Evaluating the Suitability of MSW Compost as a Soil Amendment in Field-Grown Tomatoes

▪ Source separated municipal solid waste compost was applied in the field at two rates (25 and 50 T/A) and planted with tomatoes. Average yield (lbs/plant) from plots amended with 50 T/A MSW compost was 38 percent greater when compared to the unamended control. Yields from plots amended with 25 T/A MSW compost increased 23 percent. The average number of tomatoes per plant and the average weight of each tomato were also greater from the compost-amended plots. The addition of 50 T/A MSW compost raised the pH of the soil from 5.4 to 6.2 and increased the percent organic matter 38 percent.