Effects of Fruit and Vegetable Wastes and Biodegradable Municipal Wastes Co-Mixed Composts on Nitrogen Dynamics in an Oxisol

Organic waste generation in developing countries is increasing and appropriate disposal methods are needed. An open aerobic composting using 20 L bins was carried out using 6 composts made using ratios of 3:1, 1:2 and 1:4 fruit and vegetable wastes (FVW):biodegradable municipal waste (BMW), with and without addition of homemade indigenous microorganisms (IMO), for 30 days to monitor compost quality. The nitrogen contents of the composts ranged from 1.52 to 2.76% N equivalent to 76–138 kg N ha−1 at 5 t ha−1 compost application rates. Heavy metals measured were below permissible levels of compost quality standards. Selected composts were incubated for 60 days to study nitrogen mineralization dynamics when applied to an Oxisol at the rates of 0, 5 and 10 t ha−1. The results showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the amounts of NH4-N, NO3-N and cumulative NH4-N + NO3-N released. Ammonium nitrogen released was higher on days 3, 21 and/or 40 for composts 3:1 − IMO at 10 t ha−1, 3:1 + IMO at 10 t ha−1 and 3:1 − IMO at 5 t ha−1. Cumulative N (NH4 -N + NO3 -N) released over control were 77.98, 64.09 and 64.35% higher for application of 3:1 + IMO, 1:2 − IMO and 1:2 + IMO, respectively, at an application rate of 10 t ha−1. The increased nitrogen content, low heavy metals concentrations and the amount of mineralized N from the composts exhibit potential for increased nutrient availability when applied to a soil.

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Guidelines for Assessing Compost Quality for Safe and Effective Utilization in Vegetable Production

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech03349-16 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 162-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Monica Ozores-Hampton

Keyword(s):

Environmental Impact ◽

Soil Nutrient ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Nutrient Source ◽

Nutrient Runoff ◽

Effective Utilization ◽

Compost Quality ◽

Application Rates ◽

Compost Application

Compost is primarily a soil-amending product that may improve soil quality and the productivity of organic and conventional vegetable crops. Growers can use compost as a soil conditioner or as nutrient source to supplement the fertility program in vegetable production. Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium may be low. To lower the environmental impact of high compost application rates and protect water supplies from excessive nutrient runoff or leaching, or an excessive soil nutrient buildup, compost should be applied to match the nutrient needs of a crop. Compost quality use guidelines for assessing compost quality for use in vegetable production are limited. The objective of this paper is to present guidelines for determining compost quality for use in organic or conventional vegetable production.

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Carbon Dynamics of Fruit and Vegetable Wastes and Biodegradable Municipal Waste Compost-Amended Oxisol

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su131910869 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (19) ◽

pp. 10869

Author(s):

Aishatu Mala Musa ◽

Che Fauziah Ishak ◽

Noraini Md. Jaafar ◽

Daljit Singh Karam

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Spectral Analysis ◽

Ftir Spectroscopy ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Carbon Dynamics ◽

Municipal Waste ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Labile Organic Matter ◽

Application Rates ◽

Compost Application

Recycling of wastes via composting is advocated as a means to reduce environmental hazards due to the dumping of wastes. Composting also creates a vital source of organic matter that is important in nutrient and soil moisture retention, soil fertility preservation and improving the physical and chemical properties of soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the short-term effects of four compost amendments in an Oxisol on carbon dynamics (carbon dioxide evolution and carbon transformation). The composts were prepared in 3:1 and 1:2 of fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) to biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) with and without indigenous microorganisms (IMO) (3:1 +IMO, 1:2 +IMO, 3:1 −IMO, 1:2 −IMO). Soil incubation studies were carried out for 35 days at three compost application rates of 0, 5 and 10 Mg ha−1, with measurements done including the CO2 evolution, dehydrogenase enzyme (DHA) assay and compost Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectral analysis. At 10 Mg ha−1 compost application rate, increased soil respiration rate was obtained at 3:1 +IMO compost, mostly due to increased labile organic matter and higher amount of FVW in the compost mixture, which stimulated soil microorganisms and/or their activities reflected by increased evolution of CO2 in the process of decomposition of the added composts in the compost-amended soils. The DHA activity increased with compost application rates, and significantly, the highest DHA activity was recorded at 3:1 +IMO compost applied at 10 Mg ha−1 soil at 1.38 triphenylformazan (TPF)/g dry soil/24 h. The compost FTIR spectral analysis showed transformations that occurred due to the composting that was carried out. A broadband between 3279–3347 cm wavelength in the FTIR spectroscopy indicated the presence of carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups because of carbon transformation that occurred in the composts.

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Dissolved Organic Carbon in Soil from Compost-amended Bermudagrass Turf

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.40.3.830 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 830-835 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Alan L. Wright ◽

Tony L. Provin ◽

Frank M. Hons ◽

David A. Zuberer ◽

Richard H. White

Keyword(s):

Cynodon Dactylon ◽

Organic Amendments ◽

Application Rate ◽

Growth Patterns ◽

Organic C ◽

Dissolved Organic C ◽

Application Rates ◽

Extractable P ◽

P Content ◽

Compost Application

Application of organic amendments can increase dissolved organic C (DOC) concentrations, which may influence movement of nutrients and heavy metals in soils. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of compost sources and application rates on concentrations of soil DOC, NO3-N, and extractable P over 29 months after a one-time application of compost to bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] turf. Few differences were evident between compost sources for soil total organic C (TOC), DOC, and NO3-N. However, the initial P content of compost sources significantly influenced soil extractable P. Increasing the rate of compost application increased soil TOC initially, but levels remained fairly stable over time. In contrast, DOC continued to increase from 3 to 29 months after application, suggesting that compost mineralization and growth of bermudagrass contributed to DOC dynamics in soil. Dissolved organic C was 98%, 128%, 145%, 175%, and 179% greater 29 months after application of 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 Mg compost/ha, respectively, than before application. Rate of compost application had less effect on DOC than TOC, as DOC concentrations appeared controlled in part by bermudagrass growth patterns. Soil NO3-N was generally unaffected by compost application rate, as NO3-N decreased similarly for unamended soil and all compost treatments. Soil extractable P initially increased after compost application, but increasing the application rate generally did not increase P from 3 to 29 months. Seasonal or cyclical patterns of TOC, DOC, and extractable P were observed, as significantly lower levels of these parameters were observed in dormant stages of bermudagrass growth during cooler months.

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Effect of long-term organic amendments on chemical and microbial properties of a luvisol

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/3283-pse ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 57 (No. 11) ◽

pp. 513-518 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

H.W. Scherer ◽

D.J. Metker ◽

G. Welp

Keyword(s):

Sewage Sludge ◽

Soil Respiration ◽

Dehydrogenase Activity ◽

Farmyard Manure ◽

Application Rate ◽

N Content ◽

Application Rates ◽

Compost Application ◽

Sludge Application

We studied the long-term effect (about 45 years) of farmyard manure, sewage sludge and compost application in two increments on organic carbon (Corg), the amount (Cmic) and activity of the microbial biomass (soil respiration, dehydrogenase activity), total N content and N delivery of soils as compared to manuring with mineral fertilizers. The application of both increments of compost and the high sewage sludge application rate resulted in an increase in Corg while soils treated with both compost application rates and the high farmyard manure application rate showed a significant increase in Cmic. Cmic/Corg ranged between 1.7 and 3.3. Dehydrogenase activity and soil respiration were the greatest in the soil with the highest compost and farmyard manure application rates. Total soil N content was significantly higher in both compost treatments and in the treatment with the high sewage sludge application rate. This was accompanied by the highest N uptake of ryegrass.

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Effect of different soil and weather conditions on efficacy, selectivity and dissipation of herbicides in sunflower

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/223/2020-pse ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (No. 9) ◽

pp. 468-476

Author(s):

Miroslav Jursík ◽

Martin Kočárek ◽

Michaela Kolářová ◽

Lukáš Tichý

Keyword(s):

Cation Exchange Capacity ◽

Chenopodium Album ◽

Soil Layer ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Growing Season ◽

Application Rate ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Vertical Transport ◽

Application Rates ◽

High Precipitation

Six sunflower herbicides were tested at two application rates (1N and 2N) on three locations (with different soil types) within three years (2015–2017). Efficacy of the tested herbicides on Chenopodium album increased with an increasing cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil. Efficacy of pendimethalin was 95%, flurochloridone and aclonifen 94%, dimethenamid-P 72%, pethoxamid 49% and S-metolachlor 47%. All tested herbicides injured sunflower on sandy soil (Regosol) which had the lowest CEC, especially in wet conditions (phytotoxicity 27% after 1N application rate). The highest phytotoxicity was recorded after the application of dimethenamid-P (19% at 1N and 45% at 2N application rate). Main symptoms of phytotoxicity were leaf deformations and necroses and the damage of growing tips, which led to destruction of some plants. Aclonifen, pethoxamid and S-metolachlor at 1N did not injure sunflower on the soil with the highest CEC (Chernozem) in any of the experimental years. Persistence of tested herbicides was significantly longer in Fluvisol (medium CEC) compared to Regosol and Chernozem. Dimethenamid-P showed the shortest persistence in Regosol and Chernozem. The majority of herbicides was detected in the soil layer 0–5 cm in all tested soils. Vertical transport of herbicides in soil was affected by the herbicide used, soil type and weather conditions. The highest vertical transport was recorded for dimethenamid-P and pethoxamid (4, resp. 6% of applied rate) in Regosol in the growing season with high precipitation.

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Effects of two wood-based biochars on the fate of added fertilizer nitrogen—a 15N tracing study

Biology and Fertility of Soils ◽

10.1007/s00374-020-01534-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Subin Kalu ◽

Gboyega Nathaniel Oyekoya ◽

Per Ambus ◽

Priit Tammeorg ◽

Asko Simojoki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Uptake ◽

Plant Biomass ◽

Application Rate ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Organic N ◽

N Leaching ◽

Soil N ◽

Mineral N ◽

Total N ◽

Application Rates

AbstractA 15N tracing pot experiment was conducted using two types of wood-based biochars: a regular biochar and a Kon-Tiki-produced nutrient-enriched biochar, at two application rates (1% and 5% (w/w)), in addition to a fertilizer only and a control treatment. Ryegrass was sown in pots, all of which except controls received 15N-labelled fertilizer as either 15NH4NO3 or NH415NO3. We quantified the effect of biochar application on soil N2O emissions, as well as the fate of fertilizer-derived ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) in terms of their leaching from the soil, uptake into plant biomass, and recovery in the soil. We found that application of biochars reduced soil mineral N leaching and N2O emissions. Similarly, the higher biochar application rate of 5% significantly increased aboveground ryegrass biomass yield. However, no differences in N2O emissions and ryegrass biomass yields were observed between regular and nutrient-enriched biochar treatments, although mineral N leaching tended to be lower in the nutrient-enriched biochar treatment than in the regular biochar treatment. The 15N analysis revealed that biochar application increased the plant uptake of added nitrate, but reduced the plant uptake of added ammonium compared to the fertilizer only treatment. Thus, the uptake of total N derived from added NH4NO3 fertilizer was not affected by the biochar addition, and cannot explain the increase in plant biomass in biochar treatments. Instead, the increased plant biomass at the higher biochar application rate was attributed to the enhanced uptake of N derived from soil. This suggests that the interactions between biochar and native soil organic N may be important determinants of the availability of soil N to plant growth.

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Evaluation of the Regional-Scale Optimal K Rate Based on Sustainable Apple Yield and High-Efficiency K Use in Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay of China: A Meta-Analysis

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11071368 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1368

Author(s):

Wenzheng Tang ◽

Wene Wang ◽

Dianyu Chen ◽

Ningbo Cui ◽

Haosheng Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Loess Plateau ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Fertilizer Application ◽

Application Rate ◽

Bohai Bay ◽

The Loess Plateau ◽

Application Rates ◽

Relationship Model

In order to meet the growing food demand of the global population and maintain sustainable soil fertility, there is an urgent need to optimize fertilizer application amount in agricultural production practices. Most of the existing studies on the optimal K rates for apple orchards were based on case studies and lack information on optimizing K-fertilizer management on a regional scale. Here, we used the method of combining meta-analysis with the K application rate-yield relationship model to quantify and summarize the optimal K rates of the Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay regions in China. We built a dataset based on 159 observations obtained from 18 peer-reviewed literature studies distributed in 15 different research sites and evaluated the regional-scale optimal K rates for apple production. The results showed that the linear plus platform model was more suitable for estimating the regional-scale optimal K rates, which were 208.33 and 176.61 kg K ha−1 for the Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay regions of China, respectively. Compared with high K application rates, the optimal K rates increased K use efficiency by 45.88–68.57%, with almost no yield losses. The optimal K rates also enhanced the yield by 6.30% compared with the low K application rates.

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Yield, germination and herbicide residue in seeds of preharvest desiccated wheat

Journal of Seed Science ◽

10.1590/2317-1545v40n3191284 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 304-312 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lais Tessari Perboni ◽

Dirceu Agostinetto ◽

Leandro Vargas ◽

Joanei Cechin ◽

Renan Ricardo Zandoná ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wheat Yield ◽

Application Rate ◽

Application Time ◽

Herbicide Application ◽

Herbicide Residue ◽

Application Rates ◽

Weight Yield ◽

Time Periods ◽

Dough Stage ◽

Wheat Seeds

Abstract: The goals of this study were to evaluate herbicide application rates at different timings for preharvest desiccation of wheat (Trial 1), as well as to evaluate the effect of the timing of herbicide desiccation at preharvest and harvest timing (Trial 2) on yield, germination, and herbicide residue in wheat seed. In Trial 1, treatments consisted of two application rates of glufosinate, glyphosate, paraquat, or paraquat+diuron and a control without application; application time periods were in the milk grain to early dough stage, soft dough to hard dough stage, and hard dough stage. In Trial 2, treatments consisted of different application time periods (milk grain to early dough stage, and soft dough to hard dough stage), different herbicides (glufosinate, 2,4-D+glyphosate, and untreated control), and different harvest times (5, 10 and 15 days after herbicide application). One thousand seeds weight, yield, first and final germination count, and herbicide residue on seeds were evaluated. Preharvest desiccation with paraquat, glufosinate, and 2,4-D+glyphosate at the milk grain to early dough stage reduces wheat yield. Regardless of the herbicide and application rate, application in the milk grain to early dough stage and soft dough to hard dough stage provides greater germination of wheat seeds, except at the lower dose of paraquat. Systemic herbicides accumulate more in wheat seeds.

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Exploring Suitable Biochar Application Rates with Compost to Improve Upland Field Environment

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11061136 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1136

Author(s):

Se-Won Kang ◽

Jin-Ju Yun ◽

Jae-Hyuk Park ◽

Ju-Sik Cho

Keyword(s):

Soil Quality ◽

Chinese Cabbage ◽

Early Period ◽

Crop Productivity ◽

Application Rate ◽

Control Treatment ◽

N2o Emissions ◽

Treatment Area ◽

Application Rates ◽

Upland Field

A field experiment was carried out to investigate crop productivity, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and soil quality of an upland field treated with compost and varying rates of biochar (BC) derived from soybean stalks during crop growing periods in a corn and Chinese cabbage rotation system. Compost was supplemented with BC derived from soybean stalks at varying rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 t ha−1 (BC5, BC10, BC15, and BC20, respectively); the control (BC0) area was untreated. Our results reveal that crop productivity and emissions of CO2 and N2O varied significantly with the biochar application rate. Moreover, irrespective of the biochar application rate, crop productivity was improved after BC application as compared to the control treatment area, by 11.2–29.3% (average 17.0 ± 8.3%) for corn cultivation and 10.3–39.7% (average 27.8 ± 12.7%) for Chinese cabbage cultivation. Peak emissions of CO2 and N2O were mainly observed in the early period of crop cultivation, whereas low CO2 and N2O emissions were determined during the fallow period. Compared to the control area, significant differences were obtained for CO2 emissions produced by the different biochar application rates for both crops. During the two cropping periods, the overall N2O emission was significantly decreased with BC5, BC10, BC15, and BC20 applications as compared to the control, ranging from 11.1 to 13.6%, 8.7 to 15.4%, 23.1 to 26.0%, and 15.0 to 19.6%, respectively (average 16.9% decrease in the corn crop period and 16.3% in the Chinese cabbage crop period). Soil quality results after the final crop harvest show that bulk density, soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were significantly improved by biochar application, as compared to the control. Taken together, our results indicate that compost application supplemented with biochar is potentially an appropriate strategy for achieving high crop productivity and improving soil quality in upland field conditions. In conclusion, appropriate application of biochar with compost has the concomitant advantages of enriching soil quality for long-term sustainable agriculture and reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers.

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Effects of asulam spraying on non-target ferns

Canadian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1139/b05-127 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 83 (12) ◽

pp. 1622-1629 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

J.K. Rowntree ◽

E. Sheffield

Keyword(s):

Experimental Evidence ◽

Application Rate ◽

Field Application ◽

Pteridium Aquilinum ◽

Buffer Zones ◽

Application Rates ◽

Highly Sensitive ◽

Fern Species ◽

Aerial Spraying ◽

Work Supports

The systemic herbicide asulam is used extensively to control the weedy fern bracken ( Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn). Other ferns were thought to be highly sensitive to asulam exposure, but there has been a dearth of experimental evidence. Eight fern species were exposed to asulam spray at three different application rates or a control of water. Asulam was applied at the recommended field application rate for bracken clearance, and at two further rates corresponding to 10 and 50 m downwind of an aerial spray event. Damage was assessed over two seasons. All ferns tested were severely damaged by exposure to the highest application rate, but sensitivity varied between species. Maximum damage occurred 1 year after spraying, and limited signs of recovery could be seen by the second season. The effects of adding the adjuvant Agral® to applications of asulam were tested on the threatened pteridophyte Pilularia globulifera L. No damage additional to that caused by exposure to asulam was observed. This work supports the view that 50 m buffer zones are sufficient to protect sensitive ferns from the effects of aerial spraying with asulam, provided that drift-reducing nozzles are used and the manufacturer’s application guidelines are observed.

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