Mulch Samples Research Articles

Smoldering ignition and transition to flaming in wooden mulch beds exposed to firebrands under wind

Spotting ignition by firebrands is a significant fire spread pathway at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where mulch products are commonly used as landscaping materials. Mulch is typically organic in nature, thus it may be easily ignited into a smoldering mode by firebrands and subsequently transition to flaming, leading to direct flame contact and radiant heat exposure to siding materials of adjacent structures. This work quantified the thresholds of smoldering ignition of four common types of commercially available mulch (black mulch (BM), forest floor (FF), redwood (RW), and fir bark (FB)) exposed to heating by smoldering firebrand piles, and their propensity for smoldering-to-flaming transition under external winds (up to 1.4 m/s). We found that there was a minimum mass of firebrand pile to achieve smoldering ignition of mulch (e.g., ∼0.1 g for FF). Beyond this minimum mass, the required wind speed to trigger smoldering ignition generally decreased as the mass of the firebrand pile increased, agreeing well with theoretical analysis. After smoldering ignition, smoldering-to-flaming transition could be observed when the wind speed exceeded a critical value (e.g., ∼1 m/s for FF), which was not affected by the initial spotting process. To achieve smoldering-to-flaming transition, the glowing mulch had to reach a critical temperature of around 850 °C. Mulch samples with larger particle sizes were more likely to smolder and transition to flaming, due to increased oxygen supply through larger inter-particle pores and channels and better firebrand accumulation due to a more crevice-like geometry on the fuel surface. This work advances the fundamental understanding of the ignition and burning behavior of landscaping mulches, and thus contributes to the prevention of extreme WUI fire events.

Method Development for Aminopyralid Residues Determination by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Straw

Straw is an important by-product of crop production. It has been widely used as a feed as well as in fruit–vegetable production due to exerting a positive impact on soil and crop health and quality in the operated areas. On the other hand, applied crop-specific herbicides throughout the production stage, like aminopyralid (AP), may lead to significant plant injuries in sensitive vegetable plantations, even in very low concentrations. This study aims to optimize a short time, minimal consumables needed, and sensitive extraction and analytical method for AP residues in straw material using LC-MS/MS. For this purpose, standard AP signal response in acetonitrile (MeCN) and 1% of formic acid (FA) in methanol (MeOH) were tested; several chromatographic separation and mass spectroscopy (MS) parameters were improved and optimized. Subsequently, two different extraction methods were performed in AP spiked straw samples, and extraction efficacies were compared. Salting-out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) by acidified MeCN combined with final dissolution in MeOH with 1% of FA prior to the analysis was chosen as the most appropriate method for the straw matrix. This method was then used for validation and real sample test analysis. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of AP in this optimized extraction method achieved 10 ng/g straw with a recovery rate of 71% and 13% RSD. The method was also tested on field straw mulch samples and 22.54 ± 0.8 ng/g of AP was detected.

Analysis of the acid and alkali resistance of superhydrophobic paper mulch

Agricultural paper mulch is an indispensable part of modern agriculture. It had the functions of heat preservation, moisture preservation, insect resistance, disease prevention, and weed growth inhibition. In order to extend the service life of the paper mulch, we use the solution immersion method to modify the surface of the paper mulch. A super-hydrophobic paper mulch is mainly prepared by using hydrophobic silica. The static contact angle of the super-hydrophobic paper mulch with water is 160.6°. The super-hydrophobic paper mulch samples were immersed in acid solution (pH = 4.6 H2SO4) and alkaline solution (pH = 8.5 NaOH). The main instruments are contact angle tester, tensile testing machine and high-speed camera. The hydrophobic properties, mechanical properties and rebound properties of the two kinds of paper mulches were compared. The results showed that the tensile strength and droplet bounce height of the superhydrophobic paper mulch decreased after being soaked in acid or alkaline solution for 48 h. The mass loss rate of paper mulch was more significant in acid solution, but its contact angle was still greater than 145°, and it had good bounce performance. After observing the microscopic morphology of its surface, it was found that silica had a micro-rough structure on the surface of the paper mulch. The method was simple and environmentally friendly, and can alleviate the problem of poor acid and alkali corrosion resistance of the paper mulch, and had extraordinary significance for environmental protection.

2,4-D and dicamba removal from the surface of plastic mulch using overhead irrigation: analytical analysis and cucurbit bioassay crop response

AbstractGlyphosate and paraquat are effective preplant burndown herbicide options for multicrop vegetable production that uses plastic mulch, but problematic weeds such as wild radish, cutleaf evening primrose, annual morningglory, or horseweed may not be adequately controlled with these herbicides alone. The herbicides 2,4-D and dicamba could help control these troublesome weeds prior to planting if they can be removed from plastic mulch and thus avoid crop damage. Treatments included 2,4-D (1,065 and 2,130 g ae ha−1) and dicamba (560 and 1,120 g ae ha−1) applied broadcast over plastic mulch a day before transplanting. Just before transplanting, treatments received either 0.76 cm of water via overhead irrigation or no irrigation. Plastic mulch samples were collected at application and planting to determine herbicide presence using analytical techniques, and cantaloupe and zucchini squash were subsequently transplanted on the plastic beds. Analytical ultra-high performance liquid chromatography revealed that 88% to 99% of the initial herbicide concentration was present at crop planting when irrigation was not implemented. At most, a 1/50 rate of dicamba and a 1/500 rate of 2,4-D was present at planting when overhead irrigation was applied prior to transplanting. Maximum cantaloupe and squash injury from 2,4-D with irrigation was 10% and did not influence plant growth, biomass, or yield. For dicamba with overhead irrigation, cantaloupe injury was 35%, vine lengths were reduced by 24%, and maturity was delayed, whereas squash injury ranged from 9% to 12%, with no influence on growth or yield. Without irrigation to wash herbicides from the mulch prior to planting, 60% to 100% injury of both crops occurred with both herbicides. Zucchini squash was more tolerant to dicamba than cantaloupe. Results demonstrated that 2,4-D can be adequately removed from the surface of plastic mulch with irrigation, whereas a single irrigation event was not sufficient to remove dicamba.

Multicriteria optimization of a novel degradable nonwoven mulch fabricated from recycled natural fibers using CV-TOPSIS technique

Conventional polyethylene mulch is widely used in arid areas; however, excess residues have caused significant problems, such as tillage soil pollution, crop destruction, and food crisis. To solve these problems, new types of degradable nonwoven mulch fabricated from recycled natural fibers are proposed in this study, which are measured by field trial performances based on cotton yield and quality indicators, and prioritized by the Coefficient of Variation-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (CV-TOPSIS) method. The results from this study indicate the suitability of the new mulch in cropping systems. Moreover, based on the CV-TOPSIS method, five mulch samples were prioritized as N-3 > N-4 > N-1 > N-2 > N-5, considering an agricultural evaluation. This study also confirmed that the CV-TOPSIS method was precise and robust for analyzing comprehensive agronomic assessments. The development of a new degradable nonwoven mulch provides a bidirectionally beneficial approach for recycling industrial waste fibers and for enhancing agricultural production. The comprehensive evaluation method for both crop quantity and quality introduces an efficient assessment of various mulch. In the future, deducing the parameters of the degradable nonwoven mulch design and optimizing this method requires further study.

Plant and soil phytolith analysis of a relictual community of Butia yatay in temperate-humid savannas (Entre Ríos, Argentina)

Although palms are recognized as a plant group of tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems, in South America they can also be found in temperate savannas under certain conditions. Therefore, since these plants have been widely used as palaeoindicators in warm and humid climates, it is important to know what phytolith contribution these plants have made in temperate environments. El Palmar National Park (Argentina) protects the largest remnant of savanna palm, Butia yatay (Mart.) Becc., one of the southernmost palm communities in the continent. This modern analogue study assessed the variability of silica phytoliths in 15 selected species of plants, 20 mulch samples (organic horizon) and 60 soil samples that were collected in all the plant communities selected for this study: dense palm trees (DPT), shrubbery with isolated tall palms (SIP), psammophile steppe (PS) and humid psammophile steppe (HPS). Our results show that grasses exhibit the most diverse forms. Palms, sedges and dicots can be distinguished by the different proportions of several diagnostic morphotypes. Palm tree communities can be characterized based on a presence a high proportion of globular echinate and trapeziform sinuate/oblong phytoliths. Psammophile steppes have a high proportion of bilobate, polylobate and cross phytoliths and a low presence of globular echinate. Humid psammophile steppes show a high presence of bilobate, cross and dicot phytoliths with a low proportion of trapeziform sinuate/oblong phytoliths and an absence of globular echinate morphotypes. The ratio of palm to grass phytoliths allowed us to obtain differences between the palm groves, psammophile steppe and humid psammophile steppe ecosystems. These analyses can then be used to determine this type of ecosystem in temperate humid savannas. Phytolith assemblages provide an important record for the characterization of the plant-soil system and production-incorporation system in mixed communities as a tool in the construction of palm trees paleoenvironments.

Characterization of wood mulch and leachate/runoff from three wood recycling facilities

Large-scale open storage of wood mulch is common practice at wood recycling facilities. During rain and snow melt, leachate with soluble compounds and suspended particles is released from mulch stockpiles. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of leachate/runoff from wood recycling facilities to evaluate its potential to contaminate receiving waterbodies. Wood mulch (n = 30) and leachate/runoff (n = 26) samples were collected over 1.5 years from three wood recycling facilities in New Jersey, USA. Differences by site were found (p < 0.05) for most of the 21 constituents tested in the solid wood mulch samples. Biochemical oxygen demand (range <20–3000 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (134–6000 mg/L) and total suspended solids (69–401 mg/L) median concentrations of the leachate/runoff samples were comparable to those of untreated domestic wastewater. Total Kjeldahl N, total P and fecal coliform median values were slightly lower than typical wastewater values. Dose-response studies with leachate/runoff samples using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos showed that mortality and developmental defects typically did not occur even at the highest concentration tested, indicating low toxicity, although delayed development did occur. Based on this study, leachate/runoff from wood recycling facilities should not be released to surface waters as it is a potential source of organic contamination and low levels of nutrients. A study in which runoff from a controlled drainage area containing wood mulch of known properties is monitored would allow for better assessment of the potential impact of stormwater runoff from wood recycling facilities.

Monoethanolamine extraction of copper-preservative-treated wood and reuse of the extract for wood preservation

Remediation of copper-based alkaline copper quat (ACQ) and micronized copper quat (MCQ) wood-preservative-treated weathered southern pine mulch samples by monoethanolamine (Mea) extraction was studied. The potential reuse of Mea extract in ACQ wood preservative application was also evaluated. Continuous column extraction of copper-preservative-treated samples for 32 h, using 12 % Mea removed 66–86 % (between top and bottom of the column) and 65–80 % of Cu, respectively, from ACQ- and MCQ-treated wood. Mea extracts of treated wood could be reused in ACQ-treating solutions that met the American Wood Protection Association standard specifications for ACQ wood preservatives. This was achieved either by mixing the extract with industrial Cu–Mea solution at 1:4 ratio or by adding cupric acetate salt directly into the Mea extract. ACQ-treating solutions reformulated using Mea extracts of ACQ- and MCQ-treated wood performed similarly to wood treated with industrial ACQ solution and freshly prepared solution using cupric acetate. All treated wood had similar penetrations of Cu in wood during preservative treatment, Cu leaching from the treated wood in contact with water, corrosion of nails in contact with treated wood, and ability to protect wood from mold growth.

Detection of Cryptococcus gattii in Selected Urban Parks of the Willamette Valley, Oregon

Human and animal infections of the fungus Cryptococcus gattii have been recognized in Oregon since 2006. Transmission is primarily via airborne environmental spores and now thought to be locally acquired due to infection in non-migratory animals and humans with no travel history. Previous published efforts to detect C. gattii from tree swabs and soil samples in Oregon have been unsuccessful. This study was conducted to determine the presence of C. gattii in selected urban parks of Oregon cities within the Willamette Valley where both human and animal cases of C. gattii have been diagnosed. Urban parks were sampled due to spatial and temporal overlap of humans, companion animals and wildlife. Two of 64 parks had positive samples for C. gattii. One park had a positive tree and the other park, 60 miles away, had positive bark mulch samples from a walkway. Genotypic subtypes identified included C. gattii VGIIa and VGIIc, both considered highly virulent in murine host models.

Hazardous organic chemicals in rubber recycled tire playgrounds and pavers

In this study, the presence of hazardous organic chemicals in surfaces containing recycled rubber tires is investigated. Direct material analyses using solvent extraction, as well as SPME analysis of the vapour phase above the sample, were carried out. Twenty-one rubber mulch samples were collected from nine different playgrounds. In addition, seven commercial samples of recycled rubber pavers were acquired in a local store of a multinational company. All samples were extracted by ultrasound energy, followed by analysis of the extract by GC–MS. The analysis confirmed the presence of a large number of hazardous substances including PAHs, phthalates, antioxidants (e.g. BHT, phenols), benzothiazole and derivatives, among other chemicals. The study evidences the high content of toxic chemicals in these recycled materials. The concentration of PAHs in the commercial pavers was extremely high, reaching values up to 1%. In addition, SPME studies of the vapour phase above the samples confirm the volatilisation of many of those organic compounds. Uses of recycled rubber tires, especially those targeting play areas and other facilities for children, should be a matter of regulatory concern.

Cellulase Activity as a Mechanism for Suppression of Phytophthora Root Rot in Mulches

Wood-based mulches are used in avocado production and are being tested on Fraser fir for reduction of Phytophthora root rot, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Research with avocado has suggested a role of microbial cellulase enzymes in pathogen suppression through effects on the cellulosic cell walls of Phytophthora. This work was conducted to determine whether cellulase activity could account for disease suppression in mulch systems. A standard curve was developed to correlate cellulase activity in mulches with concentrations of a cellulase product. Based on this curve, cellulase activity in mulch samples was equivalent to a cellulase enzyme concentration of 25 U ml(-1) or greater of product. Sustained exposure of P. cinnamomi to cellulase at 10 to 50 U ml(-1) significantly reduced sporangia production, but biomass was only reduced with concentrations over 100 U ml(-1). In a lupine bioassay, cellulase was applied to infested soil at 100 or 1,000 U ml(-1) with three timings. Cellulase activity diminished by 47% between 1 and 15 days after application. Cellulase applied at 100 U ml(-1) 2 weeks before planting yielded activity of 20.08 μmol glucose equivalents per gram of soil water (GE g(-1) aq) at planting, a level equivalent to mulch samples. Cellulase activity at planting ranged from 3.35 to 48.67 μmol GE g(-1) aq, but no treatment significantly affected disease progress. Based on in vitro assays, cellulase activity in mulch was sufficient to impair sporangia production of P. cinnamomi, but not always sufficient to impact vegetative biomass.

Cluster of presumed organic dust toxic syndrome cases among urban landscape workers—Colorado, 2007

Organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) is an influenza-like illness typically affecting agricultural workers exposed to organic dusts. In July 2007, Tri-County Health Department investigated a cluster of acute respiratory illnesses among urban landscape workers with known mulch exposure. An epidemiologic study of landscape workers was conducted. Employees were interviewed regarding illness and occupational exposures. Medical records were reviewed. Mulch samples were tested for fungi and endotoxins. Five (12%) of 43 employees experienced respiratory illness compatible with ODTS. Illness was associated with prolonged mulch exposure (>or=6 vs. <6 hr/day; relative risk = 24.7; 95% confidence interval = 3.3-184.9). Mulch samples contained high levels of Aspergillus spores and endotoxin. Contaminated mulch was implicated as the source of presumed ODTS among landscape workers, highlighting that ODTS is not limited to rural agricultural settings. Education of employers, safety officers, and clinicians is necessary to improve recognition and prevention of ODTS within urban occupational groups.

Evaluation of commercial landscaping mulch for possible contamination from CCA

Wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is found in construction and demolition (C&D) debris, and a common use for wood recycled from C&D debris is the production of mulch. Given the high metals concentrations in CCA-treated wood, a small fraction of CCA-treated wood can increase the metal concentrations in the mulch above regulatory thresholds. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of contamination of CCA-treated wood in consumer landscaping mulch and to determine whether visual methods or rapid X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology can be used to identify suspect mulch. Samples were collected throughout the State of Florida (USA) and evaluated both visually and chemically. Visual analysis focused on documenting wood-chip size distribution, whether the samples were artificially colored, and whether they contained plywood chips which is an indication that the sample was, in part, made from recycled C&D wood. Chemical analysis included measurements of total recoverable metals, leachable metals as per the standardized synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP), and XRF analysis. Visual identification methods, such as colorant addition or presence of plywood, were found effective to preliminarily screen suspect mulch. XRF analysis was found to be effective for identifying mulch containing higher than 75 mg/kg arsenic. For mulch samples that were not colored and did not contain evidence of C&D wood, none exceeded leachable metal concentrations of 50 μg/L and only 3% exceeded 10 mg/kg for recoverable metals. The majority of the colored mulch made from recycled C&D wood contained from 1% to 5% CCA-treated wood (15% maximum fraction) resulting in leachable metals in excess of 50 μg/L and total recoverable metals in excess of 10 mg/kg. The maximum arsenic concentration measured in the mulch samples evaluated was 230 mg/kg, which was above the Florida residential direct exposure regulatory guideline of 2.1 mg/kg.

Arsenic Leaching from Mulch Made from Recycled Construction and Demolition Wood and Impacts of Iron-Oxide Colorants

Mulch made from recycled construction and demolition (C&D) wood has been reported to contain elevated levels of arsenic from inadvertent inclusion of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. Such mulch is also commonly colored with iron oxide, a compound known to bind arsenic. The objectives of this study were to quantify the releases of arsenic from mulch made from C&D wood, to evaluate the impacts of an iron-oxide colorant in potentially decreasing arsenic leaching rates, and to evaluate the relative significance of additional variables on leachate concentrations. Atotal of 3 sets of mulch samples (0%, 5%, or 100% CCA-treated wood) were prepared containing a sample either with or without colorant addition. Each sample was subjected to two tests: a field leaching test and the Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP). Results showed that arsenic concentrations in the field leachate from the 0% treated wood mulches were consistently low (<0.003-0.013 mg/L) whereas leachates from 5 and 100% treated wood mulches were characterized by higher arsenic concentrations (0.059-2.23 mg/L for 5%; 0.711-22.7 mg/L for 100%). The mass of arsenic leached from the field samples during the 1-year monitoring period was between 10 and 15% of the initial mass of arsenic. The colorant reduced the leaching of arsenic by more than 20% for the field leachate and 50% for the SPLP leachate, on average. However, the study showed that the effect may not last for long periods. Besides colorant addition other factors were observed to affect the amount of arsenic leached from contaminated mulch. These include the proportion of CCA-treated wood in the mulch, time, and pH of rainfall.

Impact of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in wood mulch

The production of landscape mulch is a major market for the recycling of yard trash and waste wood. When wood recovered from construction and demolition (C&D) debris is used as mulch, it sometimes contains chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. The presence of CCA-treated wood may cause some potential environmental problems as a result of the chromium, copper, and arsenic present. Research was performed to examine the leachability of the three metals from a variety of processed wood mixtures in Florida. The mixtures tested included mixed wood from C&D debris recycling facilities and mulch purchased from retail outlets. The synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) was performed to examine the leaching of chromium, copper and arsenic. Results were compared to Florida's groundwater cleanup target levels (GWCTLs). Eighteen of the 22 samples collected from C&D debris processing facilities leached arsenic at concentrations greater than Florida's GWCTL of 50 μg/l. The mean leachable arsenic concentration for the C&D debris samples was 153 μg/l with a maximum of 558 μg/l. One of the colored mulch samples purchased from a retail outlet leached arsenic above 50 μg/l, while purchased mulch samples derived from virgin materials did not leach detectable arsenic (<5 μg/l). A mass balance approach was used to compute the potential metal concentrations (mg/kg) that would result from CCA-treated wood being present in wood mulch. Less than 0.1% CCA-treated wood would cause a mulch to exceed Florida's residential clean soil guideline for arsenic (0.8 mg/kg).

The decomposition of the leaf mulches ofLeucaena leucocephala Gliricidia sepium andFlemingia macrophylla under humid tropical conditions

The decomposition of the leaf mulches ofLeucaena leecocephala, Gliricidia sepium andFlemingia macrophylla has been studied under field conditions. Mulch samples were analysed over a period of 70 days on carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus,potassium, calcium and magnesium left. Loss rates for the elements show similar patterns for the three mulches. Losses of mulch material are caused by decomposition as well as removal by soil-dwelling fauna (insects, arthropods, etc.) feeding on the mulch.