PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL-PROPERTIES OF SOILS AS AFFECTED BY MUNICIPAL SOLID-WASTE COMPOST APPLICATION

The organic matter content of composted MSW is high and its addition to soil often improves soil physical and chemical properties and enhances biological activities. Most agricultural benefits from MSW compost application to soil are derived from improved physical properties related to increased organic matter content rather than its value as a fertilizer. Composts provide a stabilized form of organic matter that improves the physical properties of soils by increasing nutrient and water holding capacity, total pore space, aggregate stability, erosion resistance, temperature insulation and decreasing apparent soil density. Application of MSW compost improves the chemical properties by increasing pH (in acid soils), electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and soil nutrient content.