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Assessment of compost quality and usage for agricultural use: a case study of Hebron, Palestine

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Abstract

Complying with the technical specifications of compost production is of high importance not only for environmental protection but also for increasing the productivity and promotion of compost use by farmers in agriculture. This study focuses on the compost quality of the Palestinian market and farmers’ attitudes toward agricultural use of compost. The quality is assessed through selection of 20 compost samples of different suppliers and producers and lab testing for quality parameters, while the farmers’ attitudes to compost use for agriculture are evaluated through survey questionnaire of 321 farmers in the Hebron area. The results showed that the compost in the Palestinian markets is of medium quality due to partial or non-compliance with the quality standards and guidelines. The Palestinian farmers showed a positive attitude since 91.2% of them have the desire to use compost in agriculture. The results also showed that knowledge of difference between compost and chemical fertilizers, perception of compost benefits, and previously experiencing problems in compost use are significant factors affecting the farmers’ attitude toward the use of compost as an organic fertilizer.

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Acknowledgements

This research is partially supported by the Joint Service Council for Solid Waste Management for Hebron and Bethlehem Governorates (JSC-H& B) through PMSP program that is funded by the General Consulate of Italy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Joint Services Council for Solid Waste Management for Hebron and Bethlehem Governorates (JSC-H& B), Hebron, Palestine

    Majed I. Al-Sari

  2. Faculty of Graduate Studies, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine

    Mohammed A. A. Sarhan

  3. Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, P.O. Box 14, Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine

    Issam A. Al-Khatib

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  1. Majed I. Al-Sari
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  2. Mohammed A. A. Sarhan
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  3. Issam A. Al-Khatib
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Correspondence to Issam A. Al-Khatib.

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Al-Sari, M.I., Sarhan, M.A.A. & Al-Khatib, I.A. Assessment of compost quality and usage for agricultural use: a case study of Hebron, Palestine. Environ Monit Assess 190, 223 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6610-x

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