LAUSR

This study aimed to determine the physical and chemical parameters of composted cattle manure (fresh, FCM and semi-mature, SCM), horse (HM) and poultry manure (PM) and separated pig solid (SPS) and to test composts as a medium for container-grown crops. The biological test of facilities for growing transplants was conducted by sowing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The physical properties of the compost were mainly satisfying, except porosity which was too low, while chemical properties were not satisfying since pH and EC were too high. Composted manure mixed with white peat in a ratio of 1:1and 1:2 was used for preparation of potting medium (v/v). The addition of white peat should reduce the pH and EC of composted manure. Lettuce is a more sensitive plant species than cucumber. No plant sprung up on the compost from horse and chicken manure (pH above 8, and the EC over 5 dS m−1). Regardless of the plant species, the plants grown in compost obtained from SPS had the maximum height, and consequently maximum mass and total leaf area. These values were slightly lower on the compost of cow manures. The compost produced from SPS is suitable for the production of seedlings of both, less sensitive and very sensitive species. Compost from cow manure can also be used as a substitute for a portion of peat, while the same proportion of composts from horse and chicken manure is not suitable without being previously mixed with other materials.