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This work aimed to access the contents and chemical forms and to estimate mobility and availability of cooper and zinc in samples from two soils (Haplortox and Paleudult) previously treated with doses of sewage sludge (SS) and municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), besides a control treatment. Largest percentages of Cu and Zn were determined in the organic matter fraction. Zn showed higher percentages of soluble and exchangeable fractions than Cu. Treatments with SS showed higher potential of Cu and Zn availability. Modifications in soil attributes due to residue application affected metal mobility and availability indexes.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of different organic residues on soil fertility and climate change, through the evaluation of soil organic matter mineralisation, greenhouse gas emission, nutrient availability and soil microbial biomass content and activity. A degraded agricultural soil was amended with three different organic residues (pig slurry digestate, rapeseed meal, and compost) at three different doses (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5% w/w) and incubated for 30 days at 20 ºC. During incubation, soil CO2 and N2O emissions, K2SO4 extractable organic C, N, NH4+, NO3- and P, soil microbial biomass and some enzymatic activities were determined. Results obtained showed that rapeseed meal and pig slurry are best suited to improve soil chemical and biological fertility, while compost is more appropriate for the enhancement of soil organic matter content and to promote soil C sequestration.

The objective of this work was to study the poultry litter composting and evaluate the physico-chemical and microbiological transformations as a time-function. At the end of composting, an increase of humification matter, a decrease of microbial diversity and the elimination of pathogens were observed. Results showed that poultry litter was liable of composting, without any nutritional complementation or inoculation and the process occurred similarly to other kind of organic residues.

The purpose of this work was to analyze the effects of plant spacing within rows by means of applying or not applying chicken manure to the soil cover in the growth and yields of roselle biomass. The treatments consisted of five spacings between plants (0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45 and 0.50 m) and the application or non application of chicken manure to the soil cover in a dose of 10 ton. ha-1, arranged in randomized blocks of 5 x 2 with four replicates. The maximum plant height (282.92 cm) was achieved at 200 days after the transplant (DAT), with 0.35 m between plants and without the application of chicken manure. The leaf area was significantly influenced by the interaction of the spacings between plants and the application of chicken manure, presenting a linear growth of 32,009 cm2 plants-1. The biggest fresh and dry weight yields in leaves were 31,571 and 3,339 kg ha-1, respectively, with a 0.30 m spacing between the plants. The biggest yields of both fresh and dry weights of the stems and fruits of roselle plants were obtained in the soil with chicken manure.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de espaçamentos entre plantas dentro das fileiras e do uso ou não de cama-de-frango na cobertura do solo sobre o crescimento e a produção de biomassa de plantas de rosela. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco espaçamentos entre plantas (0,30; 0,35; 0,40; 0,45 e 0,50 m) e do uso ou não de cama-de-frango em cobertura do solo, na dose de 10 t ha-1, arranjados como fatorial 5 x 2, no delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A altura máxima da planta (282,92 cm) foi alcançada aos 200 dias após o transplante (DAT) sob 0,35 m entre plantas e sem o uso de cama-de-frango. A área foliar foi influenciada significativamente pela interação espaçamentos e cama-de-frango e cresceu linearmente com os espaçamentos entre plantas, sendo de 32.009 cm2 planta-1 com cama. As maiores produções de massas frescas e secas de folhas foram de 31.571 e 3.339 kg ha-1, respectivamente, sob 0,30 m entre plantas. As maiores produções de massas frescas e secas de folhas, caules e frutos de plantas de rosela foram obtidas em solo com cama-de-frango.

Foi estudada a utilização de Lolium perenne L. e de diferentes resíduos orgânicos (RO) na fitoestabilização controlada de solos degradados por atividades mineiras (Mina de Aljustrel, Faixa Piritosa Ibérica). Apesar da aplicação dos RO ter permitido a imobilização de Cu, Pb e Zn no solo, baixando a fracção efetivamente disponível, os teores foliares destes elementos não diminuíram significativamente. Os factores de acumulação (FA) obtidos, FA(Cu) e FA(Pb)

A incorporação de resíduos de culturas ao solo em lavouras de arroz irrigado tem o potencial de melhorar as características físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo e acelerar as reações de oxirredução durante o alagamento, proporcionando maior disponibilidade de nutrientes para as plantas, que respondem com maior crescimento e maior absorção de nutrientes. Com o objetivo de determinar a concentração de nutrientes na solução do solo e quantificar a absorção de nutrientes e o crescimento de plantas de arroz submetidas a quantidades crescentes de resíduos de azevém aplicadas na superfície do solo, foi conduzido um experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi delineado em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, sendo utilizadas como tratamentos doses de resíduos de azevém (0,0; 1,25; 2,5; 5,0; 7,5 e 10,0Mg ha-1) aplicadas na superfície de um Planossolo. Sementes de arroz pré-germinadas da cultivar 'BRS 7 Taim' foram semeadas na superfície do solo, que foi alagado 15 dias após, e as plantas foram cultivadas por um período de 45 dias. Nas plantas de arroz, foram avaliados a massa seca da parte aérea e os teores dos nutrientes: N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu e Zn. Na solução do solo, foram avaliados o potencial redox (Eh), o pH e as concentrações de Mn, Fe, K, Ca e Mg. Os resultados mostraram que a adição de doses crescentes de resíduos de azevém na superfície do solo alagado, até a dose máxima de 10Mg ha-1, intensificou o processo de oxirredução do solo, aumentando a concentração de Mn, Fe, Ca, Mg e K na solução do solo, aumentou os teores de K e Fe na parte aérea das plantas de arroz e aumentou a massa seca de arroz.The incorporation of ryegrass residues on the soil in rice irrigated fields can improve the physical, chemical and biological soil properties. It can also accelerate the redox reaction during the soil flooding, allowing a higher availability of nutrients to the plants, which responds with a higher growing and nutrient absorptions. The objectives of this research are to quantify the nutrient absorptions, the rice crop growing, and to determine the concentration of nutrients in the soil solution on a flooding Albaqualf soil. For this, increasing doses of ryegrass residues were applied in the soil surface. A greenhouse experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design with six doses of ryegrass residues (0.0; 1.25; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10.0Mg ha-1) applied to the soil surface. Cultivar 'BRS 7 Taim' pre-germinated seeds were sown in plastic pots. The soil in the pots was flooded 15 days after this procedure and plants were hept in this condition for an additional 45 days. In the rice plants were evaluated the dry matter weight of the shoots and the following nutrients: N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn. In the soil solution were evaluated the redox potential (Eh), pH, and the concentration of Mn, Fe, K, Ca, Mg. Results show that the addition of increasing doses of ryegrass residues in the flooded soil surface until 10Mg ha-1 strengthened the soil redox reaction process increasing the concentration of Mn, Fe, Ca, Mg and K in the soil solution. It also increased the K and Fe contents in the aerial part of rice plants as well increased their dry matter weight.

Os dejetos líquidos de suínos servem como fonte de nutrientes às plantas, porém, quando o seu uso é inadequado, podem causar o acúmulo de P no solo, que posteriormente pode ser transferido para o meio aquático, causando eutrofização. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o potencial de risco de contaminação ambiental com o uso de dejeto líquido de suíno, mensurando as alterações ocorridas no teor de P no solo e nas isotermas de sorção. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arenico. Foram utilizadas as doses de 0, 40 e 80 m³ ha-1 de dejetos líquidos de suínos, distribuídos a lanço sobre a superfície antes da semeadura de cada espécie numa rotação de culturas. A aplicação de dejeto líquido de suínos na superfície do solo sob sistema plantio direto, aportando quantidades de P superiores àquelas exportadas pelas culturas, aumentou o P disponível do solo até 15 cm de profundidade. A saturação dos sítios de adsorção de fosfato do solo, avaliada pelos parâmetros de equação de Langmuir, é proporcional à dose de dejetos líquidos de suínos. A concentração de P na solução de equilíbrio P, a quantidade de P dessorvida com água e a constante que pode dar informação sobre a afinidade do fosfato com o solo da superfície foram alteradas pela aplicação de dejetos líquidos de suínos, indicando um favorecimento à dessorção de P caso estes sejam erodidos para mananciais de águas superficiais.Pig slurry serves as plant nutrient source, but may cause phosphorus accumulation in the soil when used improperly, which later can be transferred to the aquatic environment causing eutrophication. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential risk of environmental contamination by continuous use of pig slurry, measuring alterations in phosphorus content in the soil and in the sorption isotherms. The study was carried out at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, in a Typic Hapludalf. The effects of applying 0, 40 and 80 m³ ha-1 pig slurry broadcast over the soil surface before sowing of each species in a crop rotation were studied. The pig slurry, applied on the soil surface under no tillage, contained phosphorus quantities superior to those exported by crops, which increased the available soil phosphorus to a depth of 15 cm. The saturation of the soil phosphate adsorption sites, as indicated by the parameters of the Langmuir equation, was proportional to the pig slurry rate. The pig slurry application altered the concentration of phosphorus in the equilibrium solution, the amount of phosphorus desorbed with water and the constant describing the affinity of phosphate for the substratum surface. The observed changes point to a risk of phosphorus desorption in case the sediments are transferred to surface water bodies.

A utilização de resíduos orgânicos, como fertilizantes e condicionadores de solo, requer sua maturação e monitoramento da qualidade do material resultante. A vermicompostagem é uma técnica que, ao longo do processo, elimina os potenciais efeitos adversos dos resíduos à saúde humana e ao solo. A avaliação das substâncias húmicas (SH) nos produtos finais quanto à quantidade e à qualidade permite inferir sobre o grau de estabilidade e maturidade dos vermicompostos. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade de seis vermicompostos das seguintes matérias-primas: esterco bovino (EB), esterco ovino (EO), esterco suíno (ES), esterco de codorna (EC), borra de café (BC) e de erva-mate (BE) com respeito ao teor de ácidos húmicos (AH) e de ácidos fúlvicos (AF) e às suas características químicas, após 70 dias de compostagem. O fracionamento químico da matéria orgânica foi realizado com base na solubilidade em meio básico e ácido e a distribuição de cada fração calculada como percentual do C total. Foram calculados os índices de humificação: percentual de AH e razão AH/AF. Nos AH e AF purificados, determinaram-se a composição elementar (CHNO), a composição química por espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e o índice de aromaticidade I1630/I2920. O teor de substâncias húmicas (AH+AF) decresceu na seqüência: BC > EO≈ BE≈ EB > ES > EC, tendo sua composição química também diferido entre os vermicompostos. O grau de maturidade foi superior nos vermicompostos de resíduos de origem vegetal (borra de café e de erva-mate). Os AH desses dois vermicompostos apresentaram menor proporção de grupos oxigenados e menor caráter aromático.The use of organic residues as fertilizers and soil conditioners requires their maturation and the quality monitoring of the final product. Vermicomposting is a technique which, along with the composting process, eliminates the potential harmful effect of manure residues to human health and soil. The stability and maturity degrees of a given vermicompost are usually inferred from the quantity and quality of the humic substances in the resulting compost. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and maturity of vermicomposts from six different residues: cattle manure (CM), sheep manure (SM), pig manure (PM), quail manure (QM), coffee dregs (CD) and mate-tee dregs (MD), by determining the content of humic substances (humic, HA, and fulvic acids (FA) and their chemical composition, after 70 days of composting. The humic substances were chemically fractionated according to their solubility in basic and acidic medium. The distribution of total C in the different humic fractions was determined, and the humification indices HA percentage and HA/FA ratio were calculated. The elemental composition (CHNO) and chemical composition by infrared spectroscopy (IRSP) were determined in the purified HA and FA. An aromaticity index (I1(630)/I2920) was calculated based on the IRSP spectra. The vermicomposts differed in humic substance content (FA+HA), which decreased in the order CD > SM ≈ MD ≈ CM > PM > QM. The maturity degree was greater in the vermicomposts of vegetal residues (coffee and mate-tee dregs). The HA showed that the proportion of O containing functional groups and the aromatic degree were lowest in these two vermicomposts.

A análise econômica é fundamental para a tomada de decisão no uso de fontes orgânicas de nutrientes. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar aspectos econômicos do uso de fontes orgânicas de nutrientes para auxiliar a tomada de decisão sobre o seu uso em diferentes condições de manejo do solo. Foi utilizado um experimento conduzido durante nove anos na Estação Experimental da Epagri de Campos Novos/SC. Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação de cinco sistemas de preparo (plantio direto, preparo reduzido, preparo convencional, preparo convencional com resíduos queimados e preparo convencional com resíduos retirados), combinados com quatro fontes de nutrientes (TES - testemunha, sem aplicação de nutrientes, AM - adubação mineral de acordo com a recomendação para cada cultura, EA - 5mg ha-1 de matéria úmida de cama de aves, ELB - 60m³ ha-1 de dejeto líquido de bovinos e; ELS - 40m³ ha-1 de dejeto líquido de suínos). Os atributos econômicos utilizados foram os custos variáveis (CV), a receita bruta (RB) e o custo da correção da fertilidade com calcário, P e K (CC), após nove anos de aplicação das fontes de nutrientes. A interpretação para cada combinação de fonte de nutriente e sistema de preparo do solo foi feita por meio de figuras triangulares e a área das mesmas com intervalo de confiança a 90% de probabilidade. Concluiu-se que o desempenho econômico das fontes orgânicas de nutrientes foi dependente do sistema de preparo do solo, sendo que as fontes apresentaram melhor desempenho no sistema plantio direto. O esterco de aves e o esterco líquido de suínos foram as fontes que apresentaram melhor desempenho econômico. O esterco líquido de suínos e o esterco líquido de bovinos, mesmo apresentando áreas diferentes, foram as fontes que apresentaram menor variabilidade nos atributos econômicos avaliados, não havendo um atributo que se destaque dos demais. O custo da correção da fertilidade do solo com calcário, P e K, após nove anos de aplicação das fontes de nutrientes, tem importante participação no desempenho econômico das mesmas.Economical analysis is important to make decision on the use of organic nutrient sources. The objective of this study was to elaborate an economical analysis of different nutrient sources to help farmers and technicians to make decision about the use of these sources at different soil management. The study was carried out at the Epagri Experimental Station of Campos Novos, using a long-term experiment. The treatments were a combination of five tillage systems (no-till; chisel plow; conventional tillage; conventional tillage with crop residues burned and conventional tillage with crop residues removed from the field), with four nutrient sources (TES=control, no fertilizer; AM=mineral fertilizer according with technical recommendation for each crop; EA=5mg ha-1 of moisture poultry litter; ELB=60m³ ha-1 of liquid cattle manure; and ELS=40m³ ha-1 of slurry pig manure). The economical attributes used were variable costs of production, total income, and the cost of the necessity of lime and fertilizers application to improve soil chemical condition after nine years of applying treatments. A model was used to quantify and analyse the effect of nutrient sources in economical aspects, for each nutrient source within each soil tillage. The outputs were triangular pictures and their areas with 90% confidence limits. It was concluded that economical aspect effects of the organic nutrient sources were dependent on tillage systems, and the better performance was in no-till system. EA and ELS showed better economical results. ELS and ELB, even showing different picture areas, were the sources that showed lesser variability in economical attribute evaluated, and did not have one highlight attribute among them. The use of cost of the necessity of lime and fertilizers application to improve soil chemical condition after nine years of applying treatments, showed important participation in nutrient source evaluation in respect to economical aspect.

Recentemente, tem ocorrido um grande aumento na produção de aves, com destaque para a carne de peru, motivado pelo aumento das exportações e a conquista de novos mercados. Como conseqüência, tem sido gerada uma grande quantidade de resíduos orgânicos com potencial impacto sobre o ambiente. A cama de peru constitui-se no principal resíduo dessa atividade avícola, e uma das formas de sua utilização é a sua disposição em solos como condicionador de suas características físicas e químicas. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito da aplicação da cama de peru na estabilidade de agregados de um Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico típico, sob pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens, localizado em Uberlândia, no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. A cama de peru foi aplicada nas dosagens de: 0 (controle), 1.200, 2.400 e 4.800 kg ha-1 e 2.400 kg ha-1 + adubação mineral (36 kg ha-1 N, 60 kg ha-1 K2O e 60 kg ha-1de P2O5). As aplicações foram realizadas em janeiro de 2004 e o solo amostrado em duas épocas distintas (60 e 210 dias após aplicação) nas camadas de 0-20 e 20-40 cm para análise da estabilidade de agregados, avaliada pela percentagem total de agregados, percentagem de agregados maiores que 2mm, menores que 0,25mm e diâmetro médio geométrico (DMG). Não houve efeito das dosagens de cama de peru aplicadas na agregação do solo, entretanto, independentemente da dose aplicada houve um aumento na estabilidade de agregados, ao longo do tempo, notadamente na camada de 0-20 cm.Recently, there has been occurring a great increase in poultry production, especially in turkey's meat, motivated by the increase of exports and conquest of new markets. As a consequence, a great amount of organic residues has been generated, providing potential impact on the environment. Turkey litter is the main residue from such activity, and has been used as soil conditioner, intended to improve physical and chemical characteristics. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of turkey litter application in aggregate stability of a Typic dystrophic Red Latosol, under pasture of Brachiaria decumbens, located in Uberlândia, Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais State. Turkey litter was applied in the following dosages: 0 (control), 1,200; 2,400 and 4,800 kg ha-1 and 2,400 kg ha-1 + mineral fertilizer (36 kg ha-1 N, 60 kg ha-1 K2O and 60 kg ha-1 of P2O5). The applications were accomplished in January 2004, and the soil was sampled in two different times (60 and 210 days after application) in layers of 0-20 and 20-40 cm for aggregate stability analysis, evaluated through the total percentage of aggregates larger than 2 mm, smaller than 0.25 mm and Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD). There was no effect of turkey litter dosages in soil aggregation. However, independently of the applied dose, there was an increase in the aggregate stability along time, especially in the 0-20 cm layer.

Este experimento foi executado no Centro de Ciências Agrárias da UFPB,Areia, Estado da Paraíba, com objetivo de avaliar a fertilidade de substratos compostos por diferentes concentrações de fibra de coco (0 a 40%), esterco bovino (0 a 25%), terra vegetal (25 a 70%), 15% de areia e adubados com superfosfato triplo (0; 5,5 e 11 g L-1). Houveaumento das características químicas desejáveis do substrato com aumento da concentração de terra vegetal, fibra de coco e dose máxima do superfosfato triplo. A fibra de coco provocou aumento do teor de sódio nos substratos. Recomenda-se utilizar o substratoconstituído de 0 % de esterco, 46% de terra vegetal, 39% de fibra de coco, 15% de areia e 11 g L-1 de superfosfato triplo para obtenção dos máximos valores estimados de matéria orgânica, potássio, magnésio, cálcio e fósforo, e mínimo para H++Al+3 e sódio.This experiment was carried out at Centro de Ciências Agrárias of UFPB, Areia, state of Paraíba, whose objective was to evaluate thefertility of the substrata composed by concentrations of coconut fiber from 0 to 40%, manure bovine from 0 to 25.5%, soil from 25 to 70%, sand 15% and triple superphosphate between 0 and 11 g L-1. There was increase of the desirable chemical characteristics to thesubstratum with the increase of the concentration of soil, coconut fiber and maximum dose of the triple superphosphate. The coconut fiber increased the tenor of sodium in the substrata. It is recommended to use the concentrations of 0% of manure, 46% of soil, 39% of coconut fiber, 15% of sand and 11 g L-1 of triple superphosfate, to obtain the maxima estimated values of organic matter, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, andminima for H++Al+3 and sodium.

O ciclo do P é controlado por processos físico-químicos, como a adsorção e a dessorção, e biológicos, como a imobilização e a mineralização. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a variação temporal no conteúdo de P da biomassa microbiana do solo (Pm) de acordo com doses e épocas de aplicação de fosfato solúvel na superfície de um Latossolo Vermelho sob sistema plantio direto. O experimento foi instalado em maio de 2002 em uma lavoura manejada sob plantio direto por sete anos, no município de Ibirubá, RS. Foram aplicadas cinco doses de superfosfato triplo, equivalentes a 0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 kg ha-1 de P2O5, em duas épocas, na semeadura do azevém (Lolium multiflorum) e da soja (Glicine max). Os teores de Pm e P extraído por resina trocadora de ânions do solo da camada de 0-10 cm foram avaliados aos 14, 49, 91, 133, 147, 203 e 267 dias após a semeadura do azevém. A aplicação de fosfato aumentou o teor de Pm, com maior intensidade quando aplicado na semeadura da soja, sobre os resíduos do azevém. A imobilização do P na biomassa microbiana foi temporária, diminuindo ao longo do ciclo das culturas, e sua variação temporal não foi acompanhada por variações no teor de P extraído por resina trocadora de ânions.The phosphorus cycle in the soil is controlled by physicochemical processes, such as adsorption and desorption, and by biological processes, such as immobilization and mineralization. This study was carried out to evaluate the seasonal variation of phosphorus in the soil microbial biomass (Pm) as related to rates and timing of soluble phosphate application. The experiment was carried out in May 2002 on an Oxisol under no-till for seven years, in Ibirubá, in the southern Brazil. Five rates of soluble phosphate (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha-1 of P2O5) were applied twice in a Lolium multiflorum/Glicine max cultivation cycle; the first one in the winter at Lolium multiflorum sowing and the second in the summer at Glicine max sowing. Microbial phosphorus and available phosphorus by anion exchange resin were evaluated in the 0-10 cm soil layer 91, 133, 147, 203, and 267 days after Lolium multiflorum sowing. Phosphate application increased microbial phosphorus, more intensely when applied at soybean sowing over the Lolium multiflorum residues. P immobilization in the microbial biomass was temporary and decreased over the course of the crop cycle; these variations were not correlated with variations in P extracted by anion-exchange resin.

O uso agrícola de resíduos orgânicos, de origem agrícola, urbana ou industrial, é uma interessante alternativa de disposição, permitindo a reciclagem de nutrientes (NPK) nos ecossistemas. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito da aplicação de lodo de esgoto como fonte de N e de vinhaça como fonte de K comparado ao uso de fontes minerais desses nutrientes sobre a produtividade e variáveis agroindustriais da cana-de-açúcar, por dois anos consecutivos (cana-planta e cana-soca). O experimento foi conduzido em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico típico, em Pontal - SP, e a variedade de cana-de-açúcar avaliada foi a SP 81-3250. Utilizou-se de esquema fatorial 3x2x2+1, ou seja, três tipos de resíduos (lodo de esgoto + KCl; vinhaça + uréia, e lodo de esgoto + vinhaça); dois modos de aplicação (na linha de plantio ou em área total); duas doses (100 e 200% do N e K necessários à cultura) e um tratamento adicional com adubação mineral, sendo os tratamentos distribuídos na área em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Foram avaliadas a produtividade e as variáveis agroindustriais (°brix, pol no caldo, fibra, pureza, pol na cana, AR e ATR). As produtividades de colmo e de açúcar para cana-planta foram mantidas quando N e K foram fornecidos pelo lodo de esgoto e vinhaça, respectivamente. A cana-soca apresentou maior produtividade de colmo e de açúcar quando foram utilizados os resíduos separadamente, complementados com fontes minerais. Quanto ao modo de aplicação, não foram observadas diferenças significativas para as variáveis analisadas.The agricultural use of organic residues is an interesting alternative to disposal allowing the recycling of nutrients (NPK) in the ecosystems. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of sludge application as N source and vinasse as K source when compared to the use of mineral sources of these nutrients on yield and technological variables of the sugar cane, over two consecutive years (cane-plant and first ratoon cane). The experiment was conducted on a Haplustox, in Pontal county, São Paulo state, Brazil. The sugarcane variety was SP 81-3250. The results were organized in a factorial scheme 3x2x2+1: three residue types (sewage sludge + KCl, vinasse + urea and sewage sludge + vinasse); two application mode (planting line and total area); two doses (100 and 200% of N and K for sugarcane crop) and an additional treatment (mineral fertilization). The experimental design was a randomized blocks with three replications. The analyzed parameters were productivity and technological variables (juice brix, juice sucrose contents, reducing sugars juice contents, purity, cane sucrose contents, and recoverable total sugar (RTS) cane contents and RTS productivity). The stalks and the sugar yields of cane-plant did not change while the N and K were suplyied by the sludge and by vinasse, respectively. The first ratoon cane presented greater stalks and sugar yield when residue were used separated complemented by mineral fertilization. In relation to application mode, no differences were observed for all paremeters.

Los suelos de las áreas urbanas y suburbanas suelen sufrir la pérdida del horizonte superficial, con grave deterioro en sus propiedades hidráulicas y físicas. Para remediar esta situación es necesario el aporte de grandes cantidades de materia orgánica, usualmente residuos orgánicos. Aun no está claro si la aplicación de esos residuos en superficie es más eficiente que su mezcla y enterramiento, para mejorar las propiedades de los suelos. Se estudió el efecto del agregado de diferentes mezclas basadas en biosólidos, sobre las llamadas "áreas de flujo preferencial" (AFP) y otras propiedades físicas e hidrológicas de la masa subsuperficial de un suelo disturbado. Se llevó a cabo un experimento en columnas, rellenadas con el horizonte Bt de un Argiudol típico y tratamientos basados en el agregado superficial o semienterrado de mezclas de aserrín y biosólido, arena y biosólido y compost de biosólido. Se cuantificaron AFP, densidad aparente, contenido de humedad, tasa de infiltración básica y se calcularon la porosidad total y el índice de expansión-contracción. El horizonte Bt presentó el menor porcentaje de AFP. Los tratamientos con agregado de compost y mezclas de biosólido con arena o aserrín presentaron mayor porcentaje de AFP. La densidad aparente disminuyó y la infiltración aumentó con el agregado de enmiendas orgánicas. No se observaron diferencias entre aplicar las enmiendas orgánicas en superficie o incorporadas y mezcladas en la capa superficial.The soils of urban and suburban areas are very often subjected to the A horizon removal, which cause a strong hydraulical and physical properties degradation. To remediate this problem, the addition of large quantities of organic matter, usually organic residues, is needed. It is still not clear whether or not the surface application of those residues is more efficient than its mix within the topsoils, to improve soil properties. The effects of different mixes based on biosolids on the so called "Preferential flow paths" (PFP) and other hydraulical and physical properties of underlying soil was studied. An experiment was performed in columns, filled with the Bt horizon of a Typic Argiudoll. Biosolid mixed with sawdust or sand or composted were applied on surface or mixed within topsoil. PFP, bulk density, water content, and water infiltration rate were measured and total porosity and the Shrink-Swelling Index were calculated. The lower PFP percentage was found in the control (Bt horizon). Treatments receiving compost and biosolid mixes showed significant higher PFP percentage. Bulk density decreased and water infiltration increased after organic materials were applied. The hydraulical and physical properties of underlying soil improved both when organic materials were applied on surface or mixed within the control topsoils.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se a aplicação anual de lodo de esgoto e vinhaça, resíduos empregados com a finalidade exclusiva de fornecer a quantidade necessária de N e K para cana-de-açúcar, causaria alteração em alguns atributos físicos de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico argiloso, após as colheitas do 3º e 4º cortes da cultura. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram: (i) dose de lodo de esgoto para suprir 100% do N exigido pela cultura; (ii) dose de lodo de esgoto para suprir 200% do N exigido; (iii) dose de vinhaça para suprir 100% do K exigido; (iv) dose de vinhaça para suprir 200% do K exigido; (v) combinação dos tratamentos (i) e (iii); (vi) combinação dos tratamentos (ii) e (iv); (vii) testemunha (adubação mineral recomendada). Os somatórios das doses dos resíduos foram de 39 e 51 t ha-1 de lodo de esgoto e de 870 e 1.174 m³ ha-1 de vinhaça até o 3º e 4º cortes, respectivamente. Nas camadas de 0-10; 10-20; 20-30; 30-40 e 40-50 cm de profundidade, após as colheitas do 3º e 4º cortes da cultura, foram determinados: teor de matéria orgânica, porosidade total, macroporosidade, microporosidade, densidade do solo, densidade de partícula, resistência do solo à penetração e teor de água gravimétrico. Aplicações de lodo de esgoto e vinhaça não causaram modificação nos atributos físicos, resultado associado à falta de efeito dos resíduos na matéria orgânica do solo.The objective of this work was to evaluate if annual application of sewage sludge and vinasse, residues employed with exclusive purpose of supply N and K to sugar cane, would cause alteration on some physical attributes of clayey Haplustox after the harvests of the 3rd and 4th cuts of the crop. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design with three repetitions. The treatments were: (i) rate of sewage sludge to supply 100% of the required N by the crop; (ii) dose rate of sewage sludge to supply 200% of the required N; (iii) rate of vinasse to supply 100% of the required K; (iv) rate of vinasse to supply 200% of the required K; (v) combination of the treatments (i) and (iii); (vi) combination of the treatments (ii) e (iv); (vii) control (mineral fertilization recommended). Sums rates of the residues were of 39 and 51 t ha-1 of sewage sludge and 870 and 1,174 m³ ha-1 of vinasse until the 3rd and 4th cuts, respectively. Soil samples were taken in the layers of 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40 e 40-50 cm of depth, after the harvests of the 3rd and 4th cuts of the crop. In these samples were determined the organic matter content, total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, soil bulk density, particle density, soil resistance to penetration and gravimetric water content. Sewage sludge and vinasse applications did not cause any alteration on the physical attributes, result associated to lack of effect of the residues in the soil organic matter.

Glazed ceramics have not typically been sampled for organic residue analysis because the glaze is not porous; therefore, it is commonly believed that these ceramics cannot absorb substances. Although this is partially true, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate that the glaze may exhibit imperfections due to the production process or the use of ceramics and that these imperfections allow the ceramic matrix to trap residues of the food contained in the vessels. The absorption of organic residues in glazed ceramics is demonstrated by analyses of modern vessels experimentally enriched with wine and vegetable oils (olive and lentisk oils) and archaeological vessels obtained from post-medieval Florence (Italy) and medieval Pla d'Almatà (Balaguer, Lleida, Spain). The analyses were conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry following different extraction protocols aimed at identifying lipids and wine residues preserved in the ceramic vessels. Images of the glazed ceramic coating were recorded using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope to verify the presence of imperfections. In addition to providing information about the use of the studied vessels, the obtained results demonstrate how glazed ceramics can be studied to recover information regarding ceramic use and dietary practices in medieval and post-medieval periods when glazed wares were very common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on replacement of inorganic fertilizer with organic residues to improve crop productivity and their impact on greenhouse gas emission from agricultural soil merit more attention. Two-year field experiments were conducted to study the impact of different organic residues with varied carbon (C)/nitrogen (N) ratios as substitutes of chemical fertilizer on emission reduction of nitrous oxide (NO) and crop yield from a tropical summer rice paddy of India. Five treatments comprising of conventional N fertilizer (NPK), cow manure (CD), rice straw (RS), poultry manure (PM), and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) were applied in a rice field to estimate NO emission. Application of CD (at 10 t ha) resulted in maximum reduction of seasonal NO emissions (15 %) over NPK, RS, PM, and SCB. Application of CD and RS enhanced leaf photosynthetic rate and caused maximum utilization of photosynthates towards developing grains as evident from grain filling ability and higher grain yield. Substitution of NPK with organic residues enhanced soil nutrient availability in terms of C and N resulting in improved soil fertility and to some extent influenced soil nitrogen processes which in turn reduced NO emissions. We conclude that suitable management of soil in agricultural ecosystem can reduce the emission of NO and protect and preserve the soil health without compromising the agronomic productivity reducing the use of chemical fertilizer and maintaining the sustainability of rice ecosystem as evident from lower carbon equivalent emissions (CEE) and higher carbon efficiency ratio (CER) at CD in rice paddies in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the effects of rice husk compost (RC), town waste compost (TW) and tobacco waste (TB) on bicarbonate extractable phosphate content (P) in soils having different pH levels under greenhouse conditions. Soil samples used in this study were taken from surfaces (0-20 cm) of agricultural fields around Samsun, Northern Anatolia. The experiment was conducted according to split plot design with four doses of organic matterials (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5, %). After a month of mixing organic matterials into soils, lettuce were grown in the medias. According to the results, RC, TW and TB applications into acidic (Tepecik), neutral (Kampüs) and alkaline (Çetinkaya) soils increased extractable P content. It was observed that effectiveness of organic matterials changed depend on soil reaction, type and dose of organic matterials. All organic wastes were more effective on increment of bicarbonate extractable phosphate content in neutral soil pH when compared the other soil pH levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of human diet in different periods of history can be enhanced by investigating direct evidence represented by accidentally preserved food remains found on pottery. So far, this task has been accomplished by the application of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, often in combination with stable isotope analysis. These methods require specialised laboratories and their cost prevents wider penetration into the daily practice of archaeology and related disciplines. We have tested commercially available immunochromatographic kits for this task, which are designed to detect contaminants and allergens in the modern food industry. Unlike the previously published studies on archaeological material, we focus specifically on the identification of damaged and denatured proteins, which correspond better to the state of preservation of proteins in desiccated and carbonised organic residues that have survived from antiquity. We report the first successful qualitative detection of bird eggs, animal meat, milk (and species of origin), and to some extent also the presence of plant food, especially cereals and hazelnuts. The immunoassay is a methodology that is well suited for use in the field and resource-poor environments, so it is ideal for most archaeological excavations and museums. With necessary caution, the results can be used as a proxy for human diet in the past and reconstructions of anthropogenically modified environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of pig manure, from diets incorporating veterinary pharmaceuticals, on survival and reproduction of Folsomia candida were evaluated. Manures derived from the following diets: corn and soymeal (CS); 85% CS diet + 15% wheat meal (TR); CS diet + 100 ppm doxycycline + 50 ppm colistin + 2500 ppm Zn oxide (CSa); TR diet + 100 ppm doxycycline + 50 ppm colistin + 2500 ppm Zn oxide (TRa). Manures were tested in two subtropical soils representative of southern (Oxisol and Entisol). Despite the antibiotics no significant differences were found between the four manures within each soil. However, strong differences were found on the toxicity between soils. In Oxisol, LC 50 values were around 100 m 3 ha −1 , and EC 50 values around 80 m 3 ha −1 . In Entisol these were much lower, with LC 50 values oscillating around 20 m 3 ha −1 and EC 50 values between 10–15 m 3 ha −1 . The observed toxicity on both soils was attributed to excess of nitrogen, Cu and Zn in the highest doses. The strong difference between soils could be explained by soil properties, namely CEC, organic matter, and clay contents that were lower in Entisol, indicating a poor ability to retain contaminants increasing their availability in soil. Results suggest that the application of these residues should be regulated not only using a volume-based criterion, but should incorporate data on soil properties, complemented by an ecotoxicological assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathways to food production in Holocene north Africa are complex and varied and, for the human groups living there, are likely heavily influenced by varying factors such as local ecosystems and available resources. Molecular and isotopic analysis of absorbed food residues from 140 pottery vessels from Neolithic Gueldaman Cave site confirms that the exploitation of domesticated animals (sheep and goat), for their carcass fats, and their secondary products, e.g. dairy, began in Mediterranean north Africa in the 5th millennium BC. Findings from organic residue analyses are confirmed by the slaughter profiles from the faunal assemblage which suggest a mixed meat/milk economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted in Laboratories of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah to reveal of plants aqueous extracts of Caper seeds, Pomegranate peels, Date palm fiber and Blady grass rhizomes and chemical nitrification inhibitor Dicyandiamide (DCD) on nitrogen mineralization in soil treated with organic residues of poultry manure, cow manure, alfalfa Residue and corn cubs. Aqueous extracts were prepared at ratio of 1:10 ( plant material : water) and added to soil treated with 5% organic residue at concentration of 0.25 ml g-1soil. Soils were incubated at 30 °C for 15,30,45,60 and 75 days . After each incubation period set of samples were withdraw and NH4+, NO3 ¯ were determined. Results of the study showed that application of water extracts of Caper seeds increased NH4 +-N but decreased NO3 ¯-N in soil treated with residues of poultry, cow and alfalfa compared with other extracts . However, at soils amendment with corn cubs residue highest NH4+-N concentration was obtained at DCD . Effect of Blady grass rhizomes and Date palm fiber extracts on N-mineralization differ according to organic residues source. Treated with Blady grass rhizomes decreased NH4+-N but increased NO3 ¯-N concentration at all extracts used . Results also showed that highest NH4+-N and NO3 ¯-N were associated with poultry manure and lower NH4+-N and NO3 ¯-N concentration were found in treatment of corn cubs. Increasing incubation time significantly increased NO3 ¯-N concentration but decreased NH4+-N concentration in soil at all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted in an attempt to study the impact of using different organic residues as fertilizers on grain yield, magnitude of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and soil characteristics. Five fertilizer treatments including conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizer, cow manure, rice straw, poultry manure, and sugarcane bagasse were applied in the rice field in 2012. The maximum reduction in seasonal N2O emissions (10–27%) was observed under the influence of rice straw application over conventional N fertilizer. The experiment was repeated for a second season in 2013 with the same treatments for further confirmation of the results obtained during the first year of experimentation. The application of rice straw also showed a slight advantage by increasing grain yield (4.38 t ha−1) compared to control. Important soil properties and plant growth parameters were studied and their relationships with N2O emission were worked out. The incorporation of organic residues helped in restoring and improving the soil health and effectively enhancing grain yield with reduced N2O emission from rice fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of excessive amounts of boron (B) in water resources can endanger the health of organisms in an ecosystem. In this study, B removal from aqueous solutions was investigated using natural easily available materials including bentonite, kaolinite, zeolite, waste calcite, and residues of wheat, rice, and green shell of walnut as native and chemically modified with FeCl3. The optimum values of pH and contact time for the B sorption were determined before isotherm experiments. The maximum sorption of B by mineral sorbents was observed at pH 9, while it was obtained at pH 7 for walnut shell and rice residues and at pH 8 for wheat residues. The optimum time obtained for mineral sorbents and organic sorbents was 24 and 48 h, respectively. The values of pHzpc measured for chemical sorbents were higher than those for organics. The sorption isotherms were performed using optimum parameters at three CaCl2concentrations as background electrolytes. Increasing CaCl2concentration caused to increase in B sorption. The chemical modification of sorbents by FeCl3had a positive significant effect on B sorption. The fit of Freundlich and Langmuir models to the experimental data was very well. The largest B sorption capacity among the mineral and organic sorbents was, respectively, observed in the waste calcite and rice residues. However, the extent of the B sorption by organics was much higher than by minerals. Therefore, the use of organic materials to remove excess amounts of B from water resources can be considered as an available, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although samples are visibly clean, organic deposits could have tremendous impacts on tribological measurements and interpretation of friction and wear behaviors. This paper discusses the boundary lubrication effects of invisible residues from organic solvents that have been widely used in tribological studies in ambient conditions. Stainless steel, soda lime glass, and copper substrates were cleaned using UV/ozone treatment or organic solvents such as alcohols where the solvent was allowed to evaporate from the surface. In ball-on-flat tribo-tests, all UV/ozone cleaned samples showed high friction and catastrophic wear immediately upon sliding due to the absence of lubricants at the sliding interface, while samples cleaned by organic solvent experienced low friction and minimal wear for hundreds of reciprocating cycles. Analyses of the surface by atomic force microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy indicated that the solvent cleaning deposits hydrocarbon residue on metal and oxide substrates. This residue is due to trace impurities with low vapor pressures inevitably present in the bulk liquid, regardless of solvent purity, which become concentrated upon vaporization of the high vapor pressure solvent. These results demonstrated that drying after cleaning with organic solvents is equivalent to a dip-coating of low vapor pressure organics onto the sample surface. This dip-coating effect can be avoided if surfaces are cleaned using UV/ozone or if the surface is immediately rinsed with DI water and blow-dried after cleaning with organic solvent. These results indicate that the friction coefficients of the samples with organic residues should not be interpreted with the shear strength model of friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the use of biochar (10% on a dry weight basis) to improve the composting process and/or the compost quality by adding it to either the feedstock mixture or the mature compost. The addition of biochar to the feedstocks was essayed in a full scale trial using a mixture of green waste and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Addition of biochar to mature compost was performed in a medium scale experiment. The use of biochar, even in small amounts, changed the composting process and the properties of the end products. However these effects depended on the time of application. We observed a faster decomposition in the bio-oxidative phase and lower greenhouse gas emissions when biochar was added at the beginning of the composting process, and a reduction in readily available P when biochar was applied during compost storage. Biochar as a means to increase the C content of the compost was only effective during compost storage. The P fertilizer replacement value of the compost with and without biochar was tested in a plant trial with annual ryegrass. While there was a clear effect on readily available P concentrations in the compost, adding biochar to the feedstock or the compost did not affect the P fertilizer replacement value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Recycling of phosphorus (P) from organic residues ( ORs) is important to develop environmentally friendly agriculture. The use of this P source depends on phosphatase enzymes, which can be affected by a chain of parameters during maturation of ORs. In this study the phosphatase activity levels throughout vermicomposting of filter cake ( FC) and cattle manure ( CM) were correlated with different physical and chemical parameters in an effort to increase the knowledge about recycling of P from ORs. RESULTS FC presented higher total nitrogen content ( TNC), total organic carbon ( TOC), humic acid ( HA) content, water-soluble P ( WSP), phosphatase activities and nanopore volume than CM during vermicomposting. Decreases in TOC of CM resulted from carbohydrate mineralization, which was not observed for FC. CM showed increased hydrophobic index during vermicomposting while FC showed a slight decrease. CONCLUSION Phosphatase activities correlated positively with TOC, pH and WSP and negatively with HA content for both vermicomposts. Nanopore volume was negatively correlated with phosphatase activities for FC but not for CM. No correlations between hydrophobicity and phosphatase activities were found for FC. Increased hydrophobicity throughout vermicomposting of CM could be partially associated with decreases in phosphatase levels. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic residues can be a major source of nutrients and are valuable fertilizers. But their benefits with regard to soil quality are undisputed. However, only few studies have focused on emissions of greenhouse gases from soil enriched with organic residues. A microcosom approach was employed to investigate the influence of the origin and composition of various organic residues on mineralization and N2O and CO2 emissions in an arable soil. In total, we set up six treatments: control, poultry manure, bio-waste compost, sheep and wheat straw compost, cow manure (CM) and for further comparison, the mineral fertilizer calcium ammonium nitrate. 500 g of sieved and homogenized soil was mixed with the amendments and packed into microcosms. After a pre-incubation period of 10 days, gas concentrations were measured periodically from the headspace of the microcosm by means of an airtight surgical syringe. The measurement period continued for 32 days. Soil amended with CM showed a significantly (α = 0.05) higher cumulative CO2 emission (914 mg kg−1) followed by bio-waste compost than poultry manure, sheep waste compost, control and calcium ammonium nitrate. Amending soil with cow manure and poultry manure led to the highest N2O-N emissions (110 µg kg−1). However, poultry manure and calcium ammonium nitrate significantly enhanced mineralization and net nitrification. Amendment of sheep and wheat straw compost and cow manure led to C sequestration and reduced N2O emission. Soil pH greatly decreased with poultry manure, sheep and wheat straw compost and bio-waste compost. Summing up, the application of organic residues to soil has some disadvantageous environmental effects calling for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of biogas from organic residues and wastes as well as its use as a renewable source of energy for electricity generation could contribute to a more environmental sound energy supply. Thus, this paper presents a methodology to estimate the theoretical, the technical and the economic potential of electricity generation from biogas of various organic waste sources. Additionally, it includes an assessment of the uncertainties aligned with such potential assessments. The outlined methodological approach comprises a bottom-up resource focused procedure with statistical and spatial analysis for selected organic waste sources. This allows the identification of municipalities/regions where electricity generation from organic waste via the biogas route is most promising. The method is exemplary demonstrated for the given situation in Mexico. The gathered results show that the methodological approach directs to plausible results. These results show also that Mexico has a considerable potential to use biogas from organic residues as a renewable source for electricity generation. Results indicate an average theoretical potential of roughly 167.9 TWh/a (143.5–192.3 TWh/a), a technical potential of circa 10.2 TWh/a (3.6–23.8 TWh/a) and an economic potential of approximately 6.4 TWh/a (2.0–15.2 TWh/a). This later economic potential could be located in around 391 municipalities in Mexico. The methodology proposed here may hold true for other countries with similar conditions and considerable lack of primary data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K) is one of the essential elements for plants. There has been enough research to determine pollution of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and heavy metals in soil. However, by comparison research on the storage and transport of K has been neglected. Chemical fertilizer usage leads to serious environmental problems in Iran. Leaching of K can be affected by type of anions and cations present in the chemical fertilizers. Potassium leaching experiments were performed using 10 mM NH4Cl, (NH4)2HPO4, NH4H2PO4, NH4NO3, NH4OAC, CaCl2, Ca(NO3)2, NaNO3, and CO(NH3)2. The leaching experiment was lasted for 20 days (15 pore volumes). In addition, a set of experiments were conducted, where potato and wheat residues and poultry manure and sheep manure were added to soil at the rate of 5% and distilled water was used as the leaching solution to investigate impacts of organic residues on K leaching. In general, maximum K release was observed using NH4Cl (566 kg ha−1). Potato and wheat residues had maximum and minimum impacts on K leaching, respectively. Potassium fractionation was carried out after the end of the leaching experiment. The results indicated that leaching of soil in the presence of soluble salts and organic residues altered K distribution in different parts of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this research was to compare the effect of sewage sludge and urea as N sources and vinasse and KCl as K sources on the yield and technological characteristics of ratoon cane of 3rd and 4th cuttings. Soil from the experimental area was classified as Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Haplustox) which already has been cultivated with sugar cane (variety SP81-3250). The experiment was a factorial arrangement 3  2 + 1 [three residue types (sewage sludge, vinasse and sewage sludge + vinasse); two residue rates, in such a manner to completing 100 and 200% of the N and K rates recommended for the crop (sewage sludge and vinasse as sources of N and K, respectively); and an additional control treatment (mineral fertilization)]. The treatments were distributed on the experimental area in a complete blocks design with three replications; treatments have been applied annually since sugar cane planting time. Yield and technological characteristics [(brix, pol, reducing sugars and purity index in sugar juice and pol, fiber, and recoverable theoretical sugar (RTS)] were evaluated. The results indicate that sewage sludge as N source and vinasse as K source were similar to mineral sources of each these nutrients in relation to ratoon cane yield and technological characteristics.

• Biochar from sewage sludge, sugarcane, and green coconut increased the water retention in the sandy soil. • Sugarcane and green coconut biochars improved the water holding capacity of all tested soils. • Biochar reduced the bulk density of the sandy soil but not the clayey soil. • Biochar proved distinct benefits for the hydraulic properties of soils with different textures. Most of the Brazilian soils have severe water limitations to crop growth and, therefore, can benefit from organic amendments. For instance, biochar is known to improve soil water dynamics and use efficiency by increasing the water holding capacity and availability. This study assessed the effect of sewage sludge (SSB), green coconut residues (GCB), and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) biochars on the water retention capacity and availability of three tropical soils (Typic Quartzipsamment-TQ, Ultisol, and Luvisol). Control treatments (no biochar) were included as references. Soil bulk density, water holding capacity (WHC), water retention curves, and plant available water (AW) were determined. We also measured soil pH, organic matter content, and electrical conductivity (ECs). Biochar (SCB and GCB) increased the WHC by 62% in the Typic-Quartzipsamment, 38% in the Ultisol, and 18% in the Luvisol. The SCB increased the AW in the TQ and Ultisol by 40% and 10%, respectively. Conversely, SCB and GCB reduced the AW in the Luvisol by 22.5% and 17.5%, respectively. Biochar improved the WHC of the coarse-textured soils. In the clayey soil, biochar improved soil porosity and water transmission. We conclude that biochar can be an excellent amendment to soils across a range of textures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As biochar gains popularity within agricultural applications, proper selection of feedstocks and pyrolysis conditions are crucial to maximising its added value. In this study, biochars were characterised for elemental composition, potentially toxic elements, the sum of 16 US EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and biochar agronomic properties (pH, acid-buffering capacity, biochar stability, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity) to provide more insight concerning biochar properties and pyrolysis parameters that influence the biochar agronomic properties. Eighteen feedstocks for biochar production were screened based on four selection criteria: moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon content and the presence of potentially toxic elements. Eight feedstocks (spent peat, woody green waste, tree bark, applewood, flax shives, spent coffee grounds, insect frass and chicken manure) were selected and processed into 24 biochars (at three pyrolysis temperatures: 450, 600 and 750 °C) using slow pyrolysis in a pilot-scale rotary kiln reactor. The results showed that feedstock and pyrolysis temperature are crucial factors for biochar composition, toxicity and agronomic properties. The sum of 16 US EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showed a significant increase for biochars produced at 750 °C compared to those produced in the 450–600 °C range. Furthermore, some potentially toxic elements (Zn, Cu, Cr) revealed a decrease in concentration above 600 °C. It is recommended not to exceed a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C in the reactor configuration used. Lastly, feedstock-independent models were constructed for pH, electrical conductivity and acid-buffering capacity through the biochar properties measured. These models may provide a gateway to reverse engineer biochars based on suitable feedstock and pyrolysis temperature selection. • 24 biochars produced at 450–750 °C and fully characterised. • Pyrolysis temperature (°C) has huge impact on biochar composition, toxicity and agronomic properties. • Feedstock-independent models were made for electrical conductivity, pH and acid-buffering capacity. • K content in biochar is a good proxy for electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present archaeological and biochemical approaches to organic food residues, the lipids that are well preserved in ceramic matrices on prehistoric vessels. The ‘archaeo- logical biomarker revolution’ concept is discussed in relation to pottery use, animal exploitation and the evolution of dietary practices in prehistory.

Late Neolithic settlements dating to around 7000 cal. BC are widespread in Upper Mesopotamia, however, the site of Tell Sabi Abyad is unique in the scale and quality of excavation, revealing an extensive architecture, huge numbers of domesticated animal bones, stone tools and potsherds. A previous study reported lipid residues in nearly 300 potsherds as part of a wider investigation of the origins of dairying in the Near East and Southeastern Europe. The aim of this paper is to interpret the organic residue findings in more detail, addressing such factors as the association of lipids in pottery with particular phases, ware types, and the faunal record. Overall, the recovery rate of lipids in sherds is low (14% of the sherds investigated in this study yielded detectable lipids) and the mean lipid concentration for sherds containing lipids is ca. 82 μg g −1 . These results are typical of sites from this period and general region (southern Mediterranean and Near East). Our interpretations indicate: (i) the use of specific ceramic categories of vessel for “cooking”, (ii) clear evidence of the extensive heating of vessels is deduced from the presence of ketones, formed from the condensation of fatty acids, in some vessels, (iii) strong differences in recovery rates possibly reflecting differences in use between different pottery types, (iv) in particular the Dark-Faced Burnished Ware (DFBW) contained the highest frequency of residues (46% yielded detectable lipids), (v) degraded animal fats were detectable, as evidenced by fatty acids with C 18:0 in high abundance and in few cases tri-, di- and monoacylglycerols, (vi) the presence of abundant carcass fats is consistent with interpretations based on faunal assemblage of extensive meat exploitation, and (vii) four vessels dated to 6400 to 5900 cal BC yielded milk fat residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of pottery vessel contents and use was undertaken in order to obtain information on food processed in Subneolithic and Neolithic vessels from Nida and Šventoji (3300–2400 cal BC). The aim is to assess pottery use during major changes in the coastal environment and in material culture. Bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope, lipid biomarker and compound specific carbon isotope analysis was undertaken on ‘foodcrusts’, charred deposits adhering to vessel surfaces, and absorbed residues from different vessel types. In addition, three archaeological seal bones were analysed for bulk collagen and compound specific carbon isotope analysis to establish collagen-lipid offsets to inform interpretation of the data. The results show that the majority of the vessels were used for processing aquatic products. At Nida the data suggest exploitation of freshwater resources and, in the later stages of occupation, dairying. Analysis of a small number of Subneolithic vessels from Šventoji produced results that are also consistent with processing of aquatic products. Other substances identified include Pinaceae sp. resin or tar and beeswax. These data demonstrate that identifying patterns in pottery use contributes to understanding Neolithisation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declining grassland management in the Austrian Alps demands alternative usage strategies for unused biomass. This case study suggests biogas production as a suitable solution. The study employs a novel calculation scheme to calculate the biogas potentials of grassland and agro-municipal wastes in two model regions. In economic terms, model region one relies heavily on winter and summer tourism with few agricultural operations. Model region two has less intensive tourism and a more prevalent agricultural sector. Using a linear regression model, changes in animal stocks, biogas yields, and energy production were calculated for 2010, 2020, and 2030. Results showed that in 2010, model region one had 1186 t dry matter (DM) a unused grassland biomass, which, combined with other agro-municipal wastes, could have produced 524,580 Nm a of methane. Combusting this amount of methane in a CHP would result in 2 GWh a and 2.2 GWh a. Similarly, including wastes and 557 t DM a unused grassland biomass, model region two could have produced 1,305,892 Nm a methane and 4.9 GWh a and 5.5 GWh a. By 2030, unused grassland biomass is predicted to increase in both regions. Including other organic and agricultural residues, the total methane potential for region one will be 575,784 Nm a (+9 %) and 1,769,471 Nm a (+36 %) in region two by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark fermentation, also known as acidogenesis, involves the transformation of a wide range of organic substrates into a mixture of products, e.g. acetic acid, butyric acid and hydrogen. This bioprocess occurs in the absence of oxygen and light. The ability to synthesize hydrogen, by dark fermentation, has raised its scientific attention. Hydrogen is a non-polluting energy carrier molecule. However, for energy generation, there is a variety of other sustainable alternatives to hydrogen energy, e.g. solar, wind, tide, hydroelectric, biomass incineration, or nuclear fission. Nevertheless, dark fermentation appears as an important sustainable process in another area: the synthesis of valuable chemicals, i.e. an alternative to petrochemical refinery. Currently, acetic acid, butyric acid and hydrogen are mostly produced by petrochemical reforming, and they serve as precursors of ubiquitous petrochemical derived products. Hence, the future of dark fermentation relies as a core bioprocess in the biorefinery concept. The present article aims to present and discuss the current and future status of dark fermentation in the biorefinery concept. The first half of the article presents the metabolic pathways, product yields and its technological importance, microorganisms responsible for mixed dark fermentation, and operational parameters, e.g. substrates, pH, temperature and head-space composition, which affect dark fermentation. The minimal selling price of dark fermentation products is also presented in this section. The second half discusses the perspectives and future of dark fermentation as a core bioprocess. The relationship of dark fermentation with other (bio)processes, e.g. liquid fuels and fine chemicals, algae cultivation, biomethane-biohythane-biosyngas production, and syngas fermentation, is then explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, Jatropha curcas is a potential bio-fuel crop and can grow on wastelands without competition with food crops. However, little is known about its fertilizer management and soil quality. This study investigated the effects of nitrogen (N) applied through urea fertilizers and organic manures (farm yard manure (FYM) and Jatropha cake) on soil nutrient availability, microbial communities, and enzymes activities in Jatropha plantation. Treatments examined were 140 kg N ha−1 through (i) urea (100% N); (ii) Jatropha cake (100% N Jatropha cake); (iii) FYM (100% N FYM) and (iv) 70 kg N ha−1 through urea (50% N) during four years. A 100% nitrogen addition by urea fertilizers significantly increased available N, whereas available phosphorus was significantly higher in cake-amended soil. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis was used to assess changes in microbial biomass and soil microbial community structure. Higher concentrations of total PLFA, Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacterial, and actinomycetes PLFAs were observed in cake, FYM, and 50% N treatments compared to 100% N by urea fertilizers. The fungal PLFA concentration was significantly greater with cake-amended soil. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis of PLFA profiles for soil microbial community shift showed that 100% N urea fertilizer treatment was significantly different from other treatments. Microbial biomass C and enzyme activities (β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes) were significantly enhanced by organic manure amendments (cake and FYM) compared to urea fertilizers (50 and 100% N). The study shows that N supplied by organic manures significantly affected the soil microbial community, and had positive effects in enhancing the microbial diversity and activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of allelopathic crops residue amendments and a nitrification inhibitor DMPP (3, 4- dimethylpyrazole Phosphate) on germination, growth, yield and nitrogen (N) use of wheat. In the first study, wheat cultivars [Lasani 2008 (LS-08) and Faisalabad 2008 (FSD-08)] were grown in soil filled pots (18 kg soil) amended with sorghum and sunflower residues (0, 8 and 12 Mg ha-1) in presence and absence of nitrogen fertilizer sources [urea and ammonium sulphate (N at 110 kg ha-1)]. Plants were raised up to maturity; sorghum residue amendments improved the performance of both wheat cultivars; however sunflower residues initially inhibited wheat germination and stand establishment but at later growth stages, the inhibitory effects were diminished. Both N sources improved grain yield of wheat cultivars with greater by ammonium sulphate in LS-08. Sorghum residue at 12 Mg ha-1 in addition with ammonium sulphate had significant influence on grain yield of cv. LS-08 than other treatments. In second experiment, cv. LS-08 was grown in soil filled pots amended with sorghum and sunflower residue (16 and 32 Mg ha-1) in presence or absence of DMPP (0.36 μg g-1) in greenhouse. DMPP in combination with N in the absence of crop residues improved dry matter production and reduced the C:N ratio; however any residue addition at any rate immobilized N and decreased the dry matter accumulation. In crux, residue amendments in combination with inorganic fertilizers could improve wheat grain yield, while combined use of DMMP and N can improve plant N availability and dry biomass. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-Hispanic Andean societies depended economically on the cultivation of maize ( Zea mays ), the main staple food crop in the region after its introduction from highland Mexico. Here we report new data from residue analysis of potsherds recovered in archaeological sites in western Tinogasta, Catamarca province, Argentina, ca. 3rd to 16th centuries AD. Molecular and isotopic ( δ 13 C values) compositions of fatty acids and microscopically identified maize starch granules from organic residues absorbed in archaeological potsherds were compared with Andean ingredients and food residues obtained from experimental replica pots, where traditional recipes were cooked. Complex mixtures of lipids and starch remains observed in archaeological cooking pots indicated combinations of Andean ingredients such as llama, beans, algarroba , and maize, and suggest continuity in the domestic foodways through time. The distribution and δ 13 C values of lipids preserved in vessels used for alcoholic beverage preparation, storage and transport in Inka sites suggested the possible consumption of two drinks with distinct patterns: traditional Andean maize beer ( chicha ) and a local fermented drink made from algarroba flour ( aloja ). This is potential evidence for consumption practices in festive contexts sponsored by the Inka state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]