Carbon Sequestration and Nitrogen Transformation in Soil Cooperated with Organic Composts and Biochar during Corn (<i>Zea mays</i>) Cultivation

Background: Objectives of this study were to investigate changes of soil carbon contents and to evaluate N mineralization and nitrification rates in soils cooperated with organic composts and biochar during the 2nd year corn cultivation. Methods and Results: For the experiment, the soil texture used in this study was clay loam. Application rates of chemical fertilizer were 480-150- 260 kg/ha (N-P2O5-K2O) as recommended amount after soil test. Biochar application was 0.2% to soil weight. The soil samples were periodically taken at every 15-day interval during corn cultivation periods. The treatments were consisted of cow compost (CC), pig compost (PC), swine digestate from aerobic digestion system (AD), and their biochar cooperation. TC contents in treatments cooperated with biochar at harvesting stages were ranged from 0.96% to 1.24%, and its CC applied plot was highest at 1.24%. It was observed that TC contents with biochar treatments were higher than the compost treatment only. Therefore, it was observed to be carbon sequestration into corn field cooperated with biochar. For nitrogen transformation in soil cooperated with organic composts and biochar, net mineralization rates were dramatically decreased at 44 days after sowing, but nitrification rates were abruptly increased at 73 days after sowing. For N mineralization and nitrification rates, it was shown that they were generally low in the soil cooperated with biochar as compared to the only application plots of different organic composts. Also, it was observed to be highest in the application plot of pig compost manure. Conclusion: Overall, application of biochar in the cropland could be an important role for mitigation of greenhouse gas as well as carbon sequestration.

Standardizing the Quality of Composts Using Stability and Maturity Indices: The Use of Sawdust and Rice Husks as Compost Feed Stocks

Many organic materials found in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa have not been exploited for the development of feedstock specific quality standards of compost especially for use as soilless media. The objective of this study was to determine feedstock specific quality standard of compost using referenced stability and maturity indices and establish a simple model for predicting compost maturity based on different feedstock. Two sawdust feedstocks from Daniellia oliveri sawdust (single sawdust) and Daniellia oliveri + Chrysophylum albidum sawdust (mixed sawdust) including one rice husk feedstock were composted individually with poultry manure in three volumetric ratios of 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1. The 2:1 Daniellia oliveri sawdust compost achieved acceptable values for stability and maturity parameter at 8th week, and had the highest nitrogen (N) level (2.46%) and lowest carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio (15). In terms of associative relationships for single species sawdust compost, total nitrogen (TN) accounted for 93% of the variation in the C:N content of the compost. In the mixed species sawdust compost, TN explained 87% of the variation in the C:N. Total nitrogen only explained 77% of the variation in the C:N content of the rice husk compost. The study established an empirical relationship between TN and compost maturity and concluded that using stability and maturity indices and their relationships established in this study as standard, compost of higher quality could be obtained within the shortest possible time irrespective of the feedstock used.

Physico-Chemical and Microbial Quality of Locally Composted and Imported Green Waste Composts in Oman

In this work the physical, chemical and microbial properties of four locally composted green waste composts (GWCs) namely Almukhasib, Growers, Plantex, and Super along with four imported GWC (Florabella, Mikskaar, Potgrond, and Shamrock) were studied to evaluate the quality of these composts with the acceptable standards. All composts showed normal physical properties, except the bad smell from sulfur reducing bacteria in Almukhasib, light brown color Plantex and one viable weed seed in Shamrock compost. The germination indexes of the composts comparable to the standard (90%) were 100% for Mikskaar, followed by Shamrock (92%), Florabella (97), Potgrond (95%), Plantex (98%), Growers (77%), and 5% for both Super and Almukhasib. The physical and chemical properties vary considerably as follows: pH 3 - 10.5, 5.1 - 6.5 (standard 5 - 8), electrical conductivity (EC) 0.4 - 10.2 mS·cm-1, 0.8 - 1.8 mS·cm-1(standard 0.0 - 4.0 mS·cm-1), moisture content (MC%) 29% - 43.7%, 64% - 74% (standard 35% - 60%) and water holding capacity (WHC%) 92% - 200% and 400% - 800% for the locally produced and imported composts, respectively. Wide ranges in the chemical properties were expressed as ammonia concentration 512.4 - 1640.1 mg·kg-1, 459.4 - 656.5 mg·kg-1(standard -1), organic matter 17% - 67.6%, and 53.3% - 66.2% (standard 35%) for the locally composted and imported composts, respectively. The concentrations of the heavy metals (Zn, Ni, Pb, Hg, As, Cd, and Cr) were lower than the recommended levels. The average of the bacterial colony forming unit per gram of locally produced and imported composts ranged between 260 - 1740 CFU/g and 330 - 2870 CFU/g, whereas the fungal CFU were 10 - 2800 CFU/g and 27 - 1800 CFU/g, respectively. The most probable number (MPN) for coliform bacteria was 43 - 1100 CFU/g for locally produced composts, and 23 - 480 CFU/g for the imported composts. Therefore, these composts can not be used directly without effective treatment as substrate for plant growth, soil amendment and as biofertilizer.

Effect of Composts Combined with Chemical N Fertilizer on Nitrogen Uptake by Italian Ryegrass and N Transformation in Soil

Combining compost with sufficient chemical N fertilizer (CF) in agricultural lands is a popular practice to reduce the amount of inorganic nitrogen and accumulation of non-nutrient constituents in soils. A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effects of 130 mg N of either solids waste compost (Scomp) or biosolids waste compost (Bcomp) complemented with 130 mg (CF, 1N) and 260 mg·N·pot-1 (CF, 2N) as 15N labeled (NH4)2SO4 (13.172 atom %) on growth and N uptake by Italian ryegrass. A separate soil incubation without plants was set up by only blends of Scomp and CF. The results from pot culture experiment show that total plant biomass and N uptake from Bcomp were significantly higher than Scomp alone. Scomp combined with CF improved yield and N uptake over those of Scomp alone. For Scomp + 1N treatment, plant nitrogen uptake derived from compost and CF accounted for 29% and 56% of added N from Scomp and CF, respectively. The incubation study indicates that 16.08 - 29.62 mg·N·kg-1·soil·day-1 from inorganic-N were immobilized into organic pools, while only 0.40 - 0.66 mg·N·kg-1·soil·day-1 from organic-N were mineralized to inorganic pools. Because a part of additional N could be tied up in organic form, combining solids compost with chemical N fertilizer therefore need to consider the effective use of compost-N.

Carbon Sequestration in Soil Cooperated with Organic Composts and Bio-Char during Corn (Zea mays) Cultivation

Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the carbon sequestration in soils cooperated with organic composts and bio-char during corn cultivation. Methods and Results: For the experiment, the soil texture used in this study was clay loam, and application rates of chemical fertilizer and bio-char were 230-107-190 kg·ha-1 (N-P2O5-K2O) as recommended amount after soil test and 0.2% to soil weight. The soil samples were periodically taken at every 15-day intervals during the experimental periods. The treatments consisted of cow compost, pig compost, swine digestate from aerobic digestion system, and their bio-char cooperation. For estimating soil C sequestration, it is determined by the net balance between carbon inputs and outputs during corn cultivation periods. For the experimental results, it found that applications of aerobic swine digestate, cow compost, and pig compost could sequester C by 38.9%, 82.2% and 19.7% in soil, respectively, when bio-char from rice hulls was cooperated with soil. For plant responses, application of bio-char in the corn field for carbon sequestration was not occurred the damage of corn growth. Conclusion: When bio-char from rice hulls was cooperated with soil, applications of aerobic swine digestate, cow compost, and pig compost could sequester C by 38.9%, 82.2% and 19.7% in soil, respectively. Therefore, addition of bio-char with organic composts could have a potential soil C sequestration in agricultural practices.

Physico-Chemical and mineral analysis of composts fortified with NPK fertilizer, Ammonium Chloride and Kaolin

This work presents the physicochemical and mineral analysis of compost samples made from waste materials of cassava, vegetable, banana, orange, and cow dung fortified each with 100g of NPK, 100g of kaolin and 100g of ammonium chloride. Microbial analysis of the fresh compost samples revealed that the unfortified compost possesses more microbial load than the fortified samples. The physicochemical analysis showed that the kaolin fortified compost (KFC) has the highest ash content and phosphorus content while the unfortified compost (UC) contains the highest organic matter. All the compost samples have little nitrogen when compared with NPK chemical fertilizer. However, the fortification with kaolin, NPK and ammonium chloride increased the percentage of nitrogen over that of the unfortified compost by 38.8%, 56.23%, and 71.17% respectively. The fortification with kaolin, NPK, and ammonium chloride also increased the phosphorus content over that of the unfortified by 56.31%, 53.21% and 36.75%, respectively. The result of the mineral content showed that the fortification with NPK and ammonium chloride increased the magnesium content of the compost sample while fortification with kaolin increases the magnesium and calcium content. The nitrate and sulfate contents are reduced by the fortification with kaolin, NPK and ammonium chloride.

Field Evaluation of Non-aerated Sheep Manure and Water Jacinthe(Eichhornia crassipes)Composts Teas Effects on Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum L.)Health,Mycorrhization and Yield in Mali

This study was conducted in context to preserve tomato healthiness and to improve its yield in field.It aimed to assess some effects of non-aerated sheep manure and water jacinthe(Eichhornia crassipes)composts teas.It specifically consisted to evaluate two teas effects on tomato’s:(a)A.solani foliar disease,(b)yield and(c)mycorrhization intensity.The experiments were conducted according to completely randomized Fisher block with four repetitions.Three treatments were considered:plants receiving non-aerated sheep manure compost tea(TCFM),plants receiving non-aerated water jacinthe compost tea(TCJE),and control plants(T0)without compost tea application.The experiments were repeated twice.Teas application started at four-leaf stage of tomato plants.It was weekly and insured by manual foliar spraying and watering of the plants.To determine the preventive suppressive effects of compost teas,three days after its initial application,plants were artificially inoculated by foliar spraying with Alternaria solani sporal suspension.Data were analyzed with R software.Tukey Contrasts test at 5%threshold was used to compare means.Results showed that TCFM was the most suppressive on A.solani and also had enhanced tomato yield in field.Both teas did not have a meaningful effect on tomato mycorrhization intensity.These results showed that TCFM can serve as biopesticide and biofertilizer in tomato culture.

Impact of Composts Maturity on Growth and Agronomic Parameters of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>)

Several methods have been developed in the literature which allow the maturity of composts to be assessed before it is used in agriculture. The objective of this study is to assess the maturity of the composts produced at the platform of the NGO ENPRO in Lomé on the growth and agronomic parameters of maize (Zea mays L., var. IKENE). To do so, three types of compost (gargabe, fruit waste, animal litter) were made for at least 3 months. The chemical analysis, phytotoxicity and agronomic tests carried out made it possible to assess the maturity of these composts. Indeed, the evolution of the C/N ratio, of the electrical conductivity, the phytotoxicity tests and the growth parameters of the composts show that the composts N°1 and N°2 are mature at the end of the 3rd month of composting while the compost N°3 can only be considered mature at the end of the 5th month of composting. But, with a yield of 2.39 ± 0.28 t/ha and a mass of 1000 grains of 346 ± 4 g, the treatment at 5 t/ha of compost N°3, has the best agronomic parameters compared to other types of compost and treatment without organic amendment. These results also show that compost with a high electrical conductivity has an inhibitory effect on the growth of corn plants (Zea mays L., var. IKENE). Basic chemical analysis, phytotoxicity tests and height growth of maize (Zea mays L., var. IKENE) are relatively efficient methods for evaluating the maturity of composts.

Profit Analysis by Soil Carbon Sequestration with Different Composts and Cooperated with Biochar during Corn (Zea mays) Cultivation Periods in Sandy Loam Soil

Despite the ability of biochar to enhance soil fertility and to sequester soil carbon, its potential reduction of green house gas emissions and profit analysis with different organic composts and cooperated with biochar for crop cultivation have been a few evaluated. This study was conducted to estimate their greenhouse gas emission reduction and profit analysis by soil carbon sequestration with different organic composts and cooperated with biochar application during corn cultivation periods. For the experiment, the treatments were consisted of aerobic digestate of swine wastes (AD), pig compost as the control (PC), cow compost (CC) and pig compost cooperated with 1% biochar (PC + 1% biochar). The soil texture used in this study was sandy loam, and application rates of chemical fertilizer were 190-39-221 kg·ha-1 (N-P2O5-K2O) as recommended amount after soil test. The soil samples were periodically taken at every 15 day intervals during the experimental periods. It was observed that soil carbon sequestration by AD, CC and PC + 1% biochar application was estimated to be 429 kg·ha-1, 2366 kg·ha-1, and 3978 kg·ha-1, and their CO2-e emission reductions were estimated to be 0.16 tones for AD, 0.87 tones for CC, and 14.58 tones for PC + 1% biochar per hectar for corn cultivation periods. Their profits were estimated at $14.58 for lowest and $451.90 for highest. In Korea Climate Exchange, it was estimated to be $115.20 per hectar of corn cultivation with PC + 1% biochar. So, the price of CO2 per hectar for corn cultivation with PC + 1% biochar was high at 16.8 times relative to cow compost treatment only. For the plant growth response, it was observed that plant height and fresh ear yield were not significantly different among the treatments. Therefore, these experimental results might be fundamental data for assuming a carbon trading mechanism exists for biochar soil application in agricultural practices.

Split Addition of Nitrogen-Rich Substrate at Thermophilic and Mesophilic Stages of Composting: Effect on Green House Gases Emission and Quality of Compost

Composting as a solution to the increasing generation of municipal solid waste (MSW), also contribute to GHGs emission when not controlled and could lack some basic nutrients, especially nitrogen. This study assessed the split-additions of nitrogen-rich substrate to composting materials and their effect on GHGs emissions as well as the quality of the composts. Nitrogen-rich substrates formulated from pig and goat manure were co-composted with MSW for a 12-weeks period by split adding at mesophilic (˚C) and thermophilic (>50˚C) stages in five different treatments. Representative samples from the compost were taken from each treatment for physicochemical, heavy metals and bacteriological analysis. In-situ CH4, CO2, N2O gas emissions were also analyzed weekly during composting. It was observed that all the treatments showed significant organic matter decomposition, reaching thermophilic temperatures in the first week of composting. The absence affects the suitable agronomic properties. All nitrogen-rich substrate applied at thermophilic stage (Treatment two) recorded the highest N, P and K concentrations of 1.34%, 0.97% and 2.45%, respectively with highest nitrogen retention. In terms of GHG emissions, CO2 was highest at the thermophilic stage when N-rich substrate was added in all treatment, while CH4 was highest in the mesophilic stage with N-rich substrate addition. N2O showed no specific trend in the treatments. Split addition of the N-rich substrate for co-composting of MSW produced compost which is stable, has less nutrient loss and low GHG emissions. Split addition of a nitrogen-rich substrate could be an option for increasing the fertilizer value of MSW compost.

Assessment of the Characteristics of the Municipal Solid Waste Compost in Lebanon

Waste management is crucial due to the fast increase of human population, causing an increase in solid waste generation which if not properly managed causes environmental problems. Around 57% of the wastes generated from homes are made up of green material (fruits, vegetables…). Thus, reusing and recycling green wastes through composting is one way of reducing the waste load to landfills. Composting is the transformation of raw organic materials into organic soil amendments that provide nutrients to crops and enhance the tilth, fertility, and productivity of soils. Aerobic windrow composting system at Sukomi Greensite facility located at Karantina is performed, where materials biodegrade under controlled conditions to produce compost. However, assessment of the quality of the compost is fundamental in order to determine its usages. Thus, regular testing of physical, chemical and biological parameters was performed for adequate monitoring purposes. The basic objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of the Lebanese municipal solid waste compost on a yearly basis and compare these characteristics amongst the years. Hence, each parameter was tested and compared to the BNQ international Canadian standards for proper classification of the compost and adequate identification of its usages. The preliminary data obtained were statistically diagnosed through principal component analysis by Spadv55 software. All the data reflected the normal content value of the studied parameters with minor differences between the years except for year 2007 which demonstrated higher levels of Potassium, Phosphate, Lead and Cadmium. The characteristics of the compost enabled it to be used as a soil amendment on all types of agricultural and landscape commodities at the adequate dosages and proper timing. This data will additionally reflect the efficiency of the solid waste management practices adopted via highlighting the importance of the implementation of the integrated solid waste management practices.

Diverse molecular compositions of dissolved organic matter derived from different composts using ESI FT-ICR MS

Dissolved organic matter(DOM)derived from various composts can promote significant changes of soil properties.However,little is known about the DOM compositions and their similarities and differences at the molecular level.In this study,the molecular compositions of DOM derived from kitchen waste compost(KWC),green waste compost(GWC),manure waste compost(MWC),and sewage sludge compost(SSC)were characterized by electrospray ionization coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry(ESI FT-ICR MS).The molecular formulas were classified into four subcategories:CHO,CHON,CHOS,and CHONS.The KWC,MWC,and SSC DOM represented the highest fraction(35.8%-47.4%)of CHON subcategory,while the GWC DOM represented the highest fraction(68.4%)of CHO subcategory.The GWC DOM was recognized as the nitrogen-and sulfurdeficient compounds that were less saturated,more aromatic,and more oxidized compared with other samples.Further analysis of the oxygen,nitrogen-containing(N-containing),and sulfur-containing(S-containing)functional groups in the four subcategories revealed higher organic molecular complexity.Comparison of the similarities and differences of the four samples revealed 22.8%ubiquitous formulas and 17.4%,11.1%,10.7%,and 6.3%unique formulas of GWC,KWC,SSC,and MWC DOM,respectively,suggesting a large proportion of ubiquitous DOM as well as unique,source-specific molecular signatures.The findings presented herein provide new insight into the molecular characterization of DOM derived from various composts and demonstrated the potential role of these different compounds for agricultural utilization.

Comparative Evaluation of Humic Substances: Effect at Cell Level and Chlorophyll Retention during Accelerated Senescence

The influence of humic substances (HS) formulations derived from sedimentary and compost sources was studied on plant growth at cell level and chlorophyll retention during accelerated senescence of leaf tissue. The direct effect of HS formulations was studied on cell expansion using cucumber and radish cotyledon expansion test. The cucumber hypocotyl elongation test was used to study the effect on cell elongation. Chlorophyll pigment retention in excised leaf tissue incubated in dark with high temperature was assessed to study the effect on leaf senescence. Explant tissues were incubated directly in the solutions of the formulations at the concentration recommended for foliar application to the crop plants. HS formulations showed significant variations in their direct bio-stimulatory effects. Formulations derived from compost sources were found superior in terms of inducing a direct stimulatory effect on cell expansion and cell elongation and in maintaining chlorophyll pigment retention during accelerated senescence. HS from sedimentary sources stimulated cell expansion and delayed chlorophyll degradation to a lesser extent compared to HS from compost. However, HS formulations derived from sedimentary sources used in this study were not effective in inducing cell elongation in the cucumber hypocotyl elongation test. The direct bio-stimulatory effect of HS formulations differed significantly between the formulations that were evaluated.

Effects of Agro-Ecological Practices on the Productivity of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) and Soil Fertility in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

This study consisted to evaluate the effects of ecological practices on the yield performance of the JEWEL of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). The study was conducted in a Sudano-Sahelian cropping system (Lantargou, eastern region of Burkina Faso). Agro-ecological practices consisted of the inputs of 3.20 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash (CO + WA);4.90 t/ha of wood ash (WA);6.40 t/ha of compost (CO) were compared to control with no inputs (T0). Each treatment was repeated four times. The crop management consisted of plowing, harrowing, raising of ridges with 40 cm height, burying of treatments, transplanting of cuttings, two weeding’s, and using of biopesticide called PIOL for crop protection. Composite soil samples per treatment were also collected at tuber harvest and analyzed to determine the effects of treatments on residual soil fertility. Results showed that the plant heights and diameters under the CO were significantly (P < 0.001) improved by 16% and 12% compared to T0. The WA treatment significantly increased the number of large tubers by 43% (P ≤ 0.01) compared to T0. Total tuber numbers, large tuber numbers and tuber yields of sweet potato under CO + WA were significantly (P < 0.001) and respectively improved by 27%, 50% and 31% compared to T0. All treatments increased soil organic matter, N, P and K contents, and reduced soil acidity compared with those obtained under T0. Soil K content was improved by 39% under CO + WA, and soil N content by 34% under WA compared to T0. Soil C/N ratio under CO + WA was reduced by 20% compared others treatments. But, the CO + WA treatment outperformed by improving residual soil N content by 38%, and the WA treatment by increasing soil K content by 50% compared to T0. In addition, soil pHH2O increased by 1.2 units under WA treatment compared to T0. As conclusion, the application of 6.4 t/ha of compost performed well to improve the vegetative growth of orange-fleshed sweet potato while the inputs of 3.2 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash were efficacy to significantly increase the tuber yields and improve the residual fertility of soil.

Study of the Management and Recovery of Biodegradable Waste in the City of Kankan,Guinea

This research,carried out during September and October 2020 in the city of Kankan,made it possible to take stock of the city’s household waste management.The quantities of waste from the four main landfills in the city are assessed,namely:Sogbè(1350.3 m^(3)),Station(195.5 m^(3)),Station University of Kankan(2491.5 m^(3))and Salamani(369.6 m^(3)).Waste from three landfills/dumps was characterized for 26 days.This characterization covered 5,010.6 kg of waste,composed of 4263.9 kg of organic matter,462.1 kg of recyclable matter and 284.6 kg of inorganic matter.The survey concerned a target population of 403 inhabitants,which made it possible to determine a production ratio per habitant per day of(0.48 kg/habitant/d).Finally,a composting experiment of 2000 kg of organic matter was carried out.The results obtained during this study constitute the basic elements allowing defining a better policy of management of household solid waste in the city of Kankan.

Evaluation of Cobalt Application Combined with Gypsum and Compost as a Regulator of Cabbage Plant Tolerance to Soil Salinity

In response to the global food crisis and the imperative to address soil degradation, the international agricultural policy is actively working to alleviate the adverse impacts of soil salinity. As part of this initiative, a field trial spanning two consecutive seasons (2019/20-2020/21) was conducted under saline conditions. The primary objective was to evaluate the influence of various compost sources, including vermicompost at a rate of 0.5 ton·fed-1 and plant residues compost at a rate of 5.0 ton·fed-1, as main plots. Subplots were established by applying agricultural gypsum, both in the presence and absence of gypsum requirements. Additionally, sub-subplots were created by externally applying cobalt at a rate of 10.0 mg·L-1, with one sub-subplot receiving foliar cobalt application and the other not. The trial sought to assess the growth performance, chemical composition, enzymatic antioxidants, yield, and quality of cabbage plants (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) cultivated in saline soil. According to the findings, cabbage plants exhibited the most favorable response in terms of plant height, chlorophyll content, carotene levels, leaf area, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), head yield, vitamin C, and total dissolved solids (TDS) when treated with vermicompost, followed by plant compost. Conversely, plants grown without compost exhibited the least improvement in performance. Cabbage treated with agricultural gypsum requirements showed better performance than those without gypsum amendment. Moreover, plants subjected to cobalt spray demonstrated the highest growth, yield, and quality parameters compared to those without cobalt foliar application. In contrast, the control group (plants without the studied treatments) displayed the highest levels of enzymatic antioxidants, specifically catalase and peroxidase. This indicates that soil salinity stress led to an increase in catalase and peroxidase production in cabbage plants as a defense against the harmful impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from soil salinity stress. The applied treatments (compost, gypsum, and cobalt) led to a reduction in the cabbage plant’s inherent production of catalase and peroxidase. Generally, the combined treatment of vermicompost × gypsum requirements × cobalt proved effective in mitigating the detrimental effects of soil salinity on cabbage plants. These findings hold significance for farmers and policymakers aiming to enhance agricultural productivity in regions affected by soil salinity. Additionally, further research can explore the long-term effects of these treatments on soil health and crop sustainability.

An Evaluation of Manure Management Strategies, Phosphorus Surface Runoff Potential and Water Usage at an Arkansas Discovery Dairy Farm

Manure management is an essential component of dairy production. Nutrient-laden, field-applied dairy manure often serves as a fertilizer source, but can also pose environmental threats if not properly managed. The Haak dairy farm, located in Decatur, Arkansas, was granted a permit by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to employ a unique method in treating and storing cattle manure generated during the milking process. This method includes minimizing water use in wash water, dry scraping solids to combine with sawdust for composting and pumping effluent underground into a sloped concrete basin that serves as secondary solid separator before transporting the manure effluent into an interception trench and an adjacent grassed field to facilitate manure nutrient uptake and retention. The Arkansas Discovery Farm program (ADF) is conducting research to evaluate the environmental performance of the dairy’s milk center wash water treatment system (MCWW) by statistical analysis, characterization of phosphorus (P) migration in soil downslope from the inception trench, temperature measurements, and nutrient analysis of a stored dry stack manure/sawdust mixture. Goals included determining possible composting effectiveness along with comparisons to untreated dairy manure and quantifying the use of on-farm water. Results from this research demonstrated that: 1) The MCWW was effective at retaining manure-derived nutrients and reducing field nutrient migration as the MCWW interception trench had significantly higher total nitrogen (TN) (804.2 to 4.1), total phosphorus (TP) (135.6 to 1.5), and water extractable phosphorus (WEP) (55.0 to 1.0) concentrations in milligrams per liter (mg⋅L-1) than the downhill freshwater pond respectively;2) temperature readings of the manure dry stack indicated heightened levels of microbial and thermal activity, but did not reach a standard composting temperature of 54°C;3) manure dry stack nutrient content was typically higher than untreated dairy manure when measured on a “dry basis” in ppm, but was lower on an “as is basis” in ppm and kg/metric ton;and 4) water meter readings showed that the greatest use of on-farm water was for farm-wide cattle drinking (18.77), followed by water used in the milking center (3.45) and then followed by human usage (0.02) measured in cubic meters per day (m3⋅d-1). These results demonstrate that practical innovations in agricultural engineering and environmental science, such as the Haak dairy’s manure treatment system, can effectively reduce environmental hazards that accompany the management of manure at this dairy operation.

Effect of Organic Amendment on the Growth of Artemisia annua in the North of Côte d’Ivoire

Malaria causes many deaths around the world, particularly in Africa, which ultimately affects the socio-economic development of African countries. The resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to quinine-based drugs led to new studies showing the efficiency of new artemisin-based drugs. The molecule artemisin is extracted from Artemisia annua a plant from China that has been used for decades in traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this study is to improve the production of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) using organic fertilizers in the north of Cote d’Ivoire. To do so, a morpho-pedological characterization of the study site was firstly performed to determine the soil type and their fertility level. Then, a randomized complete block system including two factors (the quantity of compost and the plant density) was implemented to test the effect of organic amendment and plant arrangement on the growth of Artemisia annua. Six treatments were set up: a control plot (no compost) where the plants are arranged in square (T0D1) and the plants are arranged in staggered (T0D2). Then, a treatment with compost addition of 25 t/ha where the plants are arranged in square (T1D1) and in staggered (T1D2). A treatment with compost addition of 50 t/ha where plants are arranged in square (T2D1) and in staggered (T2D2). Our results showed that the soils hosting our experimentation are Arenithic Plinthic Ferrasols with a very low level of fertility, prone to leaching and erosion. T1D2 and T2D2 treatments obtained the highest yields of 2.82 t/ha and 3.91 t/ha, respectively. Our findings indicate that a high dose of organic amendment combined with a staggered plant arrangement strongly improves the biomass production of sweet wormwood. This is in agreement with previous studies showing that the addition of organic matter can restore the level of soil fertility by increasing soil porosity and the activity of micro and macroorganisms.

牛粪堆肥中添加抑菌剂对大肠杆菌的杀灭效果(英文)

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the sterilization effects on Escherichia coli by adding bacterial inhibitor(CaCN2)during the process of cattle manure composting so as to provide a theoretical basis for cattle manure harmless treatment.[Method] Both experimental groups supplemented with 2.0% bacterial inhibitor and control groups without bacterial inhibitor were cultured under different temperatures(20,30,37,50,60 ℃)to determine the optimal composing temperature.Under 30 ℃,different bacterial inhibitor doses(0,2.0%,2.5%,3.0%)were added into the compost to obtain the optimal bacterial inhibitor addition dose.[Result] 30,50 and 60 ℃ were ideal temperatures for sterilization of E.coli.Under 30 ℃,E.coli couldn't be detected in 2.5% dose group and 3.0% dose group after culture for 48 h,demonstrating no less than 2.5% bacterial inhibitor should be added.[Conclusion] It has an important significance to enhance the sterilization effects on E.coli by adding CaCN2 into cattle manure compost especially in winter.

Effect of Application of Vermicompost and Conventional Compost Derived from Different Residues on Pea Crop Production and Soil Faunal Diversity in Agricultural System in Garhwal Himalayas India

Sedentary crop-livestock mixed farming is the predominant agricultural land use in Central Himalaya upland and largely rainfed;agrochemicals are not used at all. Farmers focus on increasing yields with poor soil fertility management practices resulted in sharp decline in production of pea crop in the study site. Therefore in present study options are being looked into devising some conservation strategies that increase yields of pea while reducing harm to soil biodiversity at a local scale here. The present study explores the efficiency of P. excavatus as endemic earthworm species for vermicomposting, the potential utilization of Conventional oak based farmyard manure (FM-O);Conventional pine based farmyard manure(FM-P);Earthworm fed ? Cow dung + oak leaves based vermicompost (VC-O);Earthworm fed ? Cow dung + pine leaves based vermicompost (VC-P);freshly fallen leaf litter (LM) on pea crop productivity and soil faunal diversity in agricultural system, and if the changed soil faunal biodiversity scenario in any way affected the crop production. The higher uptake of nitrogen, higher germination percentage enhanced seedling growth, early emergence flower, increase number of pods, seed, husk , and root biomass was significantly higher in plants which received VC-O followed by VC-P as manure input treatments. The change in the diversity of soil micro arthropods in relation to quality change in organic residues input in experimental plots and expressed as the Simpsons diversity index showed that the diversity of soil fauna is related to improvements in soil conditions resulting from nutrient manipulations through vermicompost and conventional compost treatments. This response of soil biota to increased production most likely represents an increase in the availability of resources through addition of vermicompost when compared to other compost treatments. Alternatively, an increase in predators and therefore predation, could, increase the diversity of its prey, thereby decreasing dominant competitors and reducing the possibility of competitive exclusion, but this needs further studies. Chronosequence study during cropping season indicated that the composition and abundance of soil fauna in agricultural fields changed considerably with time under cultivation. This technology has now been adopted by the farmers in the area once again for growing the pea crop.