Use of compost at different C/N ratio in crops under plastic cover

Intensive agriculture determines a decrease of soil quality mainly due to a strong organic matter reduction. Use of organic amendments is generally seen as a key tool for soil health and sustainability in intensive agriculture systems, in terms of organic matter recovery. Aim of this work was to study the recovery of fertility in agricultural soils cultivated under permanent plastic cover, by supplying organic amendments characterized by a slow mineralization, such as wood scraps. After yearly addition of organic amendments, crop yields and soil fertility, by monitoring the main chemical, biochemical and biological properties, were evaluated for two years. Results showed generally positive effects of organic amendments on soil chemical properties, in particular as improvement in organic carbon and nutrient contents, as well as in biological properties. Our results demonstrated that the use of compost enriched with low mineralization materials, such as wood scraps, can enhance soil biochemical and chemical properties compared with synthetic fertilizers, and consequently improve crop yields, but above all to guarantee an organic matter recovery that kept stable over time.