Effects of on-farm composted tomato residues on soil biological activity and yields in a tomato cropping system

Abstract Background The use of compost may relieve the factors that limit productivity in intensive agricultural systems, such as soil organic matter depletion and soil sickness. Concomitantly, the practice of on-farm composting allows the recycle of cropping green residues into new productive processes. Results We produced four vegetable composts by using tomato biomass residues in an on-farm composting plant. The tomato-based composts were assessed for their chemical, microbiological properties, and their effects on soils and plants were evaluated after their application within a tomato cropping system. Compost characteristics affected plant development and productivity through increased nutrient uptake and biostimulation functions. Soil biological activities, including basal respiration, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, arylsulphatase, and Biolog community levels of physiological profiles, were differently affected by the on-farm tomato-based composts. Conclusions Changes in soil activity and community structure due to compost amendments were related to classes of biomolecules such as polysaccharides and lignin-derived compounds, as revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of compost materials. The nutrient content and fertility potential of composts were positively related to the amount of tomato residues present in the feedstock.