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The aim of the research was to assess the quality of organic matter contained in sewage sludge composting products and their co-composting with fly ash and mineral wool. The object of the research were composts produced using stabilized sewage sludge from the municipal sewage treatment plant (SS_1C) and sewage sludge with the addition of 20% (SSF_2C) and 30% (SSF_3C) of fly ash and 5% (SSW_4C) and 10% (SSW_5C) of mineral wool. Selected physicochemical properties, fractional composition of humic compounds, and the degree and rate of humification were determined in compost samples taken after 180 days of composting. The reaction of the evaluated composts was close to optimal for mature composts. Co-composting of sewage sludge with mineral wool and ash increased the sorption capacity in composts compared to SS_1C. Due to the content of available P and Mg, the discussed composts formed the SS_1C>SSF_2C and SSF_3C>SSW_4C and SSW_5C series. However, in terms of available K content: SSF_2C and SSF_3C>SSW_4C and SSW_5C>SS_1C. In the SS_1C compost the organic carbon (TOC) content was slightly higher, but no statistically significant effect of the addition of fly ash and mineral wool on the TOC content in mature composts was confirmed. The addition of ash and mineral wool significantly increased the total nitrogen content. Due to the humification index, the composts formed the series: SSW_4C > SSW_5C > SSF_2C > SS_1C > SSF_3C. The values of the C-KH/C-KF ratio in SS_1C were typical for good quality soils, while in the remaining composts the C-KH/C-KF values were slightly lower. The degree of humification of the assessed composts was characterized by poorly humified organic materials, with the highest values of this indicator found in composts with the addition of mineral wool. The assessed quality indicators of organic matter indicate that the organic matter of composts from sewage sludge with the addition of mineral wool and 100% sludge was of the highest quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging demand for food coupled with increasing agricultural use of hazardous chemicals is propelling development of environmentally sustainable nanotechnologies. Nanoscale materials derived from green sources like plants and microbes could transform agriculture via nanosensors detecting toxins, precise nutrient delivery systems, soil and water monitoring, plant growth promotion and reduced reliance on agrochemicals. Though no single nano-enabled solution offers complete sustainability currently, this analysis explores varied sustainable nanotechnology applications to bolster crop yield, protection and surveillance through innovative farming methods. However, progress commercializing and researching these technologies remains restricted. Elucidating complex nanomaterial behaviors in environments, thoroughly evaluating functionality and distribution plus instituting robust governmental oversight are essential prerequisites for fully harnessing green nanotechnology's potential to enable sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of coal mining waste and its mixtures with municipal sewage sludge and waste rock wool from cover crops on the formation of selected properties of degraded anthropogenic soil. Under the conditions of a pot experiment, coal mining waste and its mixtures with 2.5 and 5% sewage sludge and mixtures supplemented with 1% addition of waste rockwool from cover crops were introduced (in a ratio of 1:1) into the degraded anthropogenic soil. White mustard was grown on the substrates in the first year and maize in the second year. The pH, EC, and sorption properties were determined in soil samples taken before of the plants and after their harvest. The results showed that the addition of coal mining waste and its mixtures with municipal sewage sludge and waste rock wool improved the soil pH and sorption properties. The management of coal mining waste and waste optimising its properties for the production of fertilizing agents can be an effective strategy within a circular economy, which at the same time will increase the efficiency of the management of degraded and poor-quality soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]