Addition Of Peat Moss Research Articles

Influence of peatmoss and polymer on moisture characteristic curve of soils with different gypsum and clay contents

To determine the hydraulic properties of several soils with varying clay and gypsum contents and treatments with peat moss and polymer, a laboratory experiment was done. Gypsum ratios varied from 410 g kg-1 to 46 g kg-1, while clay ratios ranged from 0 to 435 g kg-1. Two soils were employed, one having 410 g kg-1 of gypsum and the other containing 435 g kg-1 of clay. Peat moss and a polymer were used to treat the five soils. Three soaking and drying cycles were performed on soil that had been treated with conditioners by packing it into plastic columns that were 5 cm in diameter and 25 cm high with a bulk density of 1.3 mcg m3. The experiment's goal was to improve the ability of gypsiferous soils to retain water. The moisture characteristic curves were computed using the connection between the volumetric moisture content () and the matric tension, which ranged between 0.1 and 1500 kPa. The results revealed that the values of for the study's soil and treatment methods decreased as matric tension increased, and the discrepancies were more pronounced at low tensions. With rising gypsum and falling clay, the values of decreased. As gypsum was raised from 46 to 410 g kg-1, the values of the available water reduced from 0.276 cm3 cm-3 to 0.191 cm3 cm-3. The addition of peat moss (1%), polymer 1 (2%), and a combination of the two clearly increased the amount of water that was accessible while also changing the amounts of clay and gypsum in all treatments.

IMPACT OF SOME SOIL AMENDMENTS ON PROPERTIES OF SALT AFFECTED CALCAREOUS SOIL AND SALINITY HARMFUL IN TOMATO PLANT (Lycopersicon esculentum)

An experiment was carried out in plastic pots under greenhouse condition during (2) successive season to investigate the effect of the organic manures (compost, peat moss, chicken and pigeon manures) or soil conditioners (vermiculite and perlite) on some properties of saline calcareous soil and tomato plant enzymes. The obtained results manifested that application of the aforementioned amendments improved soil aggregates, pH, EC, SP, cation and anion and availability of K. Likewise it decreased the activity of Catalase, Peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase tomato plants. The most beneficial influence of the above-mentioned parameters was observed with addition of peat moss, chicken manure and soil conditioners.

Effects of Adding Corn Dried Distiller Grains with Solubles (DDGS) to the Dairy Cow Diet and Effects of Bedding in Dairy Cow Slurry on Fugitive Methane Emissions.

Simple SummaryThe objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effects of adding corn DDGS to the dairy cow diet as well as the bedding types (wood shavings, straw or peat moss) on manure fugitive CH4 emissions. The incorporation of DDGS in the diet has increased manure methane emission by 15% and the use of peat moss as bedding has increased manure methane emission by 27%.The specific objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effects of adding 10% or 30% corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to the dairy cow diet and the effects of bedding type (wood shavings, straw or peat moss) in dairy slurry on fugitive CH4 emissions. The addition of DDGS10 to the dairy cow diet significantly increased (29%) the daily amount of fat excreted in slurry compared to the control diet. The inclusion of DDGS30 in the diet increased the daily amounts of excreted DM, volatile solids (VS), fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and hemicellulose by 18%, 18%, 70%, 30%, 15% and 53%, respectively, compared to the control diet. During the storage experiment, daily fugitive CH4 emissions showed a significant increase of 15% (p < 0.05) for the slurry resulting from the corn DDGS30 diet. The addition of wood shavings and straw did not have a significant effect on daily fugitive CH4 emissions relative to the control diet, whereas the addition of peat moss caused a significant increase of 27% (p < 0.05) in fugitive CH4 emissions.

Bioremediation treatability assessment of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils from Eureka, Nunavut

The bioremediation potential of three hydrocarbon-contaminated soil samples with diverse soil physical/chemical characteristics from Eureka, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, was assessed. Microbial enumeration by viable plate counts and MPN analyses combined with molecular analysis (PCR and colony hybridization) for hydrocarbon catabolic genes ( alkB +, xylE +, ndoB +) demonstrated the presence of significant numbers of aerobic cold-adapted hydrocarbon-degrading organisms in the three contaminated soils. The degradative activities of the indigenous microbial populations were assessed by mineralization of 14C-labelled hexadecane (C16) and naphthalene at 5°C or 23°C in untreated and treated soil microcosms. Although very low rates of C16 and naphthalene mineralization were observed in untreated microcosms, nutrient supplementation with a commercial inorganic fertilizer (20:20:20) markedly increased mineralization in the soil microcosms, indicating that these soil are nutrient-deficient. Increasing the incubation temperature to 23°C markedly decreased the acclimation period and increased the rate of mineralization in soil microcosms supplemented with 20:20:20. Optimal treatments resulting in the greatest rates and levels of mineralization for each soil were determined: Soil #1, 20:20:20+tilling; Soil #2, 20:20:20+peat moss; Soil #3, 20:20:20+water to 60% WHC. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) analysis of cold soil microcosms revealed that, similar to the soil mineralization assays, the optimal treatments increased TPH degradation compared with fertilizer treatment alone. TPH levels in the contaminated Eureka soils were reduced from 5166 to 2966 ppm in Soil #1, from ∼4256 to 2466 ppm in Soil #2, and from 4500 to 1933 ppm in Soil #3 following the appropriate treatment after 16 weeks incubation at 5°C. These results indicate that the bioremediation potential of the Eureka soils at low ambient summer temperatures is considerable. It is suggested that the on-site treatment planned for the 2000 summer include the application of a commercial fertilizer and, if feasible, additional treatments such as tilling, addition of peat moss, or water, depending on the contaminated soil's physical/chemical characteristics.

Phytochelatins are bioindicators of atmospheric metal exposure via direct foliar uptake in trees near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Plants produce phytochelatins in response to copper and nickel, the primary metal pollutants emitted by the dominant smelting operation in Sudbury. Copper and nickel concentrations in soils decline sharply with distance from this facility, primarily as a result of early smelting practices. Phytochelatin concentrations in Sudbury-area trees, however, do not correlate with metal levels in soils. Rather, phytochelatin production in tree leaves is driven by metals currently released to the atmosphere through the 381 m emissions stack. Phytochelatin concentrations in the foliage of three tree species growing in situ are highest 20-30 km from the stack, correlated with maximum acid-leachable concentrations of deposited copper and nickel. Similar results observed in potted trees placed adjacent to indigenous trees confirm that aerially deposited metals are the source of current metal stress patterns. The addition of peat moss "filters" to potted soils did not alter this response, indicating that direct foliar metal uptake is responsible.

Soil Thermal Conductivity Effects of Density, Moisture, Salt Concentration, and Organic Matter

The thermal conductivity of soil under a given set of conditions is most important as it relates to a soil's microclimate. The early growth and development of a crop may be determined to a large extent by microclimate. The effect of bulk density, moisture content, salt concentration, and organic matter on the thermal conductivity of some sieved and repacked Jordanian soils was investigated through laboratory studies. These laboratory experiments used the single probe method to determine thermal conductivity. The soils used were classified as sand, sandy loam, loam, and clay loam. The two salts used were NaCl and CaCl2, while addition of peat moss was used to increase the organic matter content. For the soils studied, thermal conductivity increased with increasing soil density and moisture content. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.58 to 1.94 for sand, from 0.19 to 1.12 for sandy loam, from 0.29 to 0.76 for loam, and from 0.36 to 0.69 W/m K for clay loam at densities from 1.23 to 1.59 g cm−3 and water contents from 1.4 to 21.2%. The results also show that an increase in the amount of added salts at given moisture content (volumetric solution contents θ ranged from 0.03–0.12 m3 m−3 for the sand and from 0.09–0.30 m3 m−3 for the clay loam) decreased thermal conductivity. Increasing the percentage of soil organic matter decreased thermal conductivity. Finally, it was found that the sand had higher values of thermal conductivity than the clay loam for the same salt type and concentrations.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF DISTURBED SOILS UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS

The effect of salt concentration, organic matter, bulk density, and moisture content on the thermal conductivityof some sieved and repacked soils was investigated through laboratory studies. These laboratory experiments used thesingle probe method to determine thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity observed in this study under varyingwater content, soil density, and soil texture was compared with independent estimates made using standard procedures ofCampbell (1985). The differences between the observed and predicted results were very small. Fundamental informationon how salts, water, and organic matter affect thermal conductivity of soil would be useful in modeling water and energymovement in systems containing salt-affected soils. The soils used were classified as sand, sandy loam, loam, and clayloam. The three salts used were sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ), and calcium chloride (CaCl 2 )while addition of peat moss was to increase the organic matter content. For the type of soils studied, thermal conductivityincreased with increased soil density and moisture content. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.43 to 0.98 for sand, from0.35 to 0.55 for sandy loam, from 0.34 to 0.50 for loam, and from 0.29 to 0.44 W/m K for clay loam at densities from 1.30to 1.50 g/cm 3 and water contents from 0.06 to 0.10 cm 3 /cm 3 . The results also showed that thermal conductivity decreasedwith an increase in the amount of added salts. Thermal conductivity for sand ranged from 1.17 to 0.56 W/m K atconcentrations of NaCl from 0.02 to 0.10 kg/kg, from 1.13 to 0.52 W/m K at concentrations of CaCl 2 from 0.01 to0.05 kg/kg, and from 1.05 to 0.45 W/m K at concentrations of MgCl 2 from 0.01 to 0.05 kg/kg. Thermal conductivity forclay loam ranged from 0.61 to 0.16 W/m K at concentrations of NaCl from 0.02 to 0.10 kg/kg, from 0.58 to 0.10 W/m K atconcentrations of CaCl 2 from 0.01 to 0.05 kg/kg, and from 0.55 to 0.08 W/m K at concentrations of MgCl 2 from 0.01 to0.05 kg/kg. At a given moisture content, increasing the percentage of soil organic matter decreased thermal conductivity.Finally, thermal conductivity values were higher for sand than for clay loam for the same salt type and concentration. Themeasurements concerning salts and organic matter are an important contribution to an important and little studied field.

Use of Composted Dairy Cattle Solid Biomass, Poultry Litter and Municipal Biosolids as Greenhouse Growth Media

Studies were conducted to evaluate use of composted dairy cattle solid biomass, poultry litter, and municipal biosolids as partial or complete peat moss substitutes in greenhouse growth media. Using in-vessel techniques, four poultry litter composts were prepared using litter at 12.5 and 25% with hay or sawdust (v/v). Biosolids were composted with 50% sawdust (v/v) and dairy cattle solid biomass was composted alone. Each of the above six composts were blended with 0 or 50% peat moss and further mixed with 25% perlite and 25% vermiculite to prepare a total of 12 compost-based growth media. Peat moss blended with 25% perlite and 25% vermiculite served as the control. ‘Bonanza Yellow’ dwarf marigold (Tagetes patula) were grown in 25 by 50 cm flats containing 36 cells. Media containing poultry litter cocomposted with hay had low C/N ratios, high porosity and low water-holding capacity, and produced poor quality plants with high mortality rates. Biosolids and poultry litter cocomposted with sawdust produced the tallest plants and the largest dry weight accumulation. Composted dairy biomass and the peat moss control produced plants of similar growth and appearance. Biosolids, poultry litter cocomposted with sawdust, and dairy biomass were effective peat moss substitutes. Addition of peat moss to the growth media was of little benefit except when the media exhibited high porosity.

投入有機物の種類と量が土壌理化学性ならびに温室バラの収量，品質に及ぼす影響

The effects of organic amendments on the chemical and physical properties of soil and the productivity of greenhouse-grown 'Bridal Pink' roses were studied for four years. This trial consisted of seven synthetic soil mixes plots and were combined with two fertilizer treatments. Three plots contained 70, 50, and 30% (by volume) of an equal amount of well fermented cow manure and wood chips ; the remainder was made up of volcanic black ash soil. Three plots had similar percentage compositions of amendments except that they consisted of hemlock bark manure. The seventh plot consisted of 50% Danish sphagnum peat moss and volcanic soil. The fertilizer treatments were : A) a mixture of organic fertilizers and liquid fertilizer and B) a mixture of a soluble and slow release chemical fertilizer. Six 'Bridal Pink' plants grafted on seedlings of Rosa multiflora were planted per wooden box (72×90×30cm depth) lined with a plastic net to retain the soil. The leachings were collected periodically after watering and analyzed for nutrients. Flowers were harvested annually for four years and graded for quality. 1. No difference in yield and stem length of cut flowers was observed in the first year ; the stem lengths were shorter in the second year, especially in the 70 and 50% wood : manure mixtures.2. In the third and fourth years, a severe decrease in soil volume occurred in the 70 and 50% mixtures. The soil was replenished in these plots at the beginning of the third year ; none was added to the 30% mixture of the wood : manure and 30% bark manure plots, and 50% peat moss plot. In the third and fourth years, a slight reduction in yield occurred in the plots without soil replenishment.3. No difference in yield was noted in the first year between fertilization plots ; yield was higher in the third year in the chemical plot compared to the organic fertilizer plot.4. While large accumulations of nutrients in the soil occurred in soils containing high amounts of cow manure, analysis of the leaching showed that many nutrients were being lost by the daily watering. Hence, at replanting time, the soils were leached with excessive irrigation. The trial showed that the physical conditions of the soil could be kept favorable by the addition of peat moss, followed by that of bark manure addition. Though cow manure in large volume can improve the physical property of a synthetic soil, temporarily, for growing roses in the greenhouse, it would not suitable for long term growing because of significant decrease in gaseous phase in soil.

Adaptability of blueberry species to various soil types: III. Final growth and tissue analyses

Abstract Seedlings of five blueberry progenies were planted in a range of soils, with or without the addition of peat moss, in an outdoor pot study to examine the adaptability of blueberries to upland soil conditions. Blueberry progenies ranged from essentially pure highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) to interspecific hybrids containing varying amounts of evergreen (V. darrowi Camp), lowbush (V. angustifolium Aiton), black highbush (V. atrococcum Heller), and rabbiteye (V. ashei Reade) blueberry germplasm. Growth differences occurred due to soil types with Berryland sand producing the most growth although the effectiveness of peat moss diminshed with time. The three different complete fertilizer sources used had no significant effect on growth over the 3 years. Progenies displayed nutritional differences on the same scale as soils with a progeny containing V. corymbosum, V. darrowi V. atrococcum, and V. ashei growing best over all soils. Manganese was the only element to show consistent soil and progeny di...

Adaptability of Blueberry Species to Various Soil Types: I. Growth and Initial Fruiting

Abstract Bulk A horizon samples of 4 soils, with or without the addition of peatmoss, and 5 blueberry crosses were used in a study of the adaptability of blueberries to upland soil conditions under 3 fertilization regimes and trickle irrigation in outdoor pots. Blueberry progenies ranged from essentially pure highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) to interspecific hybrids containing varying amounts of evergreen (V. darrowi Camp), lowbush (V. augustifolium Aiton), black highbush (V. atrococcum Heller), and rabbiteye (V. ashei Reade) blueberry germplasm. Blueberry growth, as measured by plant volume, initially was greatest on Manor clay loam, a Piedmont soil high in clay (30%), but by the 2nd growing season, growth was superior on Berryland soil. Various fertilizer sources affected small differences in growth. Generally those progenies that contained less highbush (V. corymbosum) parentage produced more vigorous growth. Depth of rooting and estimated root distribution were affected significantly by soil, but the addition of peatmoss had no consistent effect. Berryland sand and Manor loam soils, which represent extremes in clay content, both produced the deepest root systems. Fruiting and fruit characteristic data from the 2nd growing season indicated a significant effect of peatmoss on the Pope and Galestown soils, which resulted in lowered total fruit acidity. The Berryland soil produced fruit with the lowest total acidity. Blueberry plant growth over the first 2 seasons indicates that soil type can have pronounced effects on plant growth and rooting. These growth differences were due to soil characteristics other than particle size distribution, with fertilizer source having minimal effects on growth.

Adaptability of Blueberry Species to Various Soil Types: II. Leaf and Soil Analysis

Abstract A range of soils, with or without the addition of peatmoss, and seedlings of blueberry progenies were used in an outdoor pot study to examine the adaptability of blueberries to upland soil conditions with controlled fertilizer additions and trickle irrigation. Blueberry progenies ranged from essentially pure highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) to interspecific hybrids containing varying amounts of evergreen (V. darrowi Camp), lowbush (V. angustifolium Aiton), black highbush (V. atrococcum Heller), and rabbiteye (V. ashei Reade) blueberry germplasm. The soils represented the 3 physiographic regions of the eastern United States with Berryland sand used as a comparative control. Leaf analysis for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg showed significant effects of soil, but no consistent effect of peatmoss addition or fertilizer source in the 2 years of the experiment. There were significant differences among progenies. Foliar Fe, B, Al, Zn, and Cu concentrations varied independent of soil material, progeny, or fertilizer source. Leaf Mn was significantly increased from solid 10N-4P-8K fertilizer and a significant soil by progeny interaction existed. Those progenies containing some V. angustifolium tended to have increased foliar Mn levels. The reduced vigor of the blueberry progenies grown on soils other than the Berryland sand was tentatively ascribed to induced nutrient imbalances, involving Ca, Fe, and Mn, possibly being governed by soil cation exchange capacity and organic matter reactivity.