Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufac...Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.展开更多
To determine the best combinations of organic and mineral fertilizer applications under resource-limited conditions in the Sahel, West Africa, on-farm experiments for two years in the Fakara region of western Niger is...To determine the best combinations of organic and mineral fertilizer applications under resource-limited conditions in the Sahel, West Africa, on-farm experiments for two years in the Fakara region of western Niger is conducted. Ten treatments were tested; six of them received one of three organic fertilizers （none, millet husks, or manure）, with or without mineral fertilizer; two grew millet/（dual-purpose） cowpea intercrops with mineral fertilizer in 1：1 or 4：4 row arrangement; one grew a millet/（spreading） cowpea intercrop with manure; and one grew a millet/hibiscus intercrop with millet husks. Manure increased total biomass by 127%- 147% （P 〈 0.001 ） and millet yield by 130%- 184% （P 〈 0.01 ）. Mineral fertilizer increased total biomass by 27% （P 〈 0.01 ） and millet yield by 24% （P 〈 0.05） in 2008. The N balance was greatest and positive in the manure treatment （P 〈 0.001）, followed by millet husks. Mineral fertilizer on the intercropped dual-purpose cowpea increased the agronomic N use efficiency of millet by 329%-483% （P 〈 0.01） compared with manure. The use of small quantities of mineral fertilizer on the intercropped dual-purpose cowpea, therefore, is a best combination for limited N-resources-farmers. Single manure, millet husks plus mineral fertilizer, or year-alternative-application are also recommendable depends on farmers accessibility to the resources.展开更多
文摘Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.
文摘To determine the best combinations of organic and mineral fertilizer applications under resource-limited conditions in the Sahel, West Africa, on-farm experiments for two years in the Fakara region of western Niger is conducted. Ten treatments were tested; six of them received one of three organic fertilizers （none, millet husks, or manure）, with or without mineral fertilizer; two grew millet/（dual-purpose） cowpea intercrops with mineral fertilizer in 1：1 or 4：4 row arrangement; one grew a millet/（spreading） cowpea intercrop with manure; and one grew a millet/hibiscus intercrop with millet husks. Manure increased total biomass by 127%- 147% （P 〈 0.001 ） and millet yield by 130%- 184% （P 〈 0.01 ）. Mineral fertilizer increased total biomass by 27% （P 〈 0.01 ） and millet yield by 24% （P 〈 0.05） in 2008. The N balance was greatest and positive in the manure treatment （P 〈 0.001）, followed by millet husks. Mineral fertilizer on the intercropped dual-purpose cowpea increased the agronomic N use efficiency of millet by 329%-483% （P 〈 0.01） compared with manure. The use of small quantities of mineral fertilizer on the intercropped dual-purpose cowpea, therefore, is a best combination for limited N-resources-farmers. Single manure, millet husks plus mineral fertilizer, or year-alternative-application are also recommendable depends on farmers accessibility to the resources.
