Abstract
ABSTRACT The use of landfill leachate (LL) to produce biomass for energy and biofuel purposes is an alternative that minimizes environmental degradation. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of using different rates of LL in the fertigation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crops. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications-20 experimental plots. The treatments consisted of control with 100% water from the water supply (WWS) (T1); 80% WWS + 20% LL (T2); 60% WWS + 40% LL (T3); 40% WWS + 60% LL (T4); and 20% WWS + 80% LL (T5). The sunflower crops were grown in a eutrophic Red-Yellow Argisol for 81 days, in Mossoró RN, Brazil. The plant characteristics evaluated-plant height, number of leaves, steam diameter and capitulum diameter-was determined. All variables evaluated presented statistical differences between treatments. In general, plants in the treatment 60% WWS + 40% LL presented better performance regarding the characteristics evaluated.
Highlights
The results found in the present study are in accordance with the ones found by Andrade et al (2012), who reported that the use of wastewater improved significantly the sunflower plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and internal and external capitulum diameter
The use of landfill leachate for fertigation of sunflower crops is a viable alternative for treatment and final disposal of this liquid residue
This practice can focus on the production of biofuel and vegetal biomass for energy purposes, reduce the erosion of soils that cover the solid urban waste, and save good-quality water resources
Summary
The disposal of urban solid residues in landfills cause degradation of their organic material, and generation of a liquid of dark color and unpleasant odor that is highly polluting and has high organic and inorganic load, toxic and recalcitrant substances, commonly called landfill leachate (LL) (MATOS et al, 2013; BEDIN, 2011; MENDONÇA, 2010; LAUERMANN, 2007; BRENTANO, 2006).LL has a high pollution potential, the lack of treatment or inadequate treatment and management of such liquid waste can cause serious environmental impacts, such as pollution of soil, and surface and underground water resources (MATOS et al, 2013).The use of LL as fertigation of agricultural crops favors the expansion of the irrigated area, makes it possible to increase crop yield and quality, improves the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the soil, and improves environmental and public health, when used together with appropriate agronomic management practices (CHEVREMONT et al, 2013; DUTRA, 2013; LO MONACO et al, 2009; HESPANHOL, 2008).The volume of LL to be applied in crops must be based on the recommended nutrient rates and estimated water requirement for the crops (LO MONACO et al, 2009), i.e., water must be added to the LL to supply the plant need for nutrients and water.Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an annual dicotyledonous plant from the Asteraceae family. LL has a high pollution potential, the lack of treatment or inadequate treatment and management of such liquid waste can cause serious environmental impacts, such as pollution of soil, and surface and underground water resources (MATOS et al, 2013). The name Helianthus refers to the moving of the flower in relation to the sun, a phenomenon known as heliotropism (SOUSA et al, 2012; COSTA, 2012; OLIVEIRA et al, 2005; CASTRO; FARIAS, 2005). It is a remarkable plant because of its economic potential, since all parts of this plant can be commercially used (SOUZA et al, 2013; LIRA et al, 2011; CARRÃO-PANIZZI; MANDARINO, 2005)
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