Compost Carbon Farming

The MSW compost, derived from the municipal organic fraction of waste collected from the city of Florence  (Tuscany, Italy), has been applied to typical crops of the Tuscany Region (olive tree, wine vine, sunflower and cardoon for the first year of research activity). For each crop, one plot (about 1 ha) has been subjected to different treatments in three different farms: conventional fertilizer as usually applied by the farm (control), MSW-compost, and MSW-compost mixed with 

commercial bio-stimulants. A three-year multidisciplinary monitoring plan (2023-2026) was planned to evaluate soil health, the physiological and functional state of the crops, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the soil. 

Particular attention will be given to the potential carbon sequestration in soil by evaluating particulate and mineral-associated organic matter, and to the evaluation of eco-enzyme stoichiometry ratios. Furthermore, the Life Cycle Assessment will identify the advantages and hotspots in each supply chain in relation to the fertilisation system.