Growth and nutrient status of apple trees and grapevines in municipal solid-waste amended soil

Compost mulch derived from municipal solid wastes increased organic matter content, available phosphorous, exchangeable potassium of soil and improved its porosity and water retention capacity. It also moderated diurnal temperature fluctations of soil and reduced evaporation of water. The compost treatment influenced the leaf levels of some nutrients but all elements were well above minimum levels. The data show that the nutrients uptake was more inflenced by the physical conditions of the soil (temperature, moisture) than by the availability of nutrients in the soil. In all cases the compost mulching brought about considerable advantages in the soil management on the grapevine and apple-tree rows, limiting chemical weed control and allowing for the substitution of chemical fertilizers with no loss in vigour, yield or quality of fruits.