The Effects of MSW Compost Applications on the Yield and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Potato Plant (Solanum tuberosum L.)

A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of MSW (municipal solid waste) compost as an organic material source on the growth and the accumulation of heavy metals in potato plant (Solanum tuberosum L.). MSW compost was applied to plots at 0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 t/ha rates as an oven-dry basis, and potato plants were cultivated under field conditions. Plant vegetative dry weight, potato yield and Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr contents in the leaves and tubers of potato were determined. The effects of MSW compost applications to experimental soil on the vegetative dry weight and tuber yield of potato were found statistically important. The best application level of MSW compost for potato yield was found at 40 t/ha of MSW compost application. All application levels of MSW compost were supplied better yield results than that of control. However, MSW compost applications brought about a sharp increase for heavy metals in the plant material. Although MSW compost led to greater dry matter at low application rates, 160 t/ha application rate of MSW compost depressed plant growth, leaf dry matter and potato yield. In the MSW compost treatments, according to background and toxicity limits, heavy metal status of leaves and tubers were ranged in normal and high levels. But at 160 t/ha treatment, concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd in potato tubers were exceeded limit values for edible vegetables. The resulting data demonstrate that application of MSW compost to soil, lead to harmful accumulation of heavy metals in the potato plant.