Evaluating the Suitability of MSW Compost as a Soil Amendment in Field Grown Tomatoes Part B: Elemental Analysis

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Abstract
Tomato plants were grown under field conditions in soil amended with 0, 25, and 50 tons/acre of source separated composted municipal solid waste (MSW). The leaves and fruit from these plants were sampled following a dual-stage nested design, and analyzed for 17 elements. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the Na and P contents increased and that the Cd and Be contents decreased in the fruits grown in the amended soil. In the leaves of tomato plants grown in amended soil the Na content increased, and the Cd, Cu, and Mn contents decreased compared to those grown in the control soil. The attenuation of the Cd, Cu, and Mn levels in the tomato tissues was attributed to increases in pH and organic matter in the compost amended soil.