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The search for sustainable source of N, the need of soil organic matter restoration, along with the call for recycling of organic wastes has led to a rise of the use of organic fertilizers. The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate: the effectiveness of compost application as a N fertilizer, the impact on N distribution in soil and plant and on tree performances, in a long-term experiment (14 years). The study was carried out in the Po valley, Italy and, since orchard planting (2001), the following treatments were applied: 1. unfertilized control; 2. mineral fertilization; 3. compost at a rate of 5 t DW ha -1  yr -1 ; 4. compost at a rate of 10 t DW ha -1  yr -1 . Soil total N, potentially mineralizable, microbial and extractable N were higher in compost in comparison to mineral (fertilizer). The effect was found both in the row and in the inter-row and the rise of N fractions was evident in the shallowest soil layer of the row. Soil mineral, potentially mineralizable N was increased by mineral (11.1 mg kg -1 ) and compost 10 (12.4 mg kg -1 ) fertilization compared with control (6.7 mg kg -1 ). Vegetative growth and yield were increased in trees treated with mineral and compost 10; moreover, these plants were able to recycle (66.1 and 70.5 kg ha -1  yr -1 , respectively) and remobilize (41.5 and 48.7 kg ha -1  yr -1 , respectively) a higher amount of N than those of control and compost 5. In conclusion, organic fertilization strategy promoted the buildup of soil N reserve, meaning a capacity of the ecosystem to sequestrate N. The application of compost 10 showed a similar effect on plant growth and production as mineral fertilization, but introduced the advantage of the use of a cheap, renewable waste material, providing a new insight on N fertilization management., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this experiment was to valuate, after 14 years, the impact of annual compost applications on micronutrient and potentially toxic trace elements on nectarine tree uptake and soil fertility. The study was performed in the Po valley, Italy, on the variety Stark RedGold (grafted on GF677). Since orchard planting, the following treatments were applied, in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates: 1. unfertilized control; 2. mineral fertilization (N was supplied as NO 3 NH 4 at 70–130 kg ha−1 year−1); 3. compost at 5 t DW ha−1 year−1; 4. compost at 10 t DW ha−1 year−1. The actual rate of application was 12.5 (LOW) and 25 (HIGH) t ha−1, since compost was concentrated in the tree row. Compost was made from domestic organic wastes mixed with pruning material from urban ornamental trees and garden management and stabilized for 3 months. The supply of compost HIGH induced an enrichment of soil total Cu, Zn and Cd, and a decrease of Fe and Co concentration; with values always below the European threshold limits for heavy metals in the soil. In addition, compost (at both rates) increased availability (DTPA-extractable) of Fe, Mn and Zn, Cd, Ni, and Pb in the top soil (0–0.15 m). Total micronutrient and trace element tree content was not affected by fertilization treatments; however, the recycled fraction returned to the soil at the end of the season through abscised leaves and pruned wood of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn was increased by mineral fertilization; Fe and Zn also by compost HIGH. Our data show that the introduction of compost at both 12.5 and 25 t ha−1 year−1 in the row did not increase the risk of pollution related to potentially toxic trace elements and at the same time increased the bioavailability of Fe, Mn and Zn. Unlabelled Image • Impact of yearly compost supply on micronutrient and potentially toxic trace elements on nectarine tree uptake and soil fertility was evaluated. • Total Cu, Zn and Cd soil concentration was enhanced by addition of compost HIGH, Cu and Zn also incresaed with compost LOW; Fe and Co decreased. • Availability Fe, Mn and Zn in the top soil (0-0.15 m), was positively influenced by compost supply. • Total micronutrient and trace element tree content was not affected by fertilization. • The supply of compost at 5 and 10 t ha-1 year-1, representing a rate of 12.5 and 25 t ha-1 year-1in the row, did not increase the risk of soil pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]