures. Although there is no generally ac-
cepted technical definition, this article defines composting as "the biological de-
composition of organic constituents' in wastes under controlled conditions", as
proposed by Golueke (36).
Control of environmental conditions distinguishes composting from natural
rotting or putrefaction such as occurs in open dumps, manure heaps or field soil.
The process, which is largely aerobic, involves both thermophilic and mesophilic
microorganisms. Basically, the process can be divided into three phases: 1) an ini-
tial phase of 1-2 days during which readily degradable compunds are decomposed;
2) a thermophilic phase possibly lasting months, during which largely cellulose is
degraded; and 3) stabilization, a period when temperatures decline, decomposition
rates decrease and mesophilic microorganisms recolonize the compost.
Although temperature has traditionally been used to monitor composting, the
process is most readily controlled by regulating heat loss through manipulation of
air flow (34). Microbial decay of organic matter results in considerable heat pro-
duction. When heat is allowed to accumulate, high temperatures ( ) 60° C) inhibi-
tory to continued microbial activity are reached rapidly. Recent research on com-
posting of hardwood bark and municipal sludge in a full scale (lOS m 3 ) aerated
reactor (Paygro System) has demonstrated the effects of using air flow to control
the compo sting process (4S). For experimental purposes the reactor was modified
so that air flow through the compost could be regulated by temperature feedback.
Precise measurements of air flow rates could be obtained. Rates of microbial activ-
ity (measured by monitoring carbon dioxide output) and drying were greater
when the compost was maintained at low (3S-60°C) rather than at high tempera-
tures (60 - 70°). These results agree with those obtained for a variety of wastes
composted in small-scale composters (12,13,52,53,54) and those obtained in an
aerated pile study (34).
Several types of composting systems are available. This subject was reviewed
recently (44). Windrows must be high in free air space to enhance natural airflow.
Various systems with forced aeration have been developed. The most widely used
composting system in the U.S. is the Beltsville aerated-pile system (94), in which
air is exhausted by negative-pressure ventilation through tubes placed under the
compost pile (33, 70). Heat accumulates in the pile, which is detrimental. An im-
proved system was developed at Rutgers University in which air is forced through
an identical ducting system but with positive-pressure ventilation (34). Heat,
therefore, is removed more efficiently which allows for lower process tempera-
tures and higher rates of decomposition.
Aerobic compo sting implies decomposition of organic substrates in the pres-
ence of oxygen. The main products of aerobic metabolism are carbon dioxide, wa-