COMPOSTING METHODS AND AMENDMENTS AFFECT GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF VEGETABLES
Nitrogen additions to high C:N yard wastes improve the composting process and the usefulness of the product. Nine composts were made with additions of 10 or 25% grass clippings or poultry manure (PM) and several composting methods (in bin, turned, static). Turnip, tomato, watermelon, snap bean, and lettuce seeds were germinated, and some were grown to maturity in pots. The 25% PM compost delayed germination of turnips and beans by 2 days, but final germination % was not affected. Germination of melon (27%) was significantly less with 25% PM than with other composts. Tomato germination was not affected by any treatment, but dry weight of 4 week old seedlings grown in PM treatments was 4 times greater than other treatments. Pod yield of beans grown in 10% PM compost was equal to beans grown in potting mix with soluble fertilizer.