Prospects of using pulp and paper industry by-products in agriculture

Abstract

The industrial sector plays a significant role in the growth of the world economy, but the development of industrial production leads to an increasing amount of wastes. The analysis of pulp and paper industry waste’s positive properties allows us to consider paper mill sludge as a by-product of cardboard and paper production. It is established that sludge contains both organic and non-organic substances that have properties necessary for crops and soils. Sludge can be used for soil improvement, and even as an organo-mineral fertilizer for yield gain, both in pure form and in a mixture with other components. There is a need for further studies of the properties of the paper sludge for agricultural uses within Ukrainian ecosystems. A number of recommendations have been given for further research of sludge management in Ukrainian farming ecosystems.