FARMING AID

The advantages of the use of organic wastes such as compost leachate as fertilizers are evident. Their use would reduce the consumption of commercial fertilizers which need in their production high cost and energy. Leachate is a waste product, which means that no direct production costs are associated. The use of leachate in agriculture also means that the costs at waste treatment plants can be reduced, since processes for nitrogen and phosphorus removal would not be necessary. However, due to the nature of the leachates, they may contain, in addition to elements of interest, heavy metals, phytotoxic substances such as ammonia, organic compounds of low molecular weight and/or high salt content. From the agricultural point of view, the presence of these substances can mask by negative effects the benefits of leachate (content of organic matter and nutrients).