Organic Conditioners Research Articles

Effect of Organic Conditioners on some Hydro- Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sandy Soil

Effect of Organic Conditioners on some Hydro- Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sandy Soil

A Review on Effect of Organic Conditioner on Physico-chemical and Microbiological Properties of Soil

The unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has caused adverse effects on the environment and human health, which has raised the focus on environmentally friendly agricultural techniques for sustainable farming globally. The article investigates the effects of organic conditioners on the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of soil, with focus on liquid organic conditioners such Panchagavya, Jeevamruth, and Beejamruth. In order to purify agricultural fields, the necessity of organic agriculture methods that are both commercially and environmentally feasible is emphasized. The advantages of applying Soil conditioners are explained, including increased crop production, quality, affordability, and safety for the environment in addition to increases in soil health, fertility, and pest resistance. An overview of the basic principles of liquid organic manures is provided, with a focus on their ability to release nutrients, stimulate microbial activity, and facilitate plant absorption. The review discusses how organic conditioners might improve the biological characteristics of soil, such as the presence of chemicals that promote plant growth and helpful microbes. Liquid organic manure adoption is essential for healthy ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and increased soil fertility and productivity. Because liquid organic manures may be applied in a variety of ways and used as soil drenches, foliar sprays, and seedling treatments, they are a crucial part of environmentally friendly farming methods. It is advised to combine liquid and solid organic manures to reduce negative effects and guarantee a robust and fruitful farming environment.

Environmentally Safe Method for Conditioning and Dewatering Sewage Sludge Using Iron Coagulant, Cellulose and Perlite

A reasonable strategy for the development of sludge conditioning methods prior to dewatering appears to be the use of substances that allow the safe management of dewatered sludge. It is also justified to use mineral or organic conditioners instead of synthetic chemicals, e.g., polyelectrolytes, or to try to use other substances, e.g., waste. The properties of iron coagulant (PIX 113) combined with perlite and cellulose can be an environmentally safe method of sludge conditioning. The tests were carried out in accordance with European standards on the efficiency of mechanical dewatering of sewage sludge. The most advantageous method of sludge conditioning was the dosing of the iron coagulant PIX 113. The use of at least a coagulant dose of 0.40 g/g DS enabled the achievement of minimum sludge dewatering parameters, i.e., specific resistance of filtration (SRF) < 5.0 E12 m/kg and final hydration of filtration cake (FH) < 80%. The use of cellulose and perlite as stand-alone conditioners or in combination with PIX 113 resulted in a deterioration of the sludge dewaterability and the quality of the filtrate. It is assumed that the further development of environmentally friendly conditioning methods requires the use of easy-to-use, non-toxic and biodegradable substances. It is important to select conditioners which, in practically acceptable doses, can improve the conditioning effect or show a synergistic effect in combination with previously used conditioners.

Impact of mico-seed cookies with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, yield, and chemical composition of Gynura procumbens

The mico-seed cookies incorporated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and functioned as an organic conditioner in the soil to enhance nutrient availability through symbiotic impact on the plant at the root system level. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of mico-seed cookies on the growth rate, yield, and forage chemical characteristics of Gynura procumbens. The research was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments of mico-seed cookies application (a control group (without mico-seed cookies), and three groups that used mico-seed cookies with diameters of 4 cm (53 g), 5 cm (84 g), and 6 cm (130 g)). The research site was located at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia, on soil with an acidic pH range of 3.93-4.45. The results showed that the mico-seed cookie improved the direct planting system of G. procumbens indicated by the increasing seedling rate, growth rate, and forage yield. Additionally, the mico-seed cookies triggered the bioactive compounds production. The research concluded that the application of the mico-seed cookie direct planting system to G. procumbens resulted in a statistically significant enhancement of the seedling percentage (up to 15%), colonization (up to 70%), growth rate (25-30%), yield (42-44%), and forage chemical characteristics, especially on trigger bioactive compounds. G. procumbens has potential as forage based on biomass production and high-quality nutrient, especially leaf protein content that reaches up to 25%.

Soil conditioners promote the formation of Fe-bound organic carbon and its stability

The close association of soil organic carbon (SOC) with Fe oxides is an important stabilization mechanism for soil organic matter (SOM) against biodegradation. Soil conditioners are of great importance in improving soil quality and soil health. Yet it remains unclear how different conditioners would affect the fractionation of SOC, particularly the Fe-bound organic carbon (Fe-OC). Field-based experiments were conducted in farmland to explore the fractionation of organic carbon (OC) and Fe oxides under the effects of three different soil conditioners (mineral, organic, and microbial conditioners). The results showed that all soil conditioners increased the total OC and Fe-OC contents, with the contribution of Fe-OC to total OC increasing from 1.57% to 2.99%. The low OC/Fe molar ratio indicated that surface adsorption played a crucial role in soil Fe-OC accumulation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results suggested that soil conditioner altered the composition of SOM, accelerating O-alkyl C degradation and increasing recalcitrant alkyl C and aromatic C sequestration. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis indicated that all conditioners promoted the association of OC and Fe oxides. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis of 13C isotope and synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the mineral conditioner enhanced the association of microbial-derived OC and Fe oxides, whereas the organic conditioner increased the association of plant-derived OC with Fe oxides. These findings provide important insights into the potential mechanisms through which soil conditioners regulate the stability of OC and guide agricultural management.

Research Advances in the Impacts of Biochar on the Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Communities of Saline Soils

The scientific management of salinized agricultural lands and the use of undeveloped saline lands to ensure food security have become one of the most urgent tasks nowadays. Biochar contains rich carbon (C) and functional groups, and processes high alkalinity, porosity, and specific surface area (SSA). Thus, it has been widely used as an effective organic conditioner in acidic or neutral soils to improve their fertility. However, so far, the impacts of biochar application on properities of saline soils and the underlying mechanisms remain unveiled. Therefore, in this study, we focus on the investigation of the impacts of biochar on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of saline soils. We found that biochar could: (1) decrease soil bulk density (BD), increase soil porosity, promote the formation of soil aggregation and enhance the leaching of soil salts; (2) increase the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil, decrease the salinity of soil through ion exchange and adsorption; (3) directly act as the nutrient supplements, indirectly adsorb water and nutrients or improve nutrient availability (e.g., soil organic carbon (SOC) turnover and sequestration, nutrient cycling); and (4) improve the structure and functioning of the soil microbial community and therefore indirectly impact the C, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling in soil systems. However, these impacts heavily depend on the properties, the concentration of the biochar added to the soil, and the type and location of the soil. In fact, some studies have shown that the addition of biochar in soil could even increase the salinity of saline soils. Another issue is the lack of long-term and large-scale field experiments regarding the impact of biochar addition on properties of saline soils. Therefore, future studies should focus on long-term field experiments with the combination of traditional soil analytical methods and mordern molecular techniques (e.g., high-throughput sequencing, macro-genomics, and metabolomics) to comprehensively reveal the response mechanism of physicochemical properties and microbial characteristics of saline soils to exogenous biochar. Our study can provide a scientific foundation for the practical agricultural production and ecological management of biochar.

Behavior of coffee plants under different cropping systems with a focus on mitigating water scarcity

ABSTRACT Sustainable cropping systems can enhance the development of young coffee plants under drought conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of coffee plants grown under different cover crops, soil conditioners, and fertilizers to reduce the effects of water scarcity. The treatments were the association of soil cover management (Urochloa decumbens, polyethylene film, and bare soil), fertilizers (conventional and controlled release), and soil conditioners (coffee husk, agricultural gypsum, water-retaining polymer, organic compost, and control). The assessments carried out were the growth, physiology, and anatomy of coffee plants and soil moisture and resistance to penetration. A multivariate analysis of the results was performed. The coffee plants grown with soil cover (Urochloa decumbens) and organic conditioners (coffee husk and organic compost) had better agronomic performance and higher soil moisture.

Microbiome Associated with Olive Cultivation: A Review

International research has devoted much effort to the study of the impacts caused to the soil by different management practices applied to olive cultivation. Such management involves techniques considered conventional, including the control of spontaneous plants with herbicides or machines, inorganic fertilizers, and pesticides to control pests and diseases. Equally, some producers use sustainable techniques, including drastic pruning, the use of cultivars that are tolerant to diseases and adverse climates, the use of organic conditioners in the soil, the maintenance of vegetation cover with spontaneous plants, and the use of inoculants, among others. In both conventional and sustainable/organic management, the effects on soil quality, crop development, and production are accessed through the presence, activity, and/or behavior of microorganisms, microbial groups, and their processes in the soil and/or directly in the crop itself, such as endophytes and epiphytes. Thus, our present review seeks to assemble research information, not only regarding the role of microorganisms on growth and development of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.). We looked mainly for reviews that reveal the impacts of different management practices applied in countries that produce olive oil and olives, which can serve as a basis and inspiration for Brazilian studies on the subject.

Phytodesalination and chemical and organic conditioners to recover the chemical properties of saline‐sodic soil

AbstractSemiarid regions’ soils have been degraded by salinization. The use of chemical conditioners makes this management very expensive. As an alternative, organic conditioners can be used with plants adapted to the salts and phytoremediation, such asAtriplex nummulariaLindl. This study aimed to evaluate the use of phytoremediation and chemical and organic conditioners in the recovery of chemical attributes of a saline‐sodic soil in Brazil Northeast. A study was carried out by testingA. nummulariawith the application of chemical (gypsum and anionic polymer) and organic conditioners (bovine and sheep manure), and a control treatment. The experiment was conducted for 18 mo with soil sampling at 6, 12, and 18 mo. The treatments did not modify pH but were effective in reducing the electrical conductivity. All treatments reduced the sodium adsorption ratio and the exchangeable sodium percentage. The use ofA. nummulariaand organic conditioners were as efficient as the use of chemical conditioners to improve soil chemical attributes, suggesting the use of these techniques in the management of soil degradation by salinization. Our study also suggests that local seasonal patterns and physical characteristics of soils influence the effectiveness of Atriplex and conditioners on the extraction and dynamics of salts. Phytoremediation may be complementary to the use of organic conditioners produced on the farm, making management more sustainable.

Do applications of soil conditioner mixtures improve the salt extraction ability of Atriplex nummularia at early growth stage?

The reclamation of salt-affected soils is considered a slow process that urges the development of faster recovery strategies as a priority. The present article aimed at investigating the effect of mixing different chemical and organic conditioners on the growth of Atriplex and its salt extraction efficiency during its early growth stage. A pot experiment was conducted on saline-sodic Cambisol cultivated with Atriplex for 60 days and subjected to the following conditioner mixtures: Atriplex; Atriplex + gypsum + organic matter; Atriplex + elemental sulfur + organic matter; and Atriplex + gypsum + elemental sulfur + organic matter. The mixtures of conditioners did not affect the Atriplex growth, but caused significant increase in Na+ and Cl− contents in the dry matter of Atriplex plants. Additionally, there was an increase in the Atriplex's ability of extracting salt due to the application of the mixtures. Results suggest that the “gypsum + organic matter” mixture is preferable for a faster recovery of salts/sodium affected soils through phytoremediation by Atriplex plants, mainly due to a more significant increase in the efficiency of salt absorption.

Sludge dewaterability: The variation of extracellular polymeric substances during sludge conditioning with two natural organic conditioners

To assess the characteristics of Extracellular Polymeric Substances during natural organic conditioners for sludge treatment, Moringa oleifera (MO) and chitosan (CTS) were used as conditioners. The findings of this study show that despite the high EPS content due to the fact that this component is not destroyed upon conditioning, sludge conditioned with MO and CTS displayed efficient and improved dewaterability. MO and CTS showed the same mechanism of action by protonation of the negatively charged EPS and reduction of electrostatic repulsions between sludge flocs, thus enhancing sludge filterability by neutralizing and settling. The effect of MO and CTS on EPS lies in their ability to neutralize EPS, settling them. MO and CTS neutralize and aggregate the EPS, hence improving sludge dewaterability. The results indicate that CTS can impact the EPS quantity and quality while MO impacts the EPS quality. Understanding the impact of MO and CTS on sludge EPS can help elucidate the mechanism of their dewaterability efficiency.

The Impact of Soil Conditioners on Some Chemical Properties of Soil and Grain Yield of Corn (Zea Mays L.)

The goal of this study was to explore the effects of various soil conditioners on selected properties (pH; organic matter, OM; electrical conductivity, EC; cation exchange capacity, CEC) of a Xerofluvent soil and corn yield. During the experiment, four amendments were applied in an experimental set of plots: tobacco waste compost (TWC), poultry manure (PM), bio-humus (BH), and chemical fertilizer (NPK). Soils were treated with TWC at the rate 50 t ha-1, PM at the rate 4 t ha-1, BH at the rate 10 t ha-1 and NPK at the rate 300 kg ha-1, respectively. All organic conditioners were increased soil pH, OM, CEC, EC and corn yield when compared with the control soil and these parameters have been changed from 5.7% to 333%. The most effective soil conditioners were determined as tobacco waste compost, biohumus, and poultry manure. The findings of current study suggest that 50 t ha-1 TWC should be added to soil as a priority for improving properties of a Typic Xerofluvent soil and crop yield.

Sewage sludge compost as a substrate for croton seedlings production

The floricultural industry is always searching for new and low-cost materials to use as substrate for crop growth and development. Sewage sludge is an organic solid waste from sewage treatment and it has a good potential to be used as an organic fertilizer and/or substrate conditioner. The research aimed to evaluate the rooting and growth of Codiaeum variegatum ‘Andreanum’ (red variety) and Codiaeum variegatum ‘Punctatum’ (yellow variety) cuttings cultivated in the potting media: PM1 - 100% commercial potting media used as control (CS), PM2 - 100% organic compost of sewage sludge + sugarcane bagasse (SSSB), PM3 - 50% CS + 50% SSSB, PM4 - 100% organic compost of sewage sludge + eucalyptus bark (SSEB) and PM5 - 50% CS + 50% SSEB. After 90 days of experimentation the chemical analysis of the substrate solution (pH, electric conductivity, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, B, Cu, Mn and Zn) and number of shoots, shoot fresh and dry mass, plant cutting fresh and dry masses, root fresh and dry masses, total fresh and dry masses and, length of the largest root were analyzed. Our results showed that sewage sludge compost can be used as a substrate for rooting and growth of croton cuttings when mixed with commercial substrate. The use of the pure sewage sludge compound with sugarcane bagasse or eucalyptus bark prejudiced croton cuttings to root.

The Effects of Organic Conditioner Applications on Some Physical Properties of Soils and Their Relations with Soil Loss in Artificial Rain Conditions

Bu çalışmada ahır gübresi, çeltik kavuzu kompostu ve çöp kompostu uygulamalarına bağlı olarak erozyona karşı duyarlılığın değerlendirilmesinde kullanılan bazı toprak kalite parametreleri ve yüzey akışla oluşan toprak kaybı arasındaki ilişkiler irdelenmiştir. Çalışmada Samsun ili Minöz Havzası’nda yayılım gösteren Entisol ve Inceptisol olarak sınıflandırılan topraklar kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada simülasyon ve toprak kalitesinin belirlenmesi amacıyla her iki toprak için iki farklı deneme kurulmuş, kontrol örneği iki farklı toprak grubu için tek hazırlanmış ve örneklere organik madde içeriğini % 2, % 4 ve % 6 miktarında artıracak şekilde 3 farklı dozda organik düzenleyici uygulanmıştır. Deneme sonucunda topraklara uygulanan organik düzenleyicilerin toprakların bazı fiziksel özelliklerini iyileştirdiğini ve erozyona karşı duyarlılığı düşürerek yüzey akışla meydana gelen toprak kayıplarını azalttığı tespit edilmiştir. Düzenleyicilerin erozyonla oluşan toprak kayıplarını azaltma etkinliği uygulama dozları arasında farklılık göstermekte olup en düşük kayıplar maksimum doz uygulamalarında elde edilmiştir. Çöp kompostu yüzey akış kayıplarını azaltmada; çeltik kavuzu kompostu ve ahır gübresinden daha etkili olmuştur. Erozyona duyarlılık parametrelerinin tahmin gücünün düşük yağış yoğunluklarında daha belirgin olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Redesign of the traditional Mesoamerican agroecosystem based on participative ecological intensification: Evaluation of the soil and efficiency of the system

Mexico is one of the countries with the highest importation levels of basic foods worldwide; it is therefore highly desirable to adopt measures to guarantee local food autonomy. Agricultural production alternatives that present an appropriate relationship with the environment are required. The objective of this study was to generate, implement and evaluate different strategies of participative ecological intensification. These strategies were focused on improving soil quality and agricultural productivity based on the traditional Mesoamerican maize-based “milpa” agrosystem. Management agrosystems were determined and implemented in conjunction with producers in an experimental community plot over a period of two years (2012 and 2013). The alternative management practices included the use of organic amendments (solid and organic) and synthetic fertilizers. Changes in soil chemical characteristics and yields (maize, beans) were measured, as well as indices of economic efficiency, labor and fertilizer use. After 2 years, the organic management treatments showed a clear increase in soil pH (from 5.02 to 5.5–5.6), in contrast to the conventional treatment in which the soil acidified (pH 4.9) and presented reduced P availability. As a result of the higher soil acidity, yields were lower compared to the systems that used organic conditioners. Soil nitrate (NO3) concentration in the year 2012 was greater in plots with chemical fertilizers and vermicompost than in the other treatments. However, in the former, there were higher losses of N through lixiviation that year (112.6 kg ha−1) and in 2013 (212.2 kg ha−1), which were related to the occurrence of high precipitation (972 mm in 2012 and 1231 mm in 2013). Yields of maize were greater in the conventional system but lower than the bean yield. In contrast, in 2013, a stormy year, the organic system (bokashi + lime) was the most resilient in terms of both maize and bean yields. The treatments of highest annual total cost in 2012 and 2013 were those that used liquid amendments, due to the increased number of working days required for fertilizer application. In contrast, the lowest cost treatments in 2012 were those with vermicompost and, in 2013, with bokashi and bokashi + lime. The conventional treatment presented the highest fertilization costs. Application of solid organic fertilizers allowed improvement of the milpa agroecosystem soil chemical characteristics in the mountain region of Guerrero. This system presented the most efficient use of resources and labor and proved to be more resilient against the impact of storms. Moreover, it produced higher bean and maize yields compared to the milpa with conventional inputs.

Improvement of degraded physical attributes of a saline-sodic soil as influenced by phytoremediation and soil conditioners

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate the use of phytoremediation and soil conditioners in the recovery of physical attributes of a saline-sodic Fluvic Neossol in Brazil Northeast. The applied treatments were: Atriplex nummularia L., as phytoremediation plant, due to its ability to extract salts from the soil; organic conditioners, such as bovine and sheep manure; gypsum and polymer, as chemical conditioners. Samples with preserved structure were collected at the time of the experiment installation and 18 months after in the layers 0–10 cm and 10–30 cm. The analyzed attributes were: water dispersed clay, dispersion index, bulk density, penetration resistance, soil porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The use of sheep manure, gypsum and polymer promoted an increase in saturated hydraulic conductivity in the 0–10 cm layer from 4.51 to 16.37 cm day−1, 11.26 to 23.95 cm day−1 and 7.24 to 22.77 cm day−1, respectively. Gypsum increased the macroporosity in the superficial layer by 42.6%. Atriplex and polymer were more efficient at reducing soil penetration resistance. The polymer was more efficient at improving the physical properties. However, it is necessary to consider phytoremediation with Atriplex as a more sustainable alternative that can still be used as complementary fodder in animal feed.

INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC AND BIO CONDITIONERS ON CALCAREOUS SOIL PROPERTIES AND YIELD OF BROAD BEAN PLANT

A field experiment was conducted on calcareous soil at El- Nubaria (private farm at the 10,000 Fed Village), El- Behera Governorate for two successive winter seasons (2015- 2016) and (2016- 2017) . Broad bean plant ( Vicia faba . Nubaria 1) was used as a tested plant to study the efficiency of some conditioners, compost (town refuse), potassium humate as organic and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Viceae strain ICARDA 441 as bio fertilizers on some calcareous soil properties and yield of broad bean. The treatments were: A-The cultivation methods (row and strew). B-The conditioners: organic (compost 10 ton fed-1 and potassium humate 15 L fed-1) and bio (Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae strain ICARDA 441). Results indicated that, EC, pH and CaCO3 % of the studied soil were decreased, where OM was increased as a result of using both organic and bio conditioners compared to the control treatment. An improvement in soil physical properties as affected by soil conditioners was observed. Wherever a slight decreased soil bulk density (BD), an increase in total porosity (TP) and soil aggregation as dry and wet stable aggregates at using organic conditioners than biofertilizer were occurred. As well as soil hydraulic conductivity (HC) and moisture content at both field capacity (FC) and available water (AW) were increased compared to the control. Town refuse compost application achieved the highest biological, grain yield and 100 grains weight of broad bean plant followed by potassium humate treatment. Generally, the different soil properties and crop yield of broad bean plant grown on calcareous soil was more affected by the row cultivation method, town refuse compost and potassium humate, than bio fertilizer addition compared to the control.

Effects of organic conditioner applications on soil loss under simulated rainfall conditioner

Bu çalışma sera koşullarında iki farklı toprak grubunda çeltik kavuzu kompostu, ahır gübresi ve çöp kompostu uygulamalarının yüzey akışla meydana gelen toprak kayıpları üzerine etkilerini belirlemek üzere yürütülmüştür. Bu amaçla çalışmada Samsun ili sınırları içerisinde bulunan Minoz Havzası’nda yayılım gösteren Lithic Ustorthent ve Typic Calciustept olarak sınıflandırılan topraklar kullanılmıştır. Bozulmuş toprak örneklerine (8 mm’den küçük agregatlar) organik düzenleyiciler kuru ağırlık esasına göre farklı dozlarda (% 0, 2, 4 ve 6) uygulanarak simulasyon ünitesi altında ve sera koşullarında uygulamalar yapılmıştır. Denemeler tesadüf parselleri deneme deseninde, faktöriyel düzende ve iki tekrarlamalı olarak yürütülmüştür. 12 haftalık inkübasyon periyodunun ardından erozyon tavalarına % 15 eğim verilerek 55 mm h -1 ve 70 mm h -1 intensiteli yapay yağışlar 1 saat süre ile uygulanmış ve yüzey akışla kaybolan toprak miktarı ölçülmüştür. Deneme sonucunda topraklara uygulanan organik düzenleyicilerin toprak kayıplarını azalttığı belirlenmiştir. Erozyon ve yüzey akış miktarlarını azaltmada çöp kompostu, çeltik kavuzu kompostu ve ahır gübresine oranla daha etkili olarak belirlenmiştir. Organik düzenleyicilerin etkinlikleri uygulama dozlarına bağlı olarak farklılıklar göstermiştir ve en düşük kayıplar max doz uygulamalarından elde edilmiştir. Sonuçlara göre, çeltik kavuzu kompostu, çöp kompostu ve organik düzenleyicilerin tarımsal alanlarda toprak bozulmasını ve kaybını azalttığı gerekçesiyle kullanımı önerilmektedir.

조방형 옥상녹화에서 노랑조팝나무의 활착에 미치는 토심별 유기질 토양개량제의 시용 효과

This study investigated the effects of soil depths and soil organic fertilizer application on the growth characteristics of Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ in a extensive green roof system. The treatments were 3 soil depths (10, 15 and 25 cm) and 5 soil types in mixture of artificial soil and organic fertilizer. We measured plant height, leaf width, leaf length, number of flowers, visual quality and survival rate from March to October in 2011. The growing medium of 10 cm soil depth showed the highest plant growth in A1 (amended soil 100%), and the lowest plant growth in O1A4 (organic fertilizer 20% + amended soil 80%) treatment. In case of 15 cm soil depth, Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ showed a high leaf length and visual quality in O1A2(organic fertilizer 33% + amended soil 67%) treatment and high leaf width and number of flowers in O1 (organic fertilizer 100%) treatment. A1 treatment without organic fertilizer showed the lowest leaf length and poorest visual quality, and O1A4 treatment showed the lowest plant height and lowest number of flowers. At soil depth 25 cm, O1A1 (organic fertilizer 50% + amended soil 50%) treatment showed greater plant height, visual quality and number of flowers than other treatments. The leaf length and leaf width were more effective in O1 treatment. A1 treatment showed a relatively low leaf length, leaf width and visual quality. The higher the organic conditioner, the better the plant growth. And, survival rates of Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ showed 92%, 88% and 76% at soil depths of 25 cm, 15 cm and 10 cm, respectively, in this a extensive green roof system. Therefore, the results showed that the growth of Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ was affected by both soil quality and soil depth. Different optimal mixtures of organic fertilizer and amended soil were determined, depending upon soil depth.

Controlled synthesis and morphological evolution of dendritic porous microspheres of calcium phosphates

Dendritic porous microspheres (DPMs) consisted of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) nucleus and carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHAp) nanoflakes have been synthesized under good control by a template-induced method in a system of constant temperature and pressure. Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of the template Na2EDTA and the organic conditioner glycerol on the dendritic porous morphology. Corresponding morphological evolution process was also researched. The results revealed that the template Na2EDTA altered the natural growth habit of CHAp and induced the first dendritic growth of CHAp nanoflakes on the surface of OCP, and organic conditioner glycerol controlled the second dendritic growth of CHAp nanoflakes on the bigger ones. Higher concentrations of glycerol resulted in higher surface fractal dimension, smaller pore diameter, and greater specific surface area.