BookMukesh K. Meghvansi, Ajit Varma, editors.
Summary: This book highlights the latest findings on fundamental aspects of composting, the interaction of various microorganisms, and the underlying mechanisms. In addition to addressing modern tools and techniques used for composting research, it provides an overview of potential composting applications in both agriculture and environmental reclamation. Composting is the process of organic waste decomposition, mediated by microorganisms. The end-product is called 'compost and can be used as a supplement to improve soil fertility. As the municipal waste generated in most developing countries contains a substantial amount of organic matter suitable for composting, this technology offers a win-win opportunity for stakeholders in terms of disposing of organic waste and providing organic fertilizers for agriculture. In addition, using compost reduces the dependency on harmful chemical fertilizers, and represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.
Contents:
Intro
Preface
Contents
Contributors
Part I: Composting: Paradigms and Mechanisms
Chapter 1: Compost and Compost Tea Microbiology: The "-Omics ́́Era
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Genomic Approaches
1.2.1 Genomics
1.2.2 Metagenomics
1.3 Postgenomic Approaches
1.3.1 Metatranscriptomics
1.3.2 Metaproteomics and Metaproteogenomics
1.3.3 Metametabolomics
1.4 Conclusions and Future Work
References
Chapter 2: Biological Sterilisation, Detoxification and Stimulation of Cucurbitacin-Containing Manure
2.1 Introduction 2.2 Biosynthesis and Bioactivities of Cucurbitacins
2.3 Preparation of Cucurbitacin-Containing Manure
2.3.1 Cultivation of Cucumis africanus
2.3.2 Preparation of Nemafric-BL Stock Solution
2.3.3 Preparation of Nemafric-Manure
2.3.3.1 Potential Sterilisation
2.3.3.2 Potential Detoxification and Pasteurisation
2.3.3.3 Potential Stimulation
2.4 Application and Effects of Nemafric-Manure
2.4.1 Effects on Plant Variables
2.4.1.1 Dry Shoot Mass and Fresh Fruit Yield
2.4.1.2 Effects on Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
2.4.1.3 Effects on Fusarium Species 2.4.1.4 Effects on Soil Variables
2.5 Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: Nematode Succession During Composting Process
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Soil Structure
3.3 Composting Process and Its Role in Agriculture
3.3.1 Composting Process and Soil Suppressiveness
3.3.2 Relationship Between Phytopathogenic Nematodes and Tillage of Soil
3.4 Soil Nematodes
3.4.1 Nematode Community Structure
3.4.2 Colonizer-Persister (Cp) Groupings of Nematode Taxa
3.4.3 Nematode as Biological Soil Indicators
3.5 Nematodes Succession During Composting Process 3.6 Conclusions and Future Perspectives
References
Chapter 4: Review on Physiological Effects of Vermicomposts on Plants
4.1 Introduction
4.2 An Overview of Plant Growth-Affecting Activity of Vermicomposts
4.2.1 Seed Germination
4.2.2 Plant Vegetative Growth
4.3 Physiological Effects Associated with Mineral Nutrition: Changes in Soil Mineral Nutrient Availability
4.4 Physiological Effects Associated with Mineral Nutrition: Changes in Mineral Nutrient Uptake
4.5 Vermicompost Substances with Plant Growth-Regulating Activity
4.5.1 Plant Hormones 4.5.2 Humic Substances
4.6 Activation of Metabolic Processes
4.6.1 Photosynthesis-Related Parameters
4.6.2 Defense Responses
4.7 Evaluation of Vermicompost Quality Based on Physiological Criteria
4.8 Practical Implications: Use in Different Farming Systems
4.9 Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: Interaction of Earthworm Activity with Soil Structure and Enzymes
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Earthworm Ecotypes
5.2.1 Compost Earthworms
5.2.2 Epigeic Earthworms
5.2.3 Endogeic Earthworms
5.2.4 Anecic Earthworms
5.3 Soil Enzymes