Losses of Nutrients through Leaching and Surface Runoff from Manure-Containing Composts

Abstract

Losses of nutrients through leaching and surface runoff from experimental composts were investigated. Nitrogen, mainly in inorganic form, was leached out resulting in elevated concentrations of mineral nitrogen under the composts. Thus to avoid pollution of the groundwater, the composting site should be carefully chosen. Leaching was reduced by increasing the straw content of the composts. Although nutrient losses in surface runoff were low, nutrient concentrations in the runoff were high, indicating that the potential for this kind of loss is great. Thus composts should be covered to reduce runoff water.