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Amending croplands with forest residues may help in restoring soil properties in fields subject to intensive land management. Despite their known benefits when applied separately, co-application of wood biochar with paper mill biosolids (PB) has seen little investigation under field conditions. A study was initiated in Québec, QC, Canada, to determine the effect of a single application of wood biochar with and without PB on the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability of two pH-neutral to alkaline loamy soils. Biochar at 0, 10, and 20 Mg dry weight·ha−1 and PB at 30 Mg wet weight·ha−1 were applied before planting of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in 2018. Residual effect of this co-application was determined under soybean and corn in the subsequent year. In both years, corn received supplemental N and P from mineral fertilizers according to local agronomic recommendations. Co-applying biochar and PB reduced soil NO3-N availability in the year of application and decreased corn yield by 1.0 Mg·ha−1 compared with biochar or PB applied alone, but these amendments did not affect soybean yields. In the following year, the previous biochar addition increased soybean yield by 0.6 Mg·ha−1 but had little effect on corn. For both years, biochar addition induced a large increase in soil Mehlich-3 P. This study revealed that wood biochar positively impacted P status of these soils but was not a source of N to crops even when co-applied with PB.

Declining carbon (C) content in agricultural soils threatens soil fertility and makes soil prone to erosion, which could be rectified with organic soil amendments. In a 4‐yr field trial, we made a single application of three different organic sludges from the pulp and paper industry and studied their effects on cereal yield, soil C content, and fungal and bacterial composition. In laboratory rainfall simulations, we also studied the effects of the soil amendments on susceptibility to erosion and nutrient mobilization of a clay‐textured soil by measuring the quality of percolation water passing through 40‐cm intact soil monoliths during 2‐d rainfall simulations over four consecutive years after application. A nutrient‐poor fiber sludge reduced wheat yield in the first growing season, but there were no other significant effects on cereal yield or grain quality. An input of ∼8 Mg ha−1 C with the soil amendments had only minor effects on soil C content after 4 yr, likely because of fast microbe‐mediated turnover. The amendments clearly changed the fungal and bacterial community composition. All amendments significantly reduced suspended solids (SS) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in percolation water. The effect declined with time, but the reduction in SS and TP was still >25% 4 yr after application. We attributed the lower tendency for particle detachment in rain simulations to direct interactions of soil minerals with the added particulate organic matter and microbe‐derived compounds that stabilize soil aggregates. In soils with low organic matter content, pulp and paper industry by‐products can be a viable measure for erosion mitigation.

To develop a new high-protein woody forage resource for livestock, we applied PacBio single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology to explore the community structure, species diversity, and metabolic gene clusters of nature microbes associated with paper mulberry (PM) silage fermentation. The microbial diversity and abundance were rich in PM raw material and decreases with the progress of silage fermentation. Woody ensiling is process that the dominant bacteria shifted from Gram-negative pathogenic Proteobacteria to Gram-positive beneficial Firmicutes. Lactic acid bacteria became the most dominant bacteria that affected fermentation quality in the terminal silages. Global and overview maps, carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were the important microbial metabolic pathways that impact final fermentation product of silage. PM is rich in nutrients and preserved well during ensiling, indicating PM can develop as new woody resources suitable for ruminants. PacBio SMRT sequencing revealed specific microbial-related information about silage.IMPORTANCEIn the tropics, there is often a shortage of forage during the dry season. Failure to obtain high-quality feed will reduce the milk and meat production of ruminants. Therefore, it is essential to maximize the use of land and biomass resources through strategic development of alternative feed. Paper mulberry (PM) is a perennial deciduous tree in tropics, with a variety of nutrients and biologically active ingredients, and it adapts to various soils and climates, with high production capacity, and low cultivation costs. In order to develop new potential woody forage, we firstly used PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology to explore the community structure, species diversity and metabolic gene clusters of natural microorganisms related to the fermentation of silage. PacBio SMRT revealed information about specific microorganisms related to silage, indicating PM can prepare as good-quality silage, and will become a new potential woody feed resources for livestock.

Trees planted in urban areas often suffer in the phase of transplanting. Transplanting is always a shock for plants, especially when they are moved from the nursery, where the environmental conditions are very favourable, to urbanized areas, where resources and maintenance are scarce. Moreover, some properties of urban soils, such as alkaline pH and compaction, make it difficult for trees to adapt. The industry of recycled paper produces tons of waste, which is a clean material composed mainly of cellulose that potentially can be used as a component in plant growing media. In the present experiment, the pelletized de-inking paper mill sludge has been added to the substrate with the aim of increasing the water storage and, at the same time, of contrasting compaction. Three species, Quercus ilex, Lagerstroemia indica, Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan', were planted in 40-L pots using two substrates: i) control, composed of peat+pumice (75%), green waste compost (20%) and zeolites (chabasite) 5%; ii) experimental, composed of municipal green waste compost (MGWC) 61%, pellet of de-inking paper mill sludge (PDS) 20%, pumice 13% and zeolites (chabasite) 6%. The substrates were analysed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity, and plants' responses were monitored by measuring trunk diameter, shoot length and chlorophyll content (SPAD). The experimental substrate resulted suitable to grow the trees in nursery. To use the waste in the experiment, we undertook a path to get permission from the local authorities who manage the industrial waste.

Hybrid poplars (Populus sp.) are increasingly implemented in agroforestry systems across the U.S., mainly for their biomass production, carbon allocation, and ecosystem services. While agroforestry systems are usually established on marginal land, soil amendments, such as paper mill fibercake residuals, can provide necessary nutrients such as nitrogen (N) to increase poplar yield. To assess the effects of such amendments on poplar early growth and establishment, three clones (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh × P. maximowiczii A. Henry ‘DM114’; P. deltoides × P. nigra L. ‘DN170’; P. nigra × P. maximowczii ‘NM2’) were grown in a greenhouse for 35 days in soils amended with fibercake residuals from two northern Wisconsin sources (Expera Specialty Solutions, EXP, Rhinelander, WI; Packaging Corporation of America, PCA, Tomahawk, WI). Trees were grown in eleven different soil treatments (one potting mix control, one nursery soil treatment, and nine nursery soil-fibercake blends), with soils mixed according to tillable depth and N application rates. Expera treatments produced 4–30% greater values for growth parameters (excluding root number) and 2% greater values for biomass parameters (excluding root dry mass and root–shoot ratio) than other treatments containing fibercake (i.e., PCA and combined EXP + PCA treatments). Clone ‘NM2’ produced the greatest values for all parameters tested, while ‘DM114’ and ‘DN170’ values were typically intermediate and low, respectively. ‘NM2’ grown in Expera soils produced the highest values for all parameters, suggesting that ‘NM2’ has potential for greater early growth and biomass production on agroforestry sites amended with Expera fibercake.

Pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) is applied on agricultural soils as an organic fertilizer. Although it is well accepted that land application of PPMS has benefits for soils and crops, information on PPMS-induced soil N2O emissions is still limited. We assessed the effect of substituting mineral N fertilizer for PPMS on soil N2O emissions after a single application at planting on a clay loam cropped to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) over two snow-free seasons in eastern Canada. Fertilization treatments consisted of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of crop N requirements derived from N supplied by PPMS, the remaining N being supplied as urea-N. Soil CO2 and CH4 emissions were also measured and not affected by the fertilizer addition; a slight CH4 oxidation occurred. Area-based N2O emissions from PPMS fertilization (4.4 to 12.1 kg N2O-N ha−1) were similar or higher than from urea alone (3.4 and 6.2 kg N2O-N ha−1). Although crop yields were not affected by the type of fertilizer, yield-based N2O emissions, N uptake efficiency and N surplus (applied N minus aboveground N uptake in crop biomass) indicated that N availability from the mineral fertilizer was higher than from PPMS for the wheat crop. However, treatments with PPMS had fertilizer-induced N2O emission factors (FIEF, applied N lost as N2O-N; 0.8 to 3.1%) similar to urea alone (−0.3 and 4.5%). Although substituting urea-N with PPMS in agricultural fields might reduce N2O emissions under moderate soil moisture conditions, PPMS land application produced greater N2O emissions under high soil moisture conditions. Further research on a variety of agricultural practices is needed before concluding that including PPMS in the fertilization plan could result in a global GHG abatement as compared to mineral fertilizers under the cool climate of eastern Canada.

In this study, it was aimed for effective utilization of paper mill sludge through vermicomposting by varying seed proportion with sp. Eisenia fetida. Nine plastic trays were used for the experimental work including control. Different seed proportions of cow dung and cattle dung were tested. The multiplication of earthworms in terms of number was counted at the end of vermicomposting. The N, K, Ca, Na values of the manure in each vermibin were estimated before and after vermicomposting. In this study, it was concluded that tray A2 which has combination of 75% Cow dung (CD) and 25% Paper Mill Sludge (PMS) provided better nitrogen synthesis and lowering C/N ratio, whereas tray A4 (25%CD + 75% PMS) yielded better Calcium recovery. Both the seed materials were found to be suitable for Potassium recovery. From this study, it was inferred that vermicomposting of paper mill sludge with sp. Eisenia fetida along with seed materials can also solve the problem of disposal of this sludge.

Micronutrients are essentially as important as macronutrients to have better growth, yield and quality in plants. There requirement by plants is in trace amounts. Boron, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium and molybdenum constitute main micronutrients required by different crops in variable quantities. The requirement of micronutrients is partly met from the soil or through chemical fertilizer or through other sources. Various physical and metabolic functions are governed by these mineral nutrients. Boron is particularly essential in pollen germination, copper plays major role in photosynthesis and increases sugar content in fruits, chlorophyll synthesis and phosphorus availability is enhanced by manganese, iron acts as an oxygen carrier and promotes chlorophyll formation, while, zinc aids plant growth hormones and enzyme system. Yield and quality of agricultural products increased with micronutrients application, therefore human and animal health is protected with feed of enrichment plant materials. Each essential element only when can perform its role in plant nutrition properly that other necessary elements are available in balanced ratios for plant. therefore in the plant manganese plays an important role on oxidation and reduction processes, as electron transport in photosynthesis. Manganese deficiency has very serious effects on non-structural carbohydrates, and roots carbohydrates especially. Crops quality and quantity decreased due to manganese deficiency, and this is due to low fertility of pollen and low in carbohydrates during grain filling. In the xylem routes zinc is transmitted to divalent form or with organic acids bond. In the phloem sap zinc makes up complex with organic acids with low molecular weight, and increases its concentration. Zinc deficiency can be seen in eroded, calcareous and weathering acidic soils. Zinc deficiency is often accompanied with iron deficiency in calcareous soils. Iron in the soil is the fourth abundant element on earth, but its amount was low or not available for the plants and microorganisms needs, due to low solubility of minerals containing iron in many places the world, especially in arid region with alkaline soils.

The potential growth of buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) and couch grass (Cynodon dactylon) on artificial floating islands (AFIs) and their ability to remove total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) from a simulated paper mill wastewater was studied. This was done to assess the potential of AFIs for removal of nutrients from aerated stabilization basins (ASBs) that had occasional growth of blue-green algae (BGA) to bloom levels. Small scale AFIs were prepared using polyethylene foam and planted with the grasses in 30 L of tested water. Trials were conducted in a plastic covered greenhouse over a three-month period where temperatures ranged from 15 to 44 °C. The results showed that both buffalo and couch grasses can adapt to planting in AFIs showing increases of 125% and 148% in wet weight, respectively. Nutrient uptake by buffalo grass and couch grass were found to be similar. Percentage uptakes of TP and TN from the synthetic water by the buffalo grass were 82% and 47%, whereas by couch grass, uptakes were 83% and 45%, respectively.

Regulatory policies to manage land application of organic materials are risk based, with focus on the quality of these residuals. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) determined that limited information was available on pulp and paper biosolids (PPB) with respect to human enteric pathogens. To address this data gap, MOECC conducted an extensive survey (2005-2006) across Ontario to characterize the microbiological quality of PPB. Quantitative testing was performed for fecal indicators (, enterococci, ) and enteric pathogens (, , , and ) using matrix-validated methods. Comparative benchmark materials (soils and soil amendments) were analyzed concurrently for risk comparison. Results showed that detection rates in PPB were low, 5 to 25% for pathogens and

The effects of varying concentrations of urea, phosphogypsum and paper mill sludge (PMS) on the morphology, histology, tissue protein content, lipid peroxidation (LPX), activities of lactat...

The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most economically damaging plant-parasitic nematodes. Molecular studies of the plant–RKN interaction have been vigorously carried out in dicotyledonous model plants, while the host range of M. incognita is wide including monocotyledonous plants. As M. incognita causes quality and yield losses in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivated in both upland and irrigated systems, we developed a method to examine the plant–RKN interaction in this model monocotyledonous crop plant. Here, we show that a transparent paper pouch could be used to evaluate nematode infection rates in rice with similar results to that of the traditional soil method. The system using a transparent paper pouch can be used to observe the spatial and temporal distribution of developing galls and can save the space of growth chamber.

Recently, many studies involving plant-microorganism relationships in the rhizosphere of multitudinous important economic crops revealed a clear signature of the host plant in shaping its rhizosphere microbial composition and structure. The nutrient preference of host plant was suggested to be one important factor determining the structure and assembly of the rhizosphere microbiome, but the proof for this hypothesis is still not enough. In this study, soil microbiomes in the rhizosphere of two Paper mulberry varieties with different nitrogen absorption and utilization efficiency were investigated using a short term pot experiment in controlled greenhouse, and the physicochemical properties were also determined. The results showed that, compared to the control plants, the mutated Paper mulberry variety with high N demand reduced the microbial growth significantly and changed the bacterial and the fungal composition in the rhizosphere soils, and alkaline nitrogen was identified to be the most significant factor affecting soil microbial community. Moreover, the effects of excessive consumption of soil nutrient during Paper mulberry cultivation on the microbiome was revealed, and it could be employed in field water and fertilizer management of Paper mulberry planting. This study further confirmed that the soil nutrient status resulting from the plant nutrient preference drives the development of a plant-specific microbiome.

The aim of the study was to determine the properties of pulp and paper produced from wheat stubble (Triticum aestivum L.), using soda-oxygen-sodium borohydride (NaBH4) cooking method. Whole wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.) was also used for comparison with stubbles. The morphological and chemical properties of the raw materials were investigated. The results showed that stubble had high holocellulose, cellulose, and alpha-cellulose contents and low lignin content. Fiber length, fiber width, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness were measured in order to determine suitability of the fibers for pulp and paper production. The values were used to calculate fiber parameters. The effects of these parameters on paper strength were also discussed. The effect of NaBH4 on the yield and chemical, physical, and optical properties of pulp and paper were investigated. The addition of NaBH4 increased pulp yield by 4.1 %, and improved the physical and optical properties of the pulp. The physical and optical properties of the stubble pulp were better than those of whole wheat straw pulp. It was concluded that these characteristics demonstrate the suitability of wheat stubbles for pulp and paper production.

Alkaline residues of recycled paper production (ARRP) can be an alternative for correcting soil acidity and adding bases to Pinus taeda L. systems. Our aim was to investigate the effect of increasing doses of ARRP on tree, forest floor (litter and root), and soil composition in a 3-year-old Brazilian pine forest plantation. In 2007, ARRP treatments of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 T ha−1 were imposed. Tree growth and needle elemental composition were evaluated in 2008 and 2018; elemental composition of the trunk was evaluated in 2018. In 2017, accumulation and composition of litter layers were assessed: new litter, old litter, first and second sublayers of fragmented litter (Fr and Fm), and the humified layer (H); roots present in F and H layers were quantified (amount and elemental composition). In addition, soil chemical properties at different depths were evaluated in 2008, 2012, and 2017. The application of ARRP improved growth by ~ 16% up to 20 T ha−1 after 10 years. Also, ARRP increased Ca concentration in needles, trunks, roots, and all litter fractions since Ca was a major component of ARRP. There was no change in total litter accumulation with ARRP application, but an increase in the humidified fraction was observed. Root growth was enhanced by ARRP, leading to great changes in root composition in Fr and H fractions. Changes in soil pH, Ca2+, and Al3+ were observed in the 0–10 cm soil layer. Findings suggest that application of ARRP to established pine forests has the potential for improving productivity.

Long-term irrigation using wastewater from paper industry may cause seriously problems to the receiving soil. This work surveyed and monitored the soil quality of a wastewater irrigation wetland system in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province in China in 2014 and 2015. Τhe wetland soil showed different soil properties and TX, AOX, heavy metal contents after long-term wastewater irrigation. Long-term irrigation also accumulated the heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb in the wetland soil. Compared to the control, TX in the irrigated soil increased by 47.7–69.8% (2014) and 61.5–83.1% (2015). AOX varied in concentration from 1.7 to 55.0 mg kg−1 (2014) and 11.0 to 53.0 mg kg−1 (2015). The long-term irrigation of wastewater to wetland systems caused the accumulations of heavy metals, TX, and AOX in the soil and the levels of accumulations were related to several factors including soil properties, wastewater quality, and irrigation time.

The paper industry performs an essential role in the global economy of the world. A study was conducted on the paper mill sludge that is applied on the Khaya senegalensis for 4 crop cycle for 1 year growth at glasshouse, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Paper Mill Sludge (PMS) and composted Recycled Paper Mill Sludge (RPMS) was used with nitrogen (0, 150, 300 and 600 kg ha-1) at the ratio of 1:1 (Recycled Paper Mill Sludge (RPMS): Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB). The growth parameters were measured twice a month for 6 months. Plant nutrients and heavy metal uptake were determined. The paper mill sludge has the potential to be a supplementary N fertilizer as well as a soil amendment. The application of RPMS with N, significantly contributed to the improvement in plant growth parameters such as plant height (193 cm), basal diameter (27.00 mm), total plant biomass and improved soil physical and chemical properties. Total concentrations of heavy metals in soils were below the critical values. Hence, the paper mill sludge can be successfully used as soil amendment in acidic soil without any serious threat. The use of paper mill sludge for soil fertility, shows improvement in land application and signifies a unique opportunity to recycle sludge back to the land to alleviate the potential waste management problem.

The impact of sewage water from a pulp and paper mill on the anatomical and biochemical parameters of submerged and semisubmerged plants has been assessed. The pro-oxidant and antioxidant plant responses and changes in their anatomical parameters in relation to industrial pollution are detected. Submerged plants are more subjected to a negative impact of sewages than semisubmerged plants.

Disposal of paper mill effluent is a problem. A study was undertaken to determine the potential of an agro-residue-based paper mill effluent as an alternative of irrigation water on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L), var. Hybrid-7. The study was conducted during the rainy (July to October) and winter (November to February) seasons of 2011 and 2012. Doses of paper mill effluent of 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% were used along with bore well water (control). Paper mill effluent increased electrical conductivity (EC), pH, organic carbon (OC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), calcium (Ca2+), iron (Fe2+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), phosphate (PO43−), sulfate (SO42−), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) of soil in both seasons. There were no changes in soil water-holding capacity and bulk density due to fertigation. Agronomic performance of S. oleracea increased due to treatment with 5% to 25% paper mill effluent and decreased due to treatment with 50 to 100...

Paper mill sludge (PMS) is a residual biomass that is generated at paper mills in large quantities. Currently, PMS is commonly disposed in landfills, which causes environmental issues through chemical leaching and greenhouse gas production. In this research, we are exploring the potential of fast pyrolysis process for converting PMS into useful bio-oil and biochar products. We demonstrate that by subjecting PMS to a combination of acid hydrolysis and torrefaction pre-treatment processes it is possible to alter the physicochemical properties and composition of the feedstock material. Fast pyrolysis of pretreated PMS produced bio-oil with significantly higher selectivity to levoglucosenone and significantly reduced the amount of ketone, aldehyde, and organic acid components. Pretreatment of PMS with combined 4% mass fraction phosphoric acid hydrolysis and 220 °C torrefaction processed prior to fast pyrolysis resulted in a 17 times increase of relative selectivity towards levoglucosenone in bio-oil product along with a reduction of acids, ketones, and aldehydes combined from 21 % to 11 %. Biochar, produced in higher yield, has characteristics that potentially make the solid byproduct ideal for soil amendment agent or sorbent material. This work reveals a promising process system to convert PMS waste into useful bio-based products. More in-depth research is required to gather more data information for assessing the economic and sustainability aspects of the process.

Paper surface efficiency was developed by Preucil and was intended to define the colourimetry and geometrical part of the light reflection with paper surface values. The surface characteristics of paper, primarily its roughness and absorptivity affect colour reproduction beside the ink pigments or dye. Rougher paper surfaces scatter the light in a more non-uniform manner while paper absorption may cause ink vehicle absorption and thus decreasing gloss, or it may absorb both vehicles and pigment-producing an unexpected colour shift. The formula was upgraded with paper whiteness values as the basic formula did not explain the whole phenomena. These paper properties were the foundation of the paper standardisation for standardised printing. On the other hand, during inkjet printing, a limited amount of liquid is deposited onto a paper surface. When the droplet hits the surface, it starts to spread and wet the surface depending on the ink and paper properties and had different colourant deposition from the formulas used mainly for offset printing inks. In this paper, we have researched the modified surface efficiency formula applied to inkjet printing (HP PageWide Pro 477dw) on invasive and agro-residue papers with specific non-white paper shades. We have measured the dynamic liquid penetration using ultrasound measurement to model the surface behaviour of the inks and measured CIE LCH values of the samples and calculated the CIE ΔE00 colour differences and the influence of paper surface efficiency and paper shade influence on the colour reproduction. The results indicate that using recalculated Cobb Absorption values gives good negative linear correlation with the original formula regarding the magnitude of colour difference.

Pulp and paper mill waste, such as biomass fly ash and sewage sludge, is commonly disposed of in landfills. This waste can be valuable as nutrients and C sources for degraded soils. Ash and sludge samples were chemically characterized before ash/sludge pellets were experimentally manufactured for use as soil amendment. An incubation experiment was carried out with controlled moisture and temperature; nutrient input and N mineralization were evaluated at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d intervals using three pellet types with different proportions of ash, sludge, and gypsum (as a binder) and applied at four doses equivalent to 0, 10, 20, and 40 Mg ha-1. Results indicated that the Alfisol that was amended with pelletized residues increased P Olsen and exchangeable K and Ca contents, as well as soil pH (p < 0.05) in direct response to the applied doses. Organic matter decreased during incubation at all the doses and pellet types (p < 0.05); however, N mineralization did not show a clear pattern during incubation. Nitrogen mineralization potential (N0) was different depending on pellet types and application rates; Pellet 2 (10% sludge) exhibited the highest N0 values, while Pellet 3 (20% sludge) had lower N0 than the control. Pulp and paper mill waste can be used to amend degraded soils by creating sustainable use through pelletizing because it facilitates transport and can evenly distribute sludge and ash on soils in a single application.

Peatlands are crucial sinks for carbon in the terrestrial ecosystem, but they are jeopardized by their use as fuel or as growing media. Much research has been performed aiming to find high quality and low cost substrates from different organic wastes, such as coir, compost, sewage or paper sludges, and thus decrease peat consumption. The main objective of this work is to study the effect on peat and coir-based growing media of deinking sludge (R) and biochar obtained by pyrolysis of deinking sludge at 300 °C (B300). For this reason, mixtures of peat or coir with deinking sludge and corresponding biochar were prepared mixing them at 50/50 v/v ratios. The results showed that it is possible to improve the chemical and hydrophysical properties of peat and coir with addition of biochar and deinking sludge. Indeed, biochar increased air space, water holding capacity and total porosity of peat-based growing media whereas for coir, the best hydrophysical properties were obtained after deinking sludge addition. Finally, the use of biochar plus peat as growing media can increase lettuce yield by more than 100% with respect to peat growing media, which can be related with the improvement of hydrophysical growing media properties. This yield increment along with the reduction of the over-exploitation of peat can justify the use of biochar as growing media in spite of the cost associated to the pyrolysis process.

Acidic, metalliferous mine tailings are hostile environments for vegetation growth. Despite this, Betula papyrifera (paper birch) has emerged as a primary colonizer in metal contaminated areas. This study assessed foliar nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency in B. papyrifera growing on two Ni-Cu (nickel-copper) tailings sites and two smelter-impacted sites near Sudbury, Ontario, in Canada. Soils at the smelter-impacted sites were more acidic, with significantly higher OM (organic matter) and P (phosphorus), whereas soil at the tailings sites had much higher concentrations of many metals. The primary limiting nutrients in the tailings were P and K (potassium), which were below reported foliar critical thresholds for paper birch, whereas foliar nitrogen (N) concentrations indicated sufficiency. Despite much lower pre-senescence foliar P and K concentrations, trees growing on tailings did not resorb nutrients more effectively than those at smelter-impacted sites. Wide within-site variation in foliar nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency may indicate that there are physiological constraints to nutrient resorption in contaminated sites, preventing trees from fully resorbing foliar P and K. The similarities in P resorption proficiency despite large differences in pre-senescence chemistry indicate that there may be critical physiological limits below which paper birch are incapable of resorbing nutrients.

Sintim, Henry/0000-0002-7702-2510; Flury, Markus/0000-0002-3344-3962 WOS: 000412255400021 Plastic mulch films are often used in agriculture to conserve soil moisture. Most of the plastic mulch currently used worldwide is made of non-biodegradable polyethylene, which has to be removed and disposed after harvest, incurring significant environmental costs. Biodegradable paper or plastic mulch could offer a valuable alternative to polyethylene. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of biodegradable mulches and standard polyethylene mulch on soil moisture dynamics during a growing season. A field experiment was carried out with pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), which were irrigated and grown on raised beds covered with the following mulch treatments: no mulch, biodegradable paper, biodegradable plastic, and polyethylene. Soil moisture was measured at 10- and 20-cm depths. A numerical model (HYDRUS-2D) was used to simulate the moisture dynamics under the different mulch treatments, each represented by different boundary conditions at the soil surface. Polyethylene mulch, which created an impermeable surface layer, effectively reduced evaporation and maintained highest water content among the treatments. Biodegradable paper mulch, which was partially permeable to evaporation and rainfall throughout the growing season, resulted in soil moisture that was intermediate between that obtained for no mulch and polyethylene. Biodegradable plastic mulch, which was similar to that of polyethylene mulch initially in terms of effects on soil moisture, disintegrated during the growing season and allowed rainfall to penetrate and water to evaporate from the soil surface. Field data and model simulations both indicate that the biodegradable paper and plastic mulches provide comparable soil moisture dynamics as polyethylene mulch. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative, Coordinated Agricultural Project [2014-51181-22382]; Western Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Program [2015-3864023779]; International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [2219] Financial support for the research was provided by the USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative, Coordinated Agricultural Project (Award 2014-51181-22382) and the Western Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Program (Award 2015-3864023779). Mustafa Saglam was supported by the International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program (No. 2219) from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). We thank Ed Scheenstra, and Babette Gundersen, WSU Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center at Mount Vernon, WA, for help during the field experiments. We thank Douglas Hayes and Sreejata Bandopadhyay, University of Tennessee, for helpful comments on the manuscript.

Vermitechnology is gaining recognition as an environmental friendly waste management strategy. Its successful implementation requires that the key operational parameters like earthworm stocking density be established for each target waste/waste mixture. One target waste mixture in South Africa is waste paper mixed with cow dung and rock phosphate (RP) for P enrichment. This study sought to establish optimal Eisenia fetida stocking density for maximum P release and rapid bioconversion of RP enriched cow dung-paper waste mixtures. E. fetida stocking densities of 0, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5 and 22.5 g-worms kg(-1) dry weight of cow dung-waste paper mixtures were evaluated. The stocking density of 12.5 g-worms kg(-1) resulted in the highest earthworm growth rate and humification of the RP enriched waste mixture as reflected by a C:N ratio of12 and a humic acid/fulvic acid ratio of1.9 in final vermicomposts. A germination test revealed that the resultant vermicompost had no inhibitory effect on the germination of tomato, carrot, and radish. Extractable P increased with stocking density up to 22.5 g-worm kg(-1) feedstock suggesting that for maximum P release from RP enriched wastes a high stocking density should be considered.

To date there have been no reports of methods to determine Tinopal CBS-X. We developed a rapid and simple method to determine the Tinopal CBS-X content in rice noodles and rice papers using HPLC equipped with fluorescence detection. Heating the rice noodles and rice papers to 80°C after adding 75% methanol solution induced the release of Tinopal CBS-X from processed rice products. Tinopal CBS-X was separated using an isocratic mobile phase comprising 50% acetonitrile/water containing 0.4% tetrabutyl ammonium hydrogen sulphate at pH 8.0. The samples suspected to be positive by HPLC analysis were then confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. This study also investigated the Tinopal CBS-X content of three rice noodle products and two rice papers. The limits of quantification for rice papers and rice noodles were 1.58 and 1.51 µg kg(-1), respectively, and their correlation curves showed good linearity with r(2) ≥ 0.9997 and ≥ 0.9998, respectively. Moreover, rice papers had recoveries of 70.3-83.3% with precision ranging from 5.0% to 7.9%, whereas rice noodles had slightly lower recoveries of 63.4-78.7% and precisions of 8.5-11.5%. Only one rice noodle product contained Tinopal CBS-X, at around 2.1 mg kg(-1), whereas it was not detected in four other samples. Consequently, Tinopal CBS-X from rice noodles and rice papers can be successfully detected using the developed pre-treatment and ion-pairing HPLC system coupled with fluorescence detection.

The application of industrial residuals in agriculture may raise concerns about soil and crop metal accumulation. A complete study using a fractionation scheme would reveal build-up in metal pools occurring after material addition and predict the transformation of metals in soil between the different forms and potential metal release into the environment. An experimental study was conducted from 2000 to 2008 on a loamy soil at Yamachiche, Quebec, Canada, to evaluate the effects of repeated annual addition of combined paper mill biosolids when applied alone or with several liming by-products on soil Cu, Zn, and Cd fractions. Wet paper mill biosolids at 0, 30, 60, or 90 Mg ha and calcitic lime, lime mud, or wood ash, each at 3 Mg ha with 30 Mg paper mill biosolids ha, were surface applied after seeding. The soils were sampled after 6 (soybean [ (L.) Merr.]) and 9 [corn ( L.)] crop years and analyzed using the Tessier fractionation procedure. Results indicated that biosolids addition increased exchangeable Zn and Cd, carbonate-bound Cd, Fe-Mn oxide-bound Zn and Cd, organically bound Cu and Zn, and total Zn and Cd fractions but decreased Fe-Mn oxide-bound Cu in the uppermost 30-cm layer. With liming by-products, there was a shift from exchangeable to carbonate-bound forms. Even with very small metals addition, paper mill and liming materials increased the mobility of soil Zn and Cd after 9 yr of application, and this metal redistribution resulted into higher crop grain concentrations.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) seeds were germinated and grown for 35 days in an organic standard substrate contained in either plastic, peat, paper, or newspaper containers to determine whether the container material might affect growth. Days to emergence, days to first leaf, and developmental morphological traits and physiological characteristics were monitored. Differences in evaporation and pH of water in contact with the containers were measured in separate experiments. Evaporation was lowest from plastic and highest from peat containers, while pH was lowest with water in contact with peat containers. Plant growth was fastest and most robust in plastic containers as demonstrated by their shoot height, stem diameter, and root and shoot dry weights. Seedlings grown in newspaper containers presented exceedingly poor growth and showed signs of stress.

Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. is native to Central America and Mexico, but now grows naturally in most tropical areas globally. It is a neglected and underutilized; medium to small sized tree of multiple values. It is commonly known as wild tamarind in English and subabul in Hindi. In recent years, Leucaena has gained a great attention for its utilization as raw material on large scale for pulp and paper industries and manufacturing of packaging material. Present paper deals with distribution, morphological description, current utilization, future prospective and propagation of this species. During the present study we have standardized macro-propagation technique for L. leucocephala. We used fly ash amended sand to develop rooting media for vegetative propagation of L. leucocephala and assess its potential as a rooting media. Root formation was significantly high (p

Purpose: Due to environmental concerns, efforts are made to replace the use of peat in horticultural growth media by organic wastes. Four growth media were prepared with the purpose of achieving ad...

A large amount of sheep dung (SD) produced on farms in China is a potential feedstock for production of clean energy in the form of biogas. Similarly, waste paper can be a notable energy source that is worth exploiting. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of co-digesting nitrogen-rich SD with the carbon-rich corrugated board (CB) or waste office paper (OP) in varying volatile solids (VS) ratios, to produce methane. Synergistic effect of co-digesting SD with CB and SD with OP on methane production was found in this study. The highest methane yields of 151.62 and 198.85 mL/g-VS were obtained during the co-digestions of SD with CB at 4:1 ratio (SDCB) and SD with OP at 2:3 ratio (SDOP), respectively. High-throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the microbial diversity and richness in SDCB and SDOP co-digests were higher than in SD and OP mono-digests, respectively. Characteristic bacteria and archaea in the digests were strongly substrate-related and might contribute to methane production. The validated results indicated that methane production through anaerobic co-digestion of SD and waste paper can be an efficient way that could not only reduce environmental pollution but also contribute to methane production.

This study investigated the potential of methane production of thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of diluted pulp and paper sludge (DPPS) with diluted pig manure (DPM). The mixture ratios, that is, pulp and paper sludge (PPS) and pig manure (PM) were mixed with tap water to create slurry with a volatile solid (VS) content of 4% as substrate, respectively. The co-digestion was carried out in a 2 liter reactor tank which was stirred semi-continuously with a five phase organic loading rate (OLR) consequently the contents were being drawn-and-fed daily. This experimental design was operated by a triplicate with steady state operations during a thermophilic condition of 50 � C and a constant solid retention time (SRT) of 10 days. The results demonstrated that the co-digestion of DPPS and DPM mixture ratio (50:50) resulted in higher methane production, specific methane yields (SMY), and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) removal efficiency. The highest methane content of biogas, SMY, volatile solid (VS) degradation rate and SCOD removal efficiency of 5654 ± 421%, 7158 ± 875 ml-CH4/g-VSadded ,5 574 ± 027% and 8354 ± 632%, respectively, were achieved with process stability. However, it added too high mixture ratio of PM to reduce methane yield and SCOD removal efficiency. This study showed that there was a good potential of PPS and PM on thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion for methane production.

Earthworms have been successfully used in the vermicomposting of different organic residues to produce vermicompost. Therefore, three different earthworm species Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavates were utilized for the conversion of dewatered sludge (DS) of pulp and paper mill into stable compost. DS was mixed with saw dust (SD) in four different proportions such as (50:50, 60:40, 70:30 and 80:20). Stability analysis of compost was study by stability parameters i.e. C/N ratio, oxygen uptake rate, CO2 evolution and biodegradable organic matter. Compost stability studies revealed that the final compost became stable in all proportions with every earthworm species. However the substrate combination of DS and SD (70:30) proved to be the best mixture on an overall basis with earthworm species E. fetida.

Land application of residuals from the forest industry can help to restore soil fertility, but few studies have assessed the effects of metal accumulation in plants. An experimental study was initiated in 2000 on a loamy soil at Yamachiche, QC, Canada, to evaluate the effects of repeated annual applications of combined paper mill biosolids, when applied alone or with several liming by-products. This study assessed the accumulation of Cu, Zn, Mo, and Cd in plants and soil after 6 (soybean [ (L.) Merr.]) and 9 [corn ( L.)] crop yr. Wet paper mill biosolids at 0, 30, 60, or 90 Mg ha were surface applied after seeding. Calcitic lime, lime mud, and wood ash were applied wet each at 3 Mg ha with 30 Mg wet paper mill biosolids ha. Repeated applications of paper mill biosolids increased plant and soil metal concentrations after 6 and 9 yr in the order of Cd > Mo (soybean) > Zn > Cu. Liming increased soil pH and Mo availability and decreased Zn and Cd availability. Metals in crop stover responded more positively to applications than those in grains, but the concentrations in plant tissues were generally well below critical values. The Cu/Mo ratio of soybean plants at pH > 6.8 fell below 2:1, however, and may pose a risk for inducing Cu metabolism disorder in ruminants. Results of this study indicate that paper mill biosolids and alkaline residuals, when applied with respect to regulations and soil pH, have a limited effect on metal accumulation in plants and soil.

The pulp and paper industry is a very large consumer of fresh water,and almost all the input reappears as effluent requiring treatment and disposal.As poplar can recycle organic residues from wastewater due to its high water and nutrient use,paper mill effluent(PME) could serve as a source of water and nutrients for poplar plantations.Consequently,irrigating poplar plantations with PME will reduce the need for other inputs of irrigation and fertilization.However,some elements(e.g.Na) which commonly occur in PME also represent a potential risk to poplar growth,since they have only moderate tolerance to salinity.Improper irrigation can result in toxicities and nutrient imbalance in plants.We hypothesized that diluting PME with pure water to a suitable concentration could avoid negative effects and would have better irrigation and fertilization value.In this study,a pot experiment was conducted from June to September in 2009 to investigate the effect of irrigation with different dilutions of PME on(1) the growth and nutrient status of one-year-old triploid Populus tomentosa seedlings and(2) soil chemical properties.The experiment included five PME irrigation treatments which diluted the concentration of PME to 12.5%(1F7Q),16.7%(1F5Q),25%(1F3Q),33.3%(1F2Q) and 50%(1F1Q),respectively.A control pure water irrigation treatment(CK) was also included.At the end of the experiment,height,ground-level diameter,and biomass of the seedlings in all treatments were measured as indicators of plant growth,total N and P of stems,leaves,and roots were analyzed to indicate plant nutrient status,and soil chemical properties(pH,organic matter,total N,available N and P) were also measured.PME irrigation had no significant effect on the pH and available P content of the soil(P0.05),but percentages of organic matter,total N,and available N increased significantly with increasing concentration of PME(P0.05).With appropriate dilution,PME irrigation significantly increased the N content in roots and leaves and the P content in stems(P0.05),but had no significant influence on the P content in leaves and roots and the N content in stems(P0.05).The growth of P.tomentosa seedlings increased markedly when the concentration of PME increased from 12.5%(1F7Q) to 16.7%(1F5Q),but when the concentration continued to increase(1F3Q,1F2Q,1F1Q),increments in ground-level diameter and height decreased gradually.Relative to the CK treatment,the increment of ground-level diameter and height of P.tomentosa seedlings following only the 1F5Q treatment were significantly higher(102% and 47% respectively,P0.05).Biomass of P.tomentosa seedlings in the 1F5Q and 1F3Q treatments reached 247 and 230 g,respectively,which were significantly higher than the CK treatment(19.3% and 11.1%,P0.05).However,no significant difference was detected between the other PME treatments and CK(P0.05).In conclusion,PME irrigation promoted the growth of P.tomentosa seedlings,and increased plant nutrient status and soil fertility.When the dilution concentration of PME was appropriate,the growth of P.tomentosa seedlings was significantly improved by PME irrigation.Consequently,our findings suggest that PME can be used to irrigate P.tomentosa seedlings,but it should be diluted to an appropriate concentration.From our results,it is recommended that the dilution concentration of PME should be 16%—25%,and trials are needed to validate these conclusions under field conditions.

Vermistabilization of paper mill wastewater sludge (PMS) spiked with cow dung (CD) at ratios of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% was carried out employing the earthworm, Eisenia fetida. A total of five treatments were established and changes in chemical and microbial properties of mixtures were observed. Vermistabilization caused decreases in total organic carbon, C:N ratio and cellulose by 1.2-1.5, 4.6-14.6, and 2.3-9.7-fold, respectively, but increases in pH, electrical conductivity, ash content, (tot)N, (avail)P, (tot)P, (exch)K, Ca, Na, and N-NO(3)(-) of 1.06-1.11, 1.2-1.6, 1.3-1.6, 3.8-11.5, 4.1-6.5, 5.7-10.3, 1.7-2.0, 1.16-1.24, 1.23-1.45, 4.2-13.4-folds, respectively. PMS with 25-50% of CD showed the maximum mineralization rate. The fungal, bacterial and actinomycetes population increased 2.5-3.71, 3.13-8.96, and 5.71-9.48-fold, respectively after vermistabilization. The high level of plant-available nutrients indicates the suitability of vermistabilized material for agronomic uses.

Sorghum halepense, one of the fast-growing highly unpalatable grass species with high biomass, was evaluated for its fiber properties to be used as an alternative raw material for pulp and paper production. The fiber properties were compared with other wood and nonwood fibers. The fiber length of 1.76 mm was observed, which was close to low end of the deciduous wood. The length was found to be more than Eucalyptus grandis (1.06 mm), which is used widely for pulp and paper production. The strength properties were also comparable to other nonwood fibers. From the derived values, it was observed that Sorghum halepense is a potential raw material that can be used in mixtures with other raw materials for pulp and paper production.

Root system architecture (RSA) plays an important role in the acquisition of both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from the environment. Currently RSA is rarely considered as criteria for selection to improve nutrient uptake efficiency in crop breeding. Under field conditions roots can be greatly influenced by uncontrolled environment factors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop fast selection methods for evaluating root traits of young seedlings in the lab which can then be related to high nutrient efficiency of adult plants in the field. Here, a maize recombination inbred line (RILs) population was used to compare the genetic relationship between RSA and nitrogen and phosphorous efficiency traits. The phenotypes of eight RSA-related traits were evaluated in young seedlings using three different growth systems (i.e., paper roll, hydroponics and vermiculite), and then subjected to correlation analysis with N efficiency and P efficiency related traits measured under field conditions. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) of RSA were determined and QTL co-localizations across different growth systems were further analyzed. Phenotypic associations were observed for most of RSA traits among all three culture systems. RSA-related traits in hydroponics and vermiculite weakly correlated with Nitrogen (NupE) uptake efficiency (r = 0.17–0.31) and Phosphorus (PupE) uptake efficiency (r = 0.22–0.34). This correlation was not found in the paper roll growth system. A total of 14 QTLs for RSA were identified in paper rolls, 18 in hydroponics, and 14 in vermiculite. Co-localization of QTLs for RSA traits were identified in six chromosome regions of bin 1.04/1.05, 1.06, 2.04/2.05, 3.04, 4.05, and 5.04/5.05. The results suggest the problem of using the phenotype from one growth system to predict those in another growth system. Assessing RSA traits at the seedling stage using either hydroponics or a vermiculite system appears better suited than the paper roll system as an important index to accelerate the selection of high N and P efficient genotypes for maize breeding programs.