Summary
This study examined how six different organic waste materials—industrial composts, digestates, and meat bone meal—affected soil microbial communities through changes in functional and genetic diversity. Application of exogenous organic matter increased both functional and genetic microbial diversity, though these changes were short-term and periodic, with microbiological parameters ultimately stabilising to levels similar to control soils, suggesting improved soil microbiological balance.
UK applicability
These findings are potentially applicable to UK soil management practice, as organic matter depletion is similarly observed in cultivated European soils including those in the UK. The use of industrial and anaerobic digestion by-products as soil amendments aligns with UK waste management and soil carbon sequestration priorities, though site-specific and climate-adapted trials would strengthen applicability.
Key measures
Functional microbial diversity via Biolog® metabolic profiling (ECO, FF, AN plates); genetic diversity via ammonia-oxidizing archaea restriction profile analysis; soil dehydrogenase activity
Outcomes reported
The study measured functional microbial diversity (catabolic capacity of bacterial, fungal and anaerobic communities) and genetic diversity (ammonia-oxidizing archaea restriction profiles) in response to six organic waste amendments. Soil dehydrogenase activity was also assessed.
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