Lateritic Research Articles

Response Surface Methodology Approach for the Prediction and Optimization of the Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Laterized Concrete Incorporating Eco-Friendly Calcium Carbide Waste

This study investigated the combined effects of calcium carbide waste (CCW) and lateritic soil (LS) on sustainable concrete’s fresh and mechanical properties as a construction material for infrastructure development. The study will explore the possibility of using easily accessible materials, such as lateritic soils and calcium carbide waste. Therefore, laterite soil was used to replace some portions of fine aggregate at 0% to 40% (interval of 10%) by weight, while CCW substituted the cement content at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight. A response surface methodology/central composite design (RSM/CCD) tool was applied to design and develop statistical models for predicting and optimizing the properties of the sustainable concrete. The LS and CCW were input variables, and compressive strength and splitting tensile properties are response variables. The results indicated that the combined effects of CCW and LS improve workability by 18.2% compared to the control mixture. Regarding the mechanical properties, the synergic effects of CCW as a cementitious material and LS as a fine aggregate have improved the concrete’s compressive and splitting tensile strengths. The contribution of LS is more pronounced than that of CCW. The established models have successfully predicted the mechanical behavior and fresh properties of sustainable concrete utilizing LS and CCW as the independent variables with high accuracy. The optimized responses can be achieved with 15% CCW and 10% lateritic soil as a substitute for fine aggregate weight. These optimization outcomes produced the most robust possible results, with a desirability of 81.3%.

Sesame Stalk Compost in Soil Revitalization and Long-term Sustainable Crop Productivity in Organic Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

ABSTRACT Resource depletion is one of the primary concerns of modern agriculture farmers, which needs to be considered for long term sustainability. To assess the effect of sesame stalk compost on the growth, yield, and quality of sesame under organic cultivation, long-term (four years) field experiments were conducted for eight seasons consecutively from 2020 to 2023. The inoculated composts collected after 90 days of composting contain N (1.45–1.50%), P (0.22–25%), K (0.23–0.25%), Fe (510–514 ppm), Zn (150–154 ppm), Cu (286–288 ppm), and Mn (540–542 ppm), which was higher than the uninoculated sesame stalk. Similarly, the humic acid content (122 mg/g of compost), fulvic acid (23–24 mg/g of compost), total humic substances (145–146 mg/g of compost), and CO2–C evolution (186–188 mg/100 g of compost) were significantly higher with microbial inoculated composts than uninoculated compost. The results of the long-term field experiment indicated that application of sesame stalk compost @ 5 t/ha significantly increased the soil organic carbon (6.30 g/kg), soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (11.8 mg/ha), raised the pH to neutralize the acidic pH in red lateritic soil (6.8 to 7.2), reduced the soil bulk density (1.38 to 1.34), penetration resistance (720 kpa to 630 kpa), and available N, P, and K. As a result, the sesame grain yield obtained with application of sesame stalk compost @ 5 t/ha (778–782 kg/ha) was comparable with recommended doses of chemical fertilizers (794 kg/ha). Significant improvement in grain quality (24.2% of protein, 418–422 ppm of Ca, 12.4–12.6 ppm of Zn, 9.6 ppm of Fe and 2.6 ppm of Cu) and oil yield (364.1–367.5 kg/ha) was also observed due to the application of microbial inoculated sesame stalk compost.

Behavior of CBR value of laterite soil mixed with metakaolin

Laterite soil is a material widely used for civil engineering purposes in South Kalimantan. Most laterite soil has low bearing capacity due to high clay and plastic content, causing cracks and damage, especially when mixed with a fairly high volume of water. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the soil through stabilization using metakaolin. An experimental study was conducted using laterite soil from Mount Kupang, Cempaka Village, Banjarbaru. This soil wasmixed with metakaolin on various percentage variations of the mixture, namely 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the weight. The incubation period of the sample commences from 3, 7, and 14 days. Some of the test conducted include soil consistency limits (Atterberg limit test), soaked laboratory, and unconfined compressive strength (UCT). The result showed an effect on the characteristics of laterite soil mixed with metakaolin. The Plasticity Index (PI) value of laterite soil experienced a constant decrease due to the influence of methakoline by 14.75%. The soaked CBR value increased in a mixture of 2 to 8% metakaolin, but there was a decrease in the case of 10% at a curing time of 3, 7, and 14 days. Furthermore, the maximum soaked CBR value in laterite soil samples was mixed with 10% metakaolin at a curing period of 14 days and experience a percentage increase of 43.47%. The maximum qu value also increased by 42.02% in a mixture of 8% metakaolin and decreased in a 10% metakaolin at a curing time of 14 days.

Secondary and Multi-micronutrient (S, B & Zn) Doses on Yield and Residual Effect on Rice-groundnut Cropping System in Alfisols of Odisha, India

Orissa is the fourth largest state in India covering an area of 15.57 m ha out of which the net sown area is 6.13 m ha. Out of 8 broad soil groups found in the state, red and laterite groups of soil occupy more than 75% of total cultivable area. Low productivity of crops in red and laterite soils are associated with deficiency of Ca, Mg, S, B and Mo (Mitra and Sahu, 1988). The DTPA extractable Zn also indicates that red and laterite soils of Orissa is deficient in available Zn and respondent to Zn application to rice crop (Anonymous, 2002; Mandal et al., 2009). Next to Zn, the deficiency of B is wide spread in many districts of the state as well as contrary (Sharma et al., 2006). Rice-Groundnut is the most prevailing cropping pattern in red and Lateritic soils of Orissa. In spite of recommended dose of NPK fertilizer, the farmers get low yield. A field experiments were carried out with rice-groundnut cropping systems in two successive cropping seasons each, to study the effect of S, B and Zn on grain yield, nutrient uptake and their accumulation. The experimental design included ten treatments, T1: control, T2 : S 40 kg/ha, T3 : B 1 kg/ha, T4 : Zn 5 kg/ha, T5 : FYM 5 t/ha, T6 : S+B, T7 : S+Zn, T8 : B+Zn, T9 : S+B+Zn and T10 : S+B+Zn+FYM replicated thrice in randomized block design. Integrated use of S + B + Zn with FYM was the ideal combination for rice-groundnut cropping system as it was more sustainable, recorded the highest yield and SYI value along with higher accumulation and uptake of nutrients. The results revealed that red and lateritic soils are poor in S and B need integrated use of S, B and Zn along with recommended dose of NPK for getting synergistic and best effect in rice-groundnut cropping system.

EFFECTS OF GUM ARABIC ON THE MOISTURE CONTENT AND WATER ABSORPTION OF LATERITIC BRICKS OF VARYING PARTICLE SIZES OF FINE AGGREGATES

The increasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction, accounts for 37% global emissions. In mitigating these challenges, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) recommends the use of lateritic bricks due to it's environmental sustainability. To achieve durability and environmental sustainability, Gum Arabic is introduced in laterite soil to improve its properties. The objective of the study is to determine the suitability of Gum Arabic as stabilizer on the moisture content and water absorption capacity of earth bricks of different particle size distributions. Experimental research method was adopted for the study. The particle size distribution of the laterite soil was classified within the ranges 75µm-600µm, and 1.18mm- 4.76mm. Also, the content of the Gum Arabic was proportioned from the range of 0% to 30% partial replacements. Sample bricks were produced and tested at 14, 21 and 28 days curing period. The data collected from the results of the laboratory experiments was analysed using bar charts. The results showed that, particle size distributions for grading fine aggregate suitable for compressed stabilised earth bricks (CSEB) was found to be between 1.18mm-4.76mm considering it low extent of permeability and high durability properties at 28 days curing period. It was concluded that, moisture content influences the rate of water absorption, such that an increase in moisture content consequently increases the rate of water absorption. However, the low extent of water permeability recorded, reduces the water content in the pores of the CSEBs, thereby reducing the extent of expansion and contraction making the GA-based CSEBS to be less brittle and more durable. It was recommended that, when selecting eco-friendly bricks for construction of buildings, Gum Arabic based Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks (GA-based CSEBs), should be utilised considering its low permeability and durability for particle size ˃ 600µm.

Assessing aquifer vulnerability near cemeteries using dipole-dipole and vertical electrical sounding methods

An integrated geophysical investigation of the second cemetery in Benin City was conducted with the view to determine the leachate flow direction and the geoelectrical layers that characterized the underlying aquifer. Eight vertical electrical soundings (VES) and two dipole-dipole profiling lines along two transverse sections were carried out. For the dipole-dipole profiling, ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C was employed, while the VES investigation utilized the Schlumberger array. The resistivity data collected during the field investigation were interpreted using DIPROWIN software version 4.01. Leachate plume was identified in the subsurface soil at a depth range of 5 to 20 meters. This was attributed to the soil porosity, aiding the infiltration of necroleachate. The VES results revealed four geoelectric layers: topsoil, lateritic soil, a weathered layer (composed of clay), and medium to coarse sand. The overburden exhibited a thickness range of 0.7762m to 0.8074m, resistivity ranging from 57.318Ωm to 2831.4Ωm, and depths ranging from 0.7762m to 1.5836m. The third geoelectric layer, identified as clay, had an average thickness of 11.48 meters at a depth of 13.06 meters, with a resistivity of 203.52Ωm. Apart from acting as a seal against the downward penetration of leachate, the clay also serves as a filter.

Eco-Friendly Brick Produced from Bagasse Ash and Lime, Jaggery: A Study of Waste Reuse

The building construction industry in India, which is one of the fastest-growing in the world, heavily relies on limited natural resources, especially burned clay bricks, which raise greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the viability of using the laterite soil-based bagasse bricks as an affordable and environmentally friendly substitute. This brick's greater compressive strength, decreased water absorption, and improved insulating qualities are the result of combining sugarcane bagasse—a byproduct of sugar production—with the laterite soil, lime, and jaggery. These bricks' low weight limits the dead load in tall structures, which lowers the price of building with reinforced cement concrete (RCC). Employing bagasse also lessens the effects of stubble burning, an ancient custom in India that seriously pollutes the air. The goal of the study is to encourage the use of laterite soil-bagasse bricks as an environmentally friendly building material by highlighting their many uses in construction. This research aims to encourage environmentally friendly practices in the building sector by promoting the use of sustainable materials by architects, designers, and builders. Key Words: Sustainable construction, laterite soil, bagasse bricks, greenhouse gas emissions, compressive strength, insulation, stubble burning, eco-friendly materials, RCC construction.

Growth Rate and Nutrient Uptake of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni as Influenced by Organic Manures in Laterite Soils of Kerala, India

A field experiment was conducted to understand the effect of organic manures on the crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and nutrient uptake of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) from April to August of 2022 and 2023 at the Agronomy farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 7 treatments replicated thrice which consisted of different levels of organic manures viz., three levels of farmyard manure (FYM@ 5, 10, 15 t ha­-1), three levels of vermicompost (VC@ 2.5, 5, 7.5 kg ha-1) and a control. The organic manure treatments significantly affected crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) in all the growth periods. The two-year pooled mean of CGR of stevia was significantly superior in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control in all the three growth periods i.e., at 0-30 DAP, 30-45 DAP and 45 DAP to harvest. Whereas, the two-year mean of RGR of stevia was found statistically higher in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control in the first two growth periods only. The organic manure treatments had a significant influence on the plant nutrient (NPK) uptake as well in both the years. The two-year pooled mean data regarding plant uptake of nitrogen and phosphorous was found significantly higher in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control whereas statistically higher pooled mean potassium uptake by stevia was found in VC@7.5 kg ha-1 over control. Overall, the higher levels of organic manure, especially FYM, significantly improve growth and nutrient uptake in stevia.

Effectiveness of Phosphate-Solubilizing Aspergillus fumigatus MCC 1721 in Boosting Fenugreek Yield in Red Laterite Soil

Effectiveness of Phosphate-Solubilizing Aspergillus fumigatus MCC 1721 in Boosting Fenugreek Yield in Red Laterite Soil

Performance of Bitumen Emulsion Mixtures utilized as Gravel Road Base incorporating Lateritic Clay Soil and Calcined Sugarcane Bagasse Ash Filler

Performance of Bitumen Emulsion Mixtures utilized as Gravel Road Base incorporating Lateritic Clay Soil and Calcined Sugarcane Bagasse Ash Filler

THE INFLUENCE OF SAND AND CEMENT ON THE LATERITIC SOIL COMPACTION WITH IRON ORE TAILINGS

The characteristics of lateritic soils vary significantly, depending on the laterization process they have undergone. Due to this diversity, physicochemical and mechanical tests may be necessary to assess the feasibility of using it. This research aimed to characterize the soil and sedimented iron ore tailings (IOT) and analyze, through compaction tests, the influence of the Portland cement and the sand in the mixtures used for rammed earth (RE) construction. Three groups were proposed for compaction tests: Group 1 (reference – only soil), Group 2 (40% sand + soil), and Group 3 (40% sand + 2.5% Portland cement). Each group consisted of five mixtures with varying content of soil replacement by IOT. The results showed that, although Groups 2 and 3 increased the maximum dry density values in the mixtures without IOT compared to Group 1, the mixtures did not reach the minimum requirements specified by the Brazilian standard for RE. Additionally, the mixtures without IOT presented high optimal moisture content. The use of IOT in mixtures positively reduced the optimum water content and increased the dry density values, which are important parameters to RE production.

Experimental and numerical analysis of instrumented caissons in tropical soil

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on the behavior of three (3) instrumented caissons in a tropical laterite soil in the Planalto Central, DF, Brazil. The concrete caissons have a shaft diameter of 0.6 m, a bell diameter of 1.2 m and 1.3 m and lengths of 8.9 to 14.4 m. Static load tests were conducted out to investigate the behavior of the caissons. The results of load vs displacement and their interactions with the tropical soil were measured and evaluated using the methodology of Camapum de Carvalho et al. (2008, 2010) and numerical modeling with back-calculation of static load tests in the Plaxis 3D software. The paper presents the analysis of the load transfer lines and the comparison with the proposed methods. The results pointed to a constant load transfer along the shaft, with a significant contribution from the skin friction, developed for a fraction of the displacement necessary for its mobilization. The accuracy of using the Camapum de Carvalho et al. methodology stands out (2008, 2010), identifying the region dominated by skin friction, tip and plasticization of the foundation, confirming the authors’ predictions for a tropical soil in the Distrito Federal/DF, Brazil. The numerical method using the Plaxis 3D software, proves that for the limit test load there was a significant contribution from skin friction, which must be consider in the analysis of the behaviour of caissons.

Metals geochemistry and ecological risk assessment in lateritic soils and their transfer to tea plants

ABSTRACT Tea plant cultivation has been demonstrated to change the physicochemical properties of soils and metal bioavailability. The present study reported the geochemistry of four selected metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni) in lateritic soil cores regarding various depths cultivated with tea plants of different ages (3, 6, and 10 years old). The ecological risk and bioaccumulation of these metals in tea plants were also evaluated. The results indicate the acidic property of tea plant cultivation soils (pH < 4.5) and highlight further soil acidification due to long-term cultivation. The soils were strongly affected by farming methods and showed high levels (average from all soil cores) of total organic carbon contents (4.0% w/w), total nitrogen (2806 mg kg−1), and total phosphorus (1730 mg kg−1). We suggest that the selected metals originated naturally, supported by a high percentage in residual fractions from the results of soil sequential extraction (over 95% for Mn, Fe, and Ni and ∼ 90% for Cr). These metals exhibited no ecological risk to the adjacent environment. Mn showed the highest bioavailability, possibly due to the acidic soils and nitrogen fertiliser applications, increasing the release of Mn from soils. Mn also exhibited the highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) among four metals and 2.4 ÷ 6.5-folds higher BCFs in tea leaves than in roots. Despite the dominant content of Fe in soils (average of 20% w/w), Fe indicated lower amounts in tea leaves than Mn (average of 513 mg kg−1 vs 1354 mg kg−1). This could be attributed to the formation of Fe-rich root coatings on the tea plant root surface as a barrier to prevent Fe from translocating to other higher tea plant parts. Ni and Cr, as potentially toxic metals, were found at the lowest contents in tea leaves with low BCFs, indicating consumer safety in terms of exposure by these metals.

Enhancing phosphorus availability and growth of green gram (Vigna radiata) in acidic red and laterite soil through liquid formulations of native phosphate solubilizing bacteria

Phosphorus (P) availability in acid soils is often limited due to its fixation with various soil components. This leads to low use efficiency of P fertilizers and raises environmental concerns when they are used in excess. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have the potential to enhance P availability by solubilizing insoluble P forms. In this study, twenty-five PSB strains were initially isolated from acidic red and laterite soils in eastern India. Among them, ten bacteria formed a clear halo zone in Pikovskaya agar plates. The P releasing ability of these bacteria from different insoluble P sources was evaluated. The PSB strain AJ14, identified as Enterobacter sp., exhibited high P releasing capacity from tri-calcium phosphate, rock phosphate, ferric phosphate, and aluminum phosphate. Additionally, the strain demonstrated the ability to release zinc and potassium from insoluble sources. To improve the shelf life and efficacy of the PSB strain, liquid biofertilizer formulations were developed using polymeric additives such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose, and tween 20. The liquid formulations showed enhanced survival and viability of the PSB strain compared to solid carrier-based biofertilizers. In a pot culture experiment with green gram plants, the liquid formulations significantly increased soil available P, dry matter yield, and P uptake by plants compared to the control and solid carrier-based biofertilizer treatment. Mitscherlich equation parameters indicated the greater effectiveness of the liquid formulations. The results suggest that liquid formulations of the PSB strain AJ14 can improve P utilization efficiency and plant growth in acidic red and laterite soils.

Enhancing the performance of biofilters with sorption ability for simultaneous purification of landfill gases using laterite soil-based substrate

Various harmful gas emissions are a major controversial issue globally, and open dumpsites have become a leading contributor to atmospheric pollution. The study aims to introduce a high-performance landfill gas purification substrate using laterite soil, an iron, and aluminum-rich, highly available soil type in tropical countries; the final suggested substrate contained uniformly mixed laterite soil and compost with a 4:1 fraction by volume. A self-design setup that can maintain moisture content and aerobic conditions was used with an active landfill gas collection system through the gas wells established on the Karadiyana landfill in Sri Lanka under a tropical climate. The elimination capacity of CH4, NH3, VOCs, and H2S were 202860 ± 51595, 91 ± 30, 75 ± 27, and 6 ± 3 mg m−3 h−1 with 91 ± 3, 96 ± 1, 93 ± 3 and 83 ± 4% of removal efficiencies respectively at a 9.4 min empty bed residence time (EBRT). Selected laterite soil acts as an adsorption material and provides a better bio-filtering substrate with compost due to its specific characteristics. The hybrid gas purification process, absorption, and biofiltration within the proposed material were the reasons for higher performance, and the setup may be successful under the industrial waste gas streams. Further investigation should be carried out to study the medium's effectiveness as the covering layer on the dump with the successful lowest thickness, regarding secondary pollutants, and industrial applicability under unique specific conditions.

Biochar–water–soil interactions: Implications for soil desiccation cracking behavior in subtropical regions

In subtropical regions, soil desiccation cracking often exerts a significant impact on the interactions between soil water and the atmosphere, making it a subject of great interest in the fields of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. Despite the growing utilization of biochar as a sustainable soil amendment, there remains a lack of in-depth understanding of biochar–water–soil interactions, as well as its impact on soil desiccation cracking behavior. To address this gap, this study investigated the influence and mechanism of woody biochar dosages and particle sizes on the cracking behavior of three typical clayey soils in subtropical regions in China, namely Pukou expansive soil (PKE), Xiashu soil (XS), and Zhongshan lateritic soil (ZSL). The quantitative analysis of crack images revealed that the use of biochar was not consistently effective in preventing soil cracking. The application of biochar reduced the crack ratio in PKE and XS by up to 24.03% and 53.89%, respectively. In contrast, ZSL exhibited a 74.57% increase in crack ratio with the addition of 10% biochar. This influence can be further enhanced by increasing the dosage and reducing the particle size of biochar. The microstructural analysis demonstrated that biochar exerts an inhibitory effect on PKE and XS primarily through direct replacement, direct barrier, and indirect physical mechanisms. Moreover, an indirect chemical effect between biochar and clay particles was proposed to explain the exacerbated cracking observed in biochar-amended ZSL. To effectively utilize biochar for soil cracking mitigation in subtropical regions, it is essential to evaluate the initial mineral composition and cation type of the soil.

Application of different levels of NPK along with soil and foliar application of zinc and boron on yield, quality and nutrient content of cashew nut for increasing quality parameter, in lateritic soil of Konkan

Application of different levels of NPK along with soil and foliar application of zinc and boron on yield, quality and nutrient content of cashew nut for increasing quality parameter, in lateritic soil of Konkan

Petrological and geotechnical studies of lateritic soils in the locality of Ngaoundal (Adamawa-Cameroon): implication in road construction

Petrological and geotechnical studies of lateritic soils in the locality of Ngaoundal (Adamawa-Cameroon): implication in road construction

Stabilization of lateritic soil with Portland cement and crushed granite for pavement base courses

The aim of this work is to propose reconstituted materials, by cement-based improvement of lateritic gravels and joint cement improvement and lithostabilization, that are technically suitable for use in base courses. The study focused on two (02) different lateritic gravels, LG1 with a fine content of 24% and LG2 with a fine content of 15%. For lithostabilization, 0/25 granite crushed stone was used and the cement used was CEM II/B-LL 42.5. For cement improvement, three (03) cement contents (1%; 1.5% and 2%) were studied, and for joint stabilization, the granite crushed content was set at 10%, with only the cement content varying by 1%, 1.5% and 2%. The mixes were obtained by adding the cement mass calculated from the total gravel mass collected and the cement rate studied to the raw gravel or to a mixture of 90% gravel and 10% granite crushed stone. The results of physical-mechanical tests such as the Atterberg limits, Modified Proctor and California bearing index of stabilized materials were analyzed in comparison with the initial values of raw materials without stabilization. The results show that cement increases the plasticity index but improves the bearing capacity of lateritic gravels better than joint stabilization. However, joint stabilization does improve gravel bearing capacity compared with untreated raw gravel. For use as a base course in accordance with CEBTP specifications [3], in addition to the 10% granite crushed content, LG1 must be upgraded to at least 1.5% cement and LG2 to 1%.

Stabilization of Lateritic Soil using Fly Ash Based Geopolymer

Stabilization of Lateritic Soil using Fly Ash Based Geopolymer