In this study the effect of partial and total substitution of peat by compost on the growth and nutrition of ornamental plants was investigated, looking for more environmental-friendly and low-cost practices, recycling and utilizing at the same time sludge from urban wastewater treatment plants.
Results proved that earthworm compost sludge could effectively replace peat, enhancing plant growth without added fertilizer. Also, leachates from each treatment were analyzed and the outcomes showed that the concentrations of trace elements and heavy metals were very low.
Meanwhile, the technical-economic analysis took place, demonstrating the cost reduction of ornamental plant production (almost 40%) by replacing peat with earthworm compost sludge, as a result of minimized irrigation need and the non-use of fertilizers.
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Kinigopoulou, Vasiliki & Fotis, Alexandros & Hatzigiannakis, E. & Guitonas, Athanasios & Giannakoula, Anastasia & Oikonomou, Efstathios. (2022). UTILIZATION OF EARTHWORM COMPOST SLUDGE IN ORNAMENTAL PLANTS NURSERIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY (in greek).