Influence of municipal compost on temperature, water, nutrient status and the yield of maize in a temperate soil

Composted domestic waste was applied either as a mulch or was incorporated into the topsoil. Mulching reduced the seasonal midday soil temperature ranges from between 14 °C and 27.5 °C to between 14 °C and 26 °C, averaging a 0.6 °C fall. However, at sub‐optimal temperatures for maize production under the temperate conditions of South East England, the difference may be critical. Compost mulch also improved soil‐water conservation in an average year, but not in a very dry year. Compost application increased soil‐available N, but increased K uptake was considered to be more important for crop yield than either N additions or the effect on retained soil water. Overall, compost applied as a surface mulch, or incorporated into medium‐textured soils in the south and east of England increased crop yield.