The effect of food waste (FW) composted with MS(R) (Miraculous Soil Microorganisms) was compared with commercial compost (CC) and mineral fertilizer (MF) on bacterial and fungal populations, soil enzyme activities and growth of lettuce in a greenhouse. Populations of fungi and bacteria, soil biomass, and soil enzyme activities in the rhizosphere of FW treatments significantly increased compared to control (CON), CC and MF treatments at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. The fresh weight of lettuce in FW treatments was about 2-3 times higher than that in CC at 4 and 6 week. The pH, EC, total nitrogen content, organic matter and sodium concentration in FW treatments were generally higher than those in CON, CC and MF treatments. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.