Abstract

BARBARO, L.A.; KARLANIAN, M.A.  and  MORISIGUE, D.. Correction of the pH of pruning waste compost with micronized sulphur. Agriscientia [online]. 2010, vol.27, n.2, pp.125-130. ISSN 1668-298X.

Nowadays, composts are widely used for incorporation into substrates and in some cases they present alkaline pH, causing nutritional problems. Therefore, it is suggested that a correction should be made prior to its use or after its preparation. Some alternatives to decrease pH values are mixing compost with acid materials or adding sulphur, ferrous sulphate or other sulphur compounds. The aim of this work was to correct the pH of pruning waste compost with micronized sulphur and find the appropriate dose for the desired pH. Seven treatments were performed incorporating different doses of micronized sulphur: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 g per liter of compost. Compost pH was measured weekly in each treatment. Once stabilized, electrical conductivity and concentration of nitrate, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium were analyzed. To obtain compost with pH values between 5.3 and 6.2, two to three g of sulphur / liter were required. The higher the sulphur doses, the lower the compost pH and the higher the electrical conductivity. Micronized sulphur is a viable alternative to correct the pH of the compost remains of pruning to the desired values.

Keywords : Compost; Substrate; Improvers.

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