| Comparative field studies using ruminant compost, MSWC, ruminant compost tea, and MSWC tea were conducted with the objectives of assessing the effects of the amendments on soil mineral elements content, strawberry and raspberry plant uptake, and strawberry and raspberry fruit yield and antioxidant capacity. Lab and greenhouse experiment were also conducted to assess the effects of production method on compost tea properties and the nutrient supplying capacity of these foliar amendments. Generally it was found that production method did not affect the properties of compost teas or their nutrient supplying capacity. Field studies showed that the use of MSWC increased extractable soil Pb concentrations in field strawberry and raspberry experiments. Increased plant uptake of this metal was not observed. Plants treated with compost teas generally had lower concentrations of K compared to other treatments and in the case of raspberries, resulted in lower fruit K content. Non-aerated MSWC compost teas increased Na concentrations of raspberry leaves and aerated MSWC compost tea resulted in an accumulation of Na in strawberry fruit ( p < 0.003). The use of different soil and foliar amendments did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) the yield and total antioxidant capacity of strawberries and raspberries. However, the total antioxidant capacity varied greatly among years in the raspberry experiment. Recommendations include monitoring Pb soil levels when MSWC amendments are used, monitoring K plant status when compost teas are used, and limit the use of compost teas with elevated Na concentrations (> 250 mg L-1). |
