Ammonia volatilization from manure mixed with biochar

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization from ammonia-based fertilizer and animal manure reduces their nitrogen fertilizer value and is a source of environmental pollution. Mixing manure with biochar may lower NH3 volatilization from manure by adding H+, adsorbing mineral nitrogen (N), or increasing N immobilization in microbial biomass. The objective of this study was to determine whether wood-based biochar could lower NH3 volatilization from vented pails containing manure (liquid swine, dairy slurry, and solid poultry manure) or a urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN). Two types of wood-based biochar (BlueLeaf and Dynamotive) were mixed with three types of manure and UAN fertilizer solution at 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 25 % biochar by volume in vented pails. After 21 d storage in an outdoor shaded area, the greatest NH3 volatilization was from poultry manure, which had pH 9.4 on average and low water content regardless of the biochar source and application rate. There was less NH3 volatilization from UAN fertilizer solution when mixed with 25% (v/v) of Dynamotive biochar compared to NH3 volatilization from UAN fertilizer solution mixed with 0–10% (%) of Dynamotive biochar, probably because pH decreased from 7.0 to 6.4 after 21 d contact. Mixing wood-based biochar with manure had no impact on NH3 volatilization, suggesting that these biochar sources did not appreciably change the pH and N dynamics in stored manure after 21 d.

Fuzzy logic based prediction of micronutrients demand for harumanis mango growth cycles

Harumanis is a famous green eating mango cultivar that has been commercially cultivated in Malaysia’s state of Perlis. A variety of nutrients are found in soil, all of which are necessary for plant growth. Micronutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are essential for Harumanis mango (Mangifera Indica) to growth. The importance of soil fertility in achieving high plant productivity and quality cannot be overstated. It should be used in a moderate amount and in a balanced manner. Predicting appropriate nutrients and the right timing to satisfy the tree’s demands is critical. The aim of this study is to create for Harumanis mango a fuzzy logic-based system to analyse the results of soil tests for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the Harumanis mango orchard. The interpreted data are used to estimate N-P-K nutrient levels and indicate the optimal fertilizer solution and application timing for each Harumanis growth stages. The system utilizes Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) to predict the nutrients demand for Harumanis mango growth. Results shows the system able to calculate and predict values of required N-P-K fertilizer for optimal growth. Thus, assist farmers in predicting the proper amount of N-P-K to apply to Harumanis mango soil.

Ion-Exclusion/Cation-Exchange Chromatography Using Dual-Ion-Exchange Groups for Simultaneous Determination of Inorganic Ionic Nutrients in Fertilizer Solution Samples for the Management of Hydroponic Culture

In this study, ion-exclusion/cation-exchange chromatography (IEC/CEC) using dual-ion-exchange groups (carboxy and sulfo groups) for the simultaneous determination of anions (SO42−, Cl−, NO3−, and HPO42−) and cations (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) was developed. By using the combination of dual-ion-exchange groups, simultaneous separation of inorganic ions with HPO42− was achieved that was impossible by the conventional IEC/CEC based on the single-ion-exchange group (carboxy group). This method was applied to the monitoring of inorganic ionic nutrients in fertilizer solution samples in hydroponic culture. As a result, a higher peak resolution of inorganic anions and cations with phosphate ion using IEC/CEC with dual-ion-exchange groups was achieved in the absence of matrix effects. In addition, the developed method helps to understand the behavior of ionic nutrients in fertilizer solution during hydroponic cultivation and is potentially useful for the individual fertilization of ionic nutrients.

Evaluating the Aqueous Phase From Hydrothermal Carbonization of Cow Manure Digestate as Possible Fertilizer Solution for Plant Growth

Improving the agronomic use of recycled nutrients derived from organic waste is one of the priorities within the measures adopted by the European community to reduce environmental issues but remains an unexplored area of research. This study focused on investigating the possibility of using innovative fertilizer solutions in hydroponic systems for the growth of agricultural plants. To this purpose, a liquid fraction [aqueous hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) liquid (AHL)] derived from HTC of cow manure digestate was chemically characterized (pH, electrical conductivity, mineral elements, and organic compounds such as phytotoxins), diluted with distilled water (1:30, 1:60, and 1:90, v/v) to reduce its potential phytotoxicity, and used to grow hydroponic maize (Zea mays L.) plants instead of the classical full-strength nutrient solution. The results indicated that the dilution ratio 1:30 of the AHL solution maintained a high level of toxicity for the plants (phytotoxic substances, especially Na and alkalinity), inducing the arrest of their growth. Differently, the two other dilution ratios (i.e., 1:60 and 1:90) seemed to considerably limit the levels of toxicity, since they allowed the plants to develop. However, these dilution ratios were poor in nutrient elements, inducing alteration in photosynthesis and an onset of deficiency symptoms such as pronounced leaf chlorosis. In view of an eco-friendly approach, future studies are, therefore, needed to identify the correct species-specific dilution ratio to supply both low levels of phytotoxins and adequate content of essential nutrients for appropriate plant growth and development. Furthermore, in order to lower specific Na phytotoxicity, treatments are of utmost importance before using AHL as a fertilizer solution.

CALCULATION OF FIELD CAPACITY AND FUEL CONSUMPTION OF MOBILE MACHINERY WITH BUNKERS, TANKS OR OTHER CONTAINERS FOR AGRICULTURAL GOODS

A method and procedure for automatic calculation of field capacity and fuel consumption of mobile machinery with tanks, hoppers and bunkers is suggested. They are based on a combination of two well-founded approaches: East-European and North-American. To increase its calculation area some applications for machines with containers as grain, fertilizer, solution, etc. are added. An example of five linked field operations, namely potato transportation, fertilization, spraying, planting and harvesting is presented. A list of needed information with relations between them and main indices of agricultural aggregates is prepared. For convenience and objectivity calculations are automated with spreadsheets.