F Herrera

Publications (3)4.98 Total impact

• Article: Use of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as a growing medium in the nursery production of tomato plants.

  F Herrera, J E Castillo, A F Chica, L López Bellido
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  ABSTRACT: Five media prepared from old peat (OP), white peat (WP) and municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) were used to determine optimum growing media for tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. cv "Atletico"). The mixtures of substrates used were: OP (65%)+WP (30%)+perlite (5%), OP (65%)+MSWC (30%)+perlite (5%), WP (65%)+OP (30%)+perlite (5%), WP (65%)+MSWC (30%)+perlite (5%), MSWC (65%)+WP (30%)+perlite (5%). Various seedling indices were measured in order to assess the quality of the nursery-produced plant. Nursery-produced tomato seedlings grown in WP (65%)+MSWC (30%) displayed quality indices similar to those recorded for conventional mixtures of old and white peat sphagnum, due to a correct balance between the compost nutrient supply and the porosity and aeration provided by white peat.
  Bioresource Technology 02/2008; 99(2):287-96. · 4.98 Impact Factor
• Article: Use of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as a growing medium in the nursery production of tomato plants

  F. Herrera, J.E. Castillo, A.F. Chica, L. López Bellido
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Five media prepared from old peat (OP), white peat (WP) and municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) were used to determine optimum growing media for tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. cv “Atletico”). The mixtures of substrates used were: OP (65%) + WP (30%) + perlite (5%), OP (65%) + MSWC (30%) + perlite (5%), WP (65%) + OP (30%) + perlite (5%), WP (65%) + MSWC (30%) + perlite (5%), MSWC (65%) + WP (30%) + perlite (5%). Various seedling indices were measured in order to assess the quality of the nursery-produced plant. Nursery-produced tomato seedlings grown in WP (65%) + MSWC (30%) displayed quality indices similar to those recorded for conventional mixtures of old and white peat sphagnum, due to a correct balance between the compost nutrient supply and the porosity and aeration provided by white peat.
  Bioresource Technology.
• Source

  Available from: ramiran.net

  Article: LIFECYCLE OF METALS IN COMPOSTING OF MSW

  A F Chica, A Rosal, M A Martín, J E Castillo, F Herrera
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  ABSTRACT: Although there are not still specific European regulations on biological management of solid wastes, the 1999 guideline about rubbish dumps stipulates a progressive reduction in the accumulation of organic matter in them. When facing this problem, one of the possible options, which is probably the most recommended one in countries with a progressive impoverishment of organic matter in their soils, is the composting process. Thus, in this work the composting process, in turned windrow, of the organic fraction of the municipal solid waste, selectively collected, was analysed for three years. The composting process and the refined compost obtained were characterized. The results on the evo-lution of the pH, conductivity, C/N ratio, P, organic matter and other important variables were presented and discussed. Total metals content in compost was analysed and showed. Suitable compost for agricultural use was obtained. This compost was used in wheat and garlic far-ming. No incidence of metals on fruit and soil was detected. Crops were found to be similar to those obser-ved for a control test. However, requirements in metal contents are increasing in EU rules. Therefore, this Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Compost made in Cordoba (Spain) will not be accepted for an agricultural use.