Tag Archives: soil amendment

2158–2171 H. Ameziane, A. Nounah, M. Khamar and A. Zouahri
Use of olive pomace as an amendment to improve physico-chemical parameters of soil fertility
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Use of olive pomace as an amendment to improve physico-chemical parameters of soil fertility

H. Ameziane¹*, A. Nounah¹, M. Khamar¹ and A. Zouahri²

¹Mohammed V University, High School of Technology, Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE), Materials Water and Environment team, MA11060 Sale, Morocco
²INRA, Regional Center for Agricultural Research in Rabat, Research unit on Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, MA10112 Rabat, Morocco
*Correspondence: amezianehalima@gmail.com

Abstract:

Given their richness in nutritive elements, the majority of agricultural waste is used as soil amendments, including olive oil waste. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the use of olive pomace from three extraction systems on the physico-chemical fertility of the soil, after their use as an amendment for faba bean cultivation. The experiment is carried out at the Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory in the EST of Salé, in pots where the olive pomace has been mixed with the soil, respecting the percentages studied. Several relative physico-chemical parameters of soil fertility were determined at the end of the experiment, namely pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total kjeldhal nitrogen (NTK) content, organic carbon and exchangeable bases concentration and soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) determination. Different percentages of pomace from the three extraction systems were applied (control, 10%, 15%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) for four months of bean germination test. The application of the pomace reduced soil pH, and increased soil organic matter and organic carbon content in proportion to the added percentage of pomace. The available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium content increased significantly (p < 0.05) in pots containing different percentages of pomace compared to their concentrations in the soil (control). The total nitrogen content has not increased sufficiently but remains significantly different from the control, especially for the percentages of 25%, 50% and 75%. For its part, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) is important and will allow a good retention of nutrients for all percentages.

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468–477 D. Lazdiņa, I. Bebre, K. Dūmiņš, I. Skranda, A. Lazdins, J. Jansons and S. Celma
Wood ash – green energy production side product as fertilizer for vigorous forest plantations
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Wood ash – green energy production side product as fertilizer for vigorous forest plantations

D. Lazdiņa*, I. Bebre, K. Dūmiņš, I. Skranda, A. Lazdins, J. Jansons and S. Celma

Latvian State Forest Research Institute ‘Silava’, Riga str. 111, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
*Correspondence: dagnija.lazdina@silava.lv

Abstract:

Notable amounts of wood ash containing plant macro and micronutrient elements in balanced proportions are produced in Latvia. If bioenergy production source product is plant material, and facilities are operating well, then ‘side product’ fermentation residues or wood ashes should not contain elements in toxic concentrations. Wood ash contains P and K which are lacking in acidic organic soils and could work as fertiliser as well as a long term liming agent, besides that, all micronutrient elements necessary for physiological processes are present in wood ash. Wood ash could also be used as ‘revitalization agents’ – fertilisers to improve the growth of plantation forests. The aim of this research is to find and describe the positive effect of wood ash fertilisers on Norway spruce (Picea abies) and other economically valuable tree species. Research results show positive wood ash application effect on tree growth and vitality within the first 4 years when used for recultivation and revitalization purposes. Recycling of wood ash (0.5–3 t ha- 1 before planting) for fertilisation of and Picea abies forest plantations are a sustainable and effective solution for the improvement of tree growth as well as an environmentally safe method of utilization of bioenergy production residues.

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929–947 K. Stankevica, Z. Vincevica-Gaile and M. Klavins
Freshwater sapropel (gyttja): its description, properties and opportunities of use in contemporary agriculture
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Freshwater sapropel (gyttja): its description, properties and opportunities of use in contemporary agriculture

K. Stankevica, Z. Vincevica-Gaile and M. Klavins*

University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Environmental Science, Jelgavas street 1, LV-1004, Riga
*Correspondence: maris.klavins@lu.lv

Abstract:

 Sapropel (gyttja or dy) is a type of fine-grained and loose sediments, rich in organic matter, deposited in freshwater bodies. Properties of sapropel and quite wide possibilities of extraction makes it as an important natural resource that can be used predominantly in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming. Sapropel and its processing products are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, with a definite content of nutrients. The aim of the current paper was to gather the available information about the sapropel properties and its application in agriculture as soil fertilizer or soil amendment, indicating the efficiency and possible ways amounts of application. Another reason why the investigation of sapropel is important in the Baltic States and northern Europe is its wide distribution and availability in freshwater bodies that leads to find out new ways of extraction and bioeconomically-effective utilization of this highly valuable natural resource, obtainable in economically significant amounts, with high opportunities of its use in agriculture. Contemporary agriculture strongly desiderates in new products of high effectivity enhancing soil and crop productivity and quality hand in hand with sustainable development and careful attitude to the nature and surrounding environment.

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1257-1265 J. Bradna, J. Malaťák and D. Hájek
The properties of wheat straw combustion and use of fly ash as a soil amendment
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The properties of wheat straw combustion and use of fly ash as a soil amendment

J. Bradna, J. Malaťák* and D. Hájek

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Department of
Technological Equipment of Buildings, Kamýcká 129, CZ165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
*Correspondence: malatak@tf.czu.cz

Abstract:

Agriculture is one of possible producers of by-products suitable for energy purposes,

such as rapeseed and wheat straw. But on the other hand, not only thanks to the support of energy
from biomass grown specifically for this purpose, arable land is exposed to intense cultivation of
wide-row crops indirectly supporting soil erosion and nutrient elution. The issue of recycling ash
from biomass combustion on agricultural and forest land is very important to resolve. Experience
with this problem is found in countries in Northern Europe such as Finland or Sweden, as well as
in North America. Due to ash characteristics, it is considered a valuable soil component and a
potential replacement for conventional fertilizers.
Elemental analyses of samples from wheat straw pellets were followed by combustion and
emission measurements. The effects of temperature and volume of air in the combustion of wheat
straw was analysed, focusing on emission concentrations and the ash content. Effect of excess air
coefficient on the composition of end products after combustion was assessed in three modes
(small, optimum and high coefficient of excess air). During the measurements, the excess air
coefficient ranged between the values from 3.95 to 14.89. The average net calorific value of the
wheat straw samples was 15.55 MJ kg-1 in the original state. Mineral composition analysis of
solid combustion products, necessary for using these residues as a fertilizer or soil component,
was performed as well.

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