Composition and uses of uncomposted wastepaper and other organics

The application of uncomposted waste paper and other organics requires in situ composting of 4 to 6 weeks in which microorganisms incorporate C into the soil organic matter (SOM) fraction and nutrients are returned to the soil. Three annual applications resulted in an increase in soil-available P, K, Ca and Mg by a factor of 3 to 4, while SOM content was increased by a factor of 1.5 to 2. Repeated applications of uncomposted organic waste along with poultry litter (PL) as a N source resulted in buildup of soil P. Nitrogen mineralization, C mineralization and N turnover were increased more by applying N as Fl, when compared to soil amended with NH4NO3. Uses of organic wastes on agricultural land include erosion control agent, biodegradable mulch, non-chemical weed control, and biological control agent. Potential environmental problems from repeated application of organic wastes include groundwater contamination from excessive NO3-N, increased heavy metal concentrations, and induced soil nutrient imbalances. Pelletized waste paper applied as a surface residue reduced sediment loss by wind and water, increased water infiltration, and increased total available soil water. Developing soil-crop production systems that use uncomposted organic wastes along with manures can serve as valuable sources of organic C to soils with low organic matter, improving soil quality and agricultural production.