Effects of Two Composted Plant Pesticide Residues,Incorporated with Trichoderma viride,on Root-Knot Nematode in Balloonflower

Plant pesticide residues, such as chinaberry （Melia toosendan） residue and sand cypress （Sabina vulgaris） residue, are pesticidal plant materials discarded after the bioactive ingredient has been extracted with organic solvents. The only option for botanical pesticide residue utilization has been as landfill. Chinaberry residue （CBR） and sand cypress residue （SCR） were collected and composted in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China. We studied the effects of chinaberry residue compost （CBRC）, CBRC incorporated with Trichoderma viride （CBRCT）, sand cypress residue compost （SCRC）, and SCRC incorporated with T. viride （SCRCv） on the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, infesting the balloonflower （Platycodon grandiflorum）. Bioassay results indicated that stock solutions of the CBRCT and SCRCT extracts significantly inhibited egg hatching and caused high larval mortality, followed in degree by the CBRC and SCRC extracts. The CBR and SCR extracts caused very low inhibition of eggs and larvae. Supplementing potting mixtures with these four composts reduced the severity of root galling and increased the proportion of marketable roots. The severity of root galling decreased and the average weight of the marketable roots increased with an increase in all the composts when supplemented at rates from 5 to 30%. CBR- and SCR-supplemented pot soils also inhibited the nematodes, but CBR and SCR applied to the soil had a phytotoxic effect and inhibited balloonflower growth. Supplementing field soil with the composts reduced the severity of root galling and the populations of southern root-knot nematodes in the soil. CBRCT and SCRCT clearly enhanced the average weight of the marketable roots by 30.45 and 26.64%, respectively. Continuous supplementation with CBRCT or SCRCT in the same field significantly enhanced the control of the root-knot nematode, and the populations of nematodes continued to decrease with second inoculations. The populations of total Trichoderma spp. were distinctly enhanced and were maintained at high levels for a long time in the supplemented soils.

Effect of Composted Rock Phosphate with Organic Materials on Yield and Phosphorus Uptake of Berseem and Maize

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of composts prepared from different organic materials with rock phosphate (RP) on yield and P uptake of berseem and their residual effect on maize crop (cv. Azam) during 2011-2012. Composts prepared from RP fed farm yard manure (FYM), simple FYM, organic waste and city garbage were applied at the rate based on their P concentrations. Composts significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased total dry matter weight of Berseem in first and second cut over control. Residual effect of the prepared composts was determined on yield and plant P uptake of maize in the same layout of Berseem. Maximum and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher maize grain yield, total dry matter yield and stover yield of 3161 kg·ha-1, 9633 kg·ha-1 and 6472 kg·ha-1, respectively were recorded by the residual effect of compost of organic waste with half dose of SSP. Thousand grains weight of 220 g was noted in the treatment of residual effect of compost of RP fed FYM with half dose of SSP. Post harvest soil N and P concentrations improved with composting. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) increases in N and P uptake by berseem and maize plants were observed with added composts. Results suggest that the use of composts prepared from different organic materials with RP is environmental friendly and has potential to improve crops yield and plants N and P uptakes for a prolonged time.

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.

Screening of Fermentation Starters for Organic Fertilizer Composted from Chicken Manure

In order to find fermentation starters that can promote rapid and effective composting of chicken manure,shorten the fermentation period,and improve the compost quality,fermentation starters with different microbial combination ratios(C1,C2,C3,C4 and C5) were designed and fermentation experiment was carried out on these five fermentation starters,commercially available organic fertilizer starter(SS),and chicken manure without inoculating fermentation starter. In the process of the fermentation,the changes in the fermentation temperature,water content and pH value were monitored; the effects of organic manure on the germination rate and growth of rapeseed seeds were measured;viable count,water content,and pH value of prepared fermentation starters were measured; main indicators( organic matter,nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium) of organic fertilizer generated from fermentation were measured. From the indicators,the formula C3 and C4 were better,in the beginning of fermentation,the temperature rose rapidly,and it reached 40 ℃ in the second day; the water content dropped to below 35% in the 18 th day; the pH value underwent the process of declining-rising-stable,and the overall value showed slight rise,but the change was not great( 0-0. 5). C3 and C4 fermentation products had better effects on the germination and growth of rapeseeds. The germination rate of the rapeseed seeds was 100% and 97. 5% and the bud length was 15. 94 mm and 14. 57 mm,respectively,and the root length was45. 97 mm and 39. 44 mm,respectively. The content of organic matter in fermented organic manure was 86. 62% and 85. 17% respectively,and the total content of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium was 8. 85% and 8. 22% respectively,and the pH was 7. 5 and 8. 0 respectively.All of these complied with the industry standard NY525-2012( organic matter ≥ 45%,and nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium ≥ 5%,pH 5. 5-8. 5). The fermentation of fresh chicken manure was completed within 20 days,conforming to the requirements of large-scale organic fertilizer production factory for composting chicken manure into organic fertilizer.

Variation of Nutrient Value in Selected Composted Farm Wastes

Smallholder farming is promoted for its environmental friendliness, assurance of food security sovereignty and conservation of indigenous knowledge. However, in actual practice, Smallholder farmers recycle farm plant waste to improve soil fertility. By so doing, they contribute to environmental pollution, emissions, and global warming. This situation is a Smallholder farmers’ challenge worldwide. One of these challenges is the inability to find cheaper sources of plant nutrients. These sources of nutrients are associated with environmental pollution, such as the release of Methane. This study focused on farm wastes (bean trash, maize trash, banana trash, cattle slurry, goat slurry, and pig slurry) commonly produced by smallholder farmers in two farming systems of Masaka and Lyantonde Districts to explore the effects of composting and surface decomposition on nutrients contained in farm wastes by specifically: estimating baseline nutrient contents in farm wastes before disposal, determining the variation of nutrients of farm wastes managed by composting and surface decomposition and the potential source of major nutrients among selected farm wastes. Through carbon analysis, Calorimetric determination of Nitrogen and Phosphorus analysis using a block digester and UV-Visible spectrometer, Carbon, Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus were determined from bean trash, maize trash, banana trash, cattle slurry, goat slurry, and pig slurry. Results revealed that goat slurry, chicken waste, maize trash and pig slurry contained more and retained more P, K, C and N, respectively, as compared to other farm wastes. Significant volumes of N and P were retained in composted materials as compared to those managed by surface decomposition.

Growth Response of Bacterial Antagonists in a Mix of Composted Wood Fibre Waste and Millet Seed under Sterile and Non-sterile Conditions

The potential use ofcomposted wood fibre waste （WFW） for the cultivation of bacterial antagonists of Sclerotinia minor was examined with the result that a mix of millet seed （20% w/w） and WFW, suitably amended with nutrients, proved to be an ideal matrix for the growth of some of these bacteria. Densities in terms ofcfu＇s ranged from 8.5 IOgl0 cfu/g dw to 10.5 logl0 cfu/g dw ullder sterile conditions after 14 days incubation. Lower population densities of the antagonists were achieved under non-sterile conditions in the compost： millet mix of between 7.9-9.3 logm cfu/g dw at the same period. However, when applied in a pot （glasshouse） trial to protect against S. minor, the millet seed appeared to stimulate the growth of this pathogen resulting in a high incidence of attack of lettuce plants after 2-3 weeks. Although the percentage of healthy seedlings increased following application of compost mix grown antagonists （at a rate of 5% v/v） when compared to the control treatment, these values were not statistically significant （p〉0.05） in most cases. Therefore, the use of millet seeds cannot be recommended as a nutrient supplement for the bacterial antagonist cultivation, if to be subsequently used to control fungal pathogens in the field.

New mechanism of FA in composted sludge inducing Cu fixation on Albite in open-pit mine soil

Fulvic acid(FA),typical organic matter derived from humification process in composted sludge,possesses the potential to remediate mine soils contaminated by heavy metals.To understand the cooper(Cu)immobilizing process in open-pit mine soil induced by FA,changes of Cu speciation in mixture of open-pit mine soil and composted sludge was tracked over 180 days.It was observed that the organic-bound and residual fraction of Cu increased dramatically with the corresponding decrease of Fe/Mn oxide-bound Cu in the first 60 days,then the organic-bound fraction decreased to about its initial proportion during 60-120 days,while residual fraction still increased,and the proportion of residual Cu accounted for over85%and became stable after 120 days.To reveal the mechanism of FA inducing Cu fixation on Albite which is the main phase of soil primary ore,two groups of Cu adsorption experiments with and without FA were designed.With the addition of FA,the adsorption capacity of Cu by Albite increased by 1.55 times and the content of residual Cu in Albite increased by7.7 times.It was found that the Cu absorbed in smaller Albite particle induced by FA formed a secondary mineral——Chrysocolla,causing increase of residual fraction of Cu.These results revealed the mechanism:FA was absorbed on the surface of Albite after complexing with Cu ions in the solution,and then it induced Cu into the interlayer and pore channels of Albite.The Cu in the Albite was immobilized by forming Chrysocolla finally.

Comparative effects of composted organic waste and inorganic fertilizer on nitrate leachate from the farm soils of northern Guam

The purpose of this study was to quantify the release of nitrate into vadose zone as well as the nitrogen-holding capacity of compost applied on calcareous soils of northern Guam amended with both inorganic fertilizer and composted organic waste,to examine potentially adverse effect of these nutrient materials to groundwater quality.Three different nitrogen levels each of the composted organic waste and the inorganic fertilizer were applied to corn(maize)(farmland)study plots for three consecutive seasons,two dry and one rainy season.During each season,soil organic matter(SOM,w/w%)content and carbon-nitrogen ratio(C/N,w/w%),were determined for analysis of the nitrogen-holding capacity of these calcareous soils.Nitrate levels in soil pore water were also determined for study of potential groundwater contamination.For three seasons,compost plots showed higher SOM%contents and lower C/N%than fertilizer plots.That is,compost-treated soils showed higher SOM content and adsorbed more nitrogen under normalized soil mass than did fertilizer-treated soils.Nitrate levels in pore water were generally higher on compost plots during early stages of corn but were generally higher on fertilizer plots during active leaf,tasseling,and maturity stages.During the rainy season,nitrate leachate seemed to increase,but this trend could not be confirmed because rainfall amounts were not measured.Overall,composted organic waste proved to be a good amendment for soil productivity and agricultural sustainability while reducing nitrate leachate from northern Guam farmland.

Sustainable Management of Biodegradable Waste in Guinea: Effect of Compost on Eggplant and Chilli Crop Yields Pepper

The fight against insalubrity in large urban and peri-urban agglomerations is a major challenge in developing countries. This problem is compounded by that of sustainable waste management mechanisms. Indeed, the current waste collection system in Guinea has proved inadequate, as moving garbage from point “A” to point “B” is tantamount to “moving the problem”. The aim of this experimental work is to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and benefits of sustainable waste management. As part of this drive to valorize biodegradable waste, the Waste Management Research Center has undertaken a series of activities ranging from composting organic waste to testing compost on certain crop varieties. An experimental field of 8024 m2 was laid out and treated with 1500 Kg of fine compost in doses ranging from 2.5 to 5 T/ha. Two crop varieties, eggplant and chili, were tested. Compost application increased production yields: 15 to 21 tonnes of eggplant and 10.4 to 11.1 tonnes of chili per hectare. Growth rates compared with usual yields varied from 50% to 64% and from 11% to 17% for eggplant and chili, respectively. This study resulted in an optimum compost dose of 2.5 T/ha for this phase.

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.

Effect of Different Rates and Mixtures of Solid Household Waste and Faecal Sludge-Based Composts on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Dschang, West Cameroon

The unbalanced and inadequate use of fertilizers is one of the causes of soil degradation. Combined with the ever-increasing population, it is necessary to find sustainable agricultural production alternatives. The present work aims to determine the effect of different rates and mixtutes of organic amendments on soil fertility and the performance of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). In the field, treatments consisted of solid household waste and faecal sludge in the ratios of 3/5 (V1), and a mixture of faecal sludge and household waste in the ratio of 3/5 with 900 worms (V2). At the end of the composting process, V1, V2 composts and the poultry manure (PM) were applied at rates of 4, 5 and 6 t∙ha−1 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were collected before and after the experiment and analyzed. The main results revealed that at the end of the composting process, there was a progressive improvement in the physico-chemical properties of V1 and V2 composts. In particular, the C/N ratio, phosphorus (P) and total nitrogen (TN) initially at 16.49 ± 0.42 (V1, V2), 21.06 ± 0.07 mg∙kg−1 (V1, V2), 0.76% ± 0.08% (V1, V2) respectively, increased after 60 days to 12.40 ± 0.41 (V1), 9.74 ± 0.28 (V2) for C/N, 21.94 ± 0.63 mg∙kg−1 (V1) and 22.04 ± 0.04 mg∙kg−1 (V2) for P, 0.96% ± 0.0% (V1) and 1.22 ± 0.04 (V2) for TN. The application of 6 t∙ha−1of PM had the greatest influence on the diameter and weight of the flower heads (27.16 ± 4.01 t∙ha−1 and 230.83 ± 2.64 t∙ha−1), while 4 t∙ha−1 of V2 gave the tallest sunflower plants (110.07 ± 73.28 cm) as well as the diameter at the crown (19.30 ± 9.07 cm). However, CEC was most influenced by 4 t∙ha−1 of V1, while 4 t∙ha−1 of PM had the greatest effect on organic carbon and phosphorus. However, 5 t∙ha−1 of PM showed the highest sunflower production and yield (1.67 ± 0.21 t∙ha−1). The combination with 900 earthworms is recommended for composting and 5 t∙ha−1 of PM is recommended to obtain a better sunflower production.

Urban Soil Compaction Remediation by Shallow Tillage and Compost in Hydroseeded Lawn

Construction activities often involve removal of topsoil and compaction of the exposed soil by heavy equipments. Such compacted soils with low organic matter can lead to low infiltration and poor vegetation establishment. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tillage (shallow till) and compost on soil physical and biological properties in a hydroseeded lawn as a post-construction best management practice for soil compaction remediation. The experimental site received a total of four land treatments in five replicated trials and it was hydroseeded with common Bermuda grass: 1) No Tillage + Compost (NT-C), 2) No Tillage + No Compost (NT-NC;control), 3) Tillage + Compost (T-C), and 4) Tillage + No Compost (T-NC). Bulk density (BD), infiltration rate (IR), and wet aggregate stability (WAS) in each plot were measured to assess soil physical properties while soil organic matter (SOM) and enzyme activity (β-glucosidase, acid-phosphatase, and alkaline-phosphatase) were measured for soil biological properties. Over a 15-months of monitoring period, the shallow tillage loosened the soil initially, but its effect on BD without compost was diminished to control plot level (NT-NC) within 4 months after hydroseeding. Both tillage and compost led to an increase in IR, and it remained higher than control by 2 - 3 times throughout the observation period. The WAS and β-glucosidase activity decreased in tilled plot unless there was compost application. Turfgrass showed greener leaves and aggregated roots in the compost-amended plots (NT-C and T-C). Our results suggest that compost application plays a key role in improving soil physical and biological properties in hydroseeded lawns from construction sites.

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.

Sterilization Effects of Bacterial Inhibitor on Escherichia coli in Cattle Manure Compost

[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.