Proceedings

This project investigated the benefits of green waste compost as a soil amendment for wildflower meadow recreation. The study involved investigating the effects of varying application rates of green waste compost (0, 10, 25 and 50% by volume) on soil chemical, biological and physical properties, and the suitability of the growing medium for wildflower meadow establishment.

The green waste compost additions increased the levels of topsoil organic matter and total nitrogen, extractable phosphorous, potassium and magnesium, plant available water supply and porosity. Also, the amendments increased the size and activity of the topsoil microbial community, and readily mineralisable organic nitrogen levels. Herbage yields and plant heights increased with compost application rate, and ground cover density was higher on the compost treatments compared with the untreated control.

KEY WORDS Green Waste Compost, Landfill, Meadow, Soil Restoration, Soil Quality, Wildflowers