Press Mud Research Articles

Growth, yield and nutrient uptake of hybrid rice as influenced by nutrient management modules and its impact on economic of the treatments

Field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad to develop nutrient management modules for efficient cultivation of hybrid rice. Results showed that growth and yield characters viz. plant height, number of tilers and panicles per hills were high-est under nutrient management module of 100% NPK + 5 t press mud (T3). Significantly higher grain and straw yield was recorded under treatment T3 over all the treatment except treatment T1, T2, T4, T5 and T6 which were recorded on par. Uptake of NPKS and Zn was significantly improved under treatments having organic manure along with inorganic levels (100%, 75% and 50% NPK) of fertilizer over alone levels of inorganic fertilizer. NPKS and Zn uptake was higher in treatment module T3 followed by treatment T2 (100% NPK + 10 t FYM ha-1). The net return Rs. 27373.70 ha-1 and 26087.0 ha-1 and benefit: cost ratio (1.53 and 1.45) was maximum in treatment T3 closely followed by T2. Findings of this study warranted that treatment module T3 resulted higher growth and yield of rice crop. Net return was also higher in this treatment.

Raising healthy seedling rootstocks of mango

The mango orchards of Pakistan are declining continuously in their productivity due to the soil-borne fungal disease “sudden death” and the entophytic fungal disease “mango malformation”. The possible cause of the diseases can be spread from the infected nursery. This can be better managed by producing containerized mango stock, as traditional field plantation is possibly the vector of these diseases. An experiment was undertaken to evaluate five potting mixes using local ingredients for their suability to grow mango seedlings. The experiment was conducted in an insect-proof shadehouse at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan, in 2013. Mango seed was planted in five potting mixes: M1, press mud (60%) + bagasse (40%); M2, press mud (40%) + silt (60%); M3, press mud (60%) + bagasse (20%) + coconut fibre (20%); M4, press mud (30%) + silt (30%) + bagasse (20%) + coconut fibre (20%); and M5, press mud (50%) + bagasse (20%) + coconut fibre (30%). Each potting mix and irrigation water was tested for electrical conductivity (EC), pH and chlorine. Seed sprouting was observed at 100% from each potting mix except M1 and M2. M4 was observed the best potting mix for growth-related attributes, and data were recorded after 2 and 4 months of plantation with maximum plant height (19.6 and 31.3 cm), stem diameter (4.4 and 7.2 mm) and number of leaves (6.3 and 21.3). However, necrosis and mortality of seedlings were observed after 4 months of plantation, and this mortality was observed because of increasing levels of EC in potting mixes.

Amelioration and degradation of pressmud and bagasse wastes using vermitechnology

This study evaluated the amelioration of pressmud (PM) and bagasse (BG) wastes by the vermiremediation process. The wastes were spiked with cattle dung (CD) in different concentrations to find out the best proportion supporting maximum earthworm growth and nutrients availability. The highest growth rate was observed in PMBG50 (282.2mg/d/worm) feed mixture. Response surface design of earthworm growth parameters enumerated best concentration of wastes in CD with maximum value of 21.81% for earthworm number, 30.86% for earthworm weight, 27.09% for cocoons, 29.71% for hatchlings and 34.0% for hatchlings weight. Vermicomposting enhanced nutrient parameters like pH (6–8%), total kjeldahl nitrogen (19–48%), total phosphorus (9–67%), total calcium (13–111%), while decrease in total organic carbon (14–32%), electrical conductivity (21–30%), C:N ratio (36–51%), total potassium (9–19%) and total sodium (3–21%). Heavy metals in the final products were found to be under safe limits. SEM micrographs were more fragmented which indicated maturity and stability.

Anaerobic co-digestion of sugarcane press mud with vinasse on methane yield

The conversion efficiency of high solids waste digestion as sugarcane press mud (P) may be limited due to hydrolysis step. The option of co-digestion with vinasse, main liquid waste generated from ethanol production, was investigated under batch regime at mesophilic conditions (37.5±1°C) and the best mixture was evaluated under semicontinuous regime in stirred-tank reactors. The maximum values for methane yield in batch tests were for V75/P25 and V50/P50 mixtures (on basis of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) percentage added in the mixture), with an average value of 246NmL CH4g−1 CODfed, which was 13% higher than that of press mud alone. A highest methane production rate of 69.6NmL CH4g−1 CODfed−1d−1 was obtained for the mixtureV75/P25. During the experiment carried out in CSTR reactors, the organic loading rate (OLR) was increased from 0.5 up to 2.2gVSL−1d−1. Methane yields of 365L CH4 kg−1VS and biogas productivities of 1.6LL−1 were obtained in co-digestion, which was 64% higher in comparison to mono-digestion. The performance of the process in mono-digestion was less stable than in co-digestion, with a significant fall of methane yield to 1.8kgVSm−3d−1, and a partial inhibition of the methanogenic archaeas when the OLR was increased up to 2.2kgVSm−3d−1. The co-digestion of vinasse with press mud is a good option for the treatment of streams at the alcohol-sugar industry.

Effect of dietary utilisation of sugarcane press mud on production performance of Muzaffarnagari lambs.

Sugarcane press mud (SPM) is one of the potential agro-industrial by-products available in India and research exploring its utilisation in small ruminant nutrition is scanty. In this direction, the present study evaluated the feasibility of dietary incorporation of SPM at different levels in a feeding trial lasting 180days. A total of 21 Muzaffarnagari ram lambs were randomly distributed into three groups of seven each based on comparable body weight (11.70±0.29kg) and age (3-5months) following a completely randomised design. The three dietary treatments were (1) SP0 (control), concentrate mixture without SPM; (2) SP10, concentrate mixture comprising 10% SPM and (3) SP20, concentrate mixture comprising 20% SPM on air-dry basis. The experimental lambs were offered weighed quantity of designated isonitrogenous (crude protein=20.6%) and isoenergetic (metabolisable energy=12.1MJ/kg) concentrate mixture (coarse mash) and along with ad libitum wheat straw (threshed to 1-2-cm length) and a 9-day metabolism trial was conducted. Results revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences in intake and digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen balance, nutritive value of diets, average daily gain, as well as feed conversion ratio among three groups. The serum concentration of triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine did not differ due to treatments. Likewise, wool yield and its quality, measured in terms of fibre diameter, medullation percentage and staple length were also comparable irrespective of dietary variation. Furthermore, the cost of concentrate mixture (Rs/day) was lower (P≤0.05) in SP20 followed by SP10 as compared to group SP0. These findings suggested that SPM could be safely fed up to 20% level in the concentrate mixture for lambs substituting expensive traditional feed ingredients without negatively inflicting the performance of growing lambs.

Effect of co-digestion agricultural-industrial residues: various slurry temperatures

ABSTRACTThe main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of co-digestion using industrial-agro waste and operating temperature of digester slurry to enhance the biogas and methane yield. The anaerobic digestion process is carried out by using a floating dome type bio-digester with the capacity of 1 m3. The co-digestion of press mud and rice straw with the ratio of 1:1, slurry temperature mesophilic range of (30–40°C) and thermophilic raange of (41–55°C) is used in this study. The maximum generation of daily biogas and weekly methane yield obtained were about 190 L/day and 55% in the case of the thermophilic condition. The lowest generation of daily biogas and weekly methane yield obtained were about 130 L/day and 33% in the case of mesophilic condition. The 10 percentage of cow dung is used as an inoculum of the digester and 30 days of hydro retention time for both the temperature ranges. The methane and biogas yield is at its peak and there was a faster hydro retention time in thermophilic range temperature at 52°C.

New Insight into Sugarcane Industry Waste Utilization (Press Mud) for Cleaner Biobutanol Production by Using C. acetobutylicum NRRL B-527.

In the present study, press mud, a sugar industry waste, was explored for biobutanol production to strengthen agricultural economy. The fermentative production of biobutanol was investigated via series of steps, viz. characterization, drying, acid hydrolysis, detoxification, and fermentation. Press mud contains an adequate amount of cellulose (22.3%) and hemicellulose (21.67%) on dry basis, and hence, it can be utilized for further acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) production. Drying experiments were conducted in the temperature range of 60-120°C to circumvent microbial spoilage and enhance storability of press mud. Furthermore, acidic pretreatment variables, viz. sulfuric acid concentration, solid to liquid ratio, and time, were optimized using response surface methodology. The corresponding values were found to be 1.5% (v/v), 1:5g/mL, and 15min, respectively. In addition, detoxification studies were also conducted using activated charcoal, which removed almost 93-97% phenolics and around 98% furans, which are toxic to microorganisms during fermentation. Finally, the batch fermentation of detoxified press mud slurry (the sample dried at 100°C and pretreated) using Clostridium acetobutylicum NRRL B-527 resulted in a higher butanol production of 4.43g/L with a total ABE of 6.69g/L.

Effect of in-situ recycling of sugarcane crop residues and its industrial wastes on different soil carbon pools under soybean (Glycine max) - maize (Zea mays) system

A field experiment was conducted during summer 2011-12 at MPKV Farm, Rahuri to evaluate the effect of in-situ recycling of sugarcane crop residues and its industrial wastes on soil organic C fractions like labile carbon, microbial biomass C, particulate organic C, KMnO4 extractable C, physically protected particulate organic matter carbon (POMC) and significantly improved water stable aggregates in the cultivated soil under maize (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] system. The active carbon pools like soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), water soluble carbohydrates (WHC) and acid hydrolysable carbon (AHC) was significantly improved in the treatment receiving 100% recommended dose of fertilizer along with in-situ compost of crop residues, press mud cake and methanated spent wash compost compared to burning of residues. Application of in-situ sugarcane residues with pressmud incorporation retainedabout19.6%, 38.8% and 33% more amount of total organic carbon (TOC), SMBC, AHC respectively, over burning of sugarcane crop residues and removal of stubbles after harvest of maize. The mean values of WSC (43 mg/kg) and the physically protected carbon, i.e. POMC (2014 mg/kg) were greater by 47% and 6.6% respectively, in the treatment (T7) receiving in-situ residue decomposition of sugarcane crop residues in combination with equal proportion (50%) of press mud cake and biomethanated spent wash over the burning of sugarcane crop residues and removal of stubbles after harvest of maize. After harvest of maize the maximum recalcitrant fraction (humic acid) of carbon was observed in the treatment T7 (in-situ decomposition of sugarcane crop residues + 50% press-mud cake + 50% biomethenated spent wash). This study clearly indicated that resistant fraction of carbon might be accumulated more where decomposed organic matter was applied regularly. It clearly indicated that application of in-situ decomposed residues and by-products of industrial waste in combination with NPK enhanced the below and above ground biomass production, SOC stock and carbon pools.

Crop Yield and Soil Characteristics as Affected by Composts from Different Organic Materials with Spent Wash

Compost application in soil increases the supply of nutrients to the crops. Compost from different organic materials like municipal solid waste and sugarcane press mud are rich source of nutrients which are essential for plant growth. The application of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) and sugarcane press mud compost are rapidly becoming popular worldwide to enhance and sustain soil organic matter and crop productivity. A pot experiment was conducted to study the nutrients availability and uptake by the plants by the application of two different composts with spent wash. The treatments was as: T1 Chemical fertilizer N,P,K recommended; T2 Sugarcane press mud compost at 2.5 t ha-1; T3 Sugarcane press mud compost at 5 t ha-1; T4 Municipal solid waste compost at 2.5 t ha-1; T5 Municipal solid waste compost at 5 t ha-1; T6 Sugarcane press mud compost (2.5 t ha-1)+Spent wash (10%); T7 Sugarcane press mud compost (5 t ha-1)+Spent wash (10%); T8 Municipal solid waste compost (2.5 t ha-1)+spent wash (10%); T9 Municipal solid waste compost (5 t ha-1)+spent wash (10%); T10 Spent wash (10%) The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Compost and soil in all treatments was analyzed for N, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. The information generated from this work was helpful to estimate the importance of municipal solid waste compost and sugarcane press mud compost with spent wash on nutrient availability in soil and plant system and to observe the response of tomato crop to compost application. The results showed that availability of all macro and micro nutrients was high in Treatment receiving MSWC at the rate of 5 t ha-1 with 10% spent wash irrigation.

Management of Agroindustrial Lignocellulosic Wastes through Vermitechnology and Production of Agronomic Valid Vermicompost

We aimed to recycle the agroindustrial waste resources - pressmud(PM), sugarcane trash (ST) and biomethanated distillery effluent(BE) and produced agronomic valid vermicompost using earthworm, Perionyx excavatus for maintaining natural soil organic and sustainable agricultural activity. Therefore, a series of studies were carried out to convert PM-ST-BE in different proportion vermibeds (T1-1000g PM+0g ST+790ml BE), (T2- 900g PM+100g ST+740ml BE), (T3-800g PM+200g ST+696ml BE), (T4-700g PM +300g ST+655ml BE), (T5-600g PM+400g ST+625ml BE) and (T6-500g PM+500g ST+542ml BE) into vermicompost. The study was to examine the activity of earthworm- growth, reproduction, vermicompost recovery and its nutrient status. The pronounced and better worm activity was found in all vermibeds, especially more in T1 and T3 vermibeds followed by others. This seems to be due to rich cellulose, OC, N, P, microbial activity, enhanced water holding capacity and palatability of the substrates. Enhanced microbial activity, humic acid content, NPK, normalized pH, declined OC, C-N, and C-P ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenol in vermicompost than normal compost and control. The increased microbial-enzymatic activities contribute an increase in nutrients through nitrification, phosphate solubilization and mineralization. Reduction of OC, C-N, C-P ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenol in the vermicompost are due to combined action of gut microflaura and earthworm during the vermicomposting process and utilization of these contents by the worm for their growth and reproduction. Finally, our study recommended for the production and application of vermifertilizer from lignocellulosic wastes using vermitechnology for sustainable activity.

Effect of Ageing on Phosphatase Enzyme Activities in Vermicomposts of Different Organic Substrates

Vermicompost prepared from teak leaf litter (TLL), paper mill sludge (PMS) and pressmud (PM) in combination with cowdung (1:1) using the epigeic earthworm, Perionyx ceylanensis for 60 days was stored in ambient conditions, then studied for selective enzyme activities at an interval of 10 days up to 40 days. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities initially increased and started declining after 20 days in all the vermibed substrates. In teak leaf litter+cowdung vermicompost, acid phosphatase activity was 0.148, 0.155, 0.150, 0.119 and 0.094 m moles of phenol liberated/l respectively on 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after harvesting. Similar trend was also recorded in alkaline phosphatase activity in vermicomposts during storage. The decreased level of activity of phosphatases on 40th day of storage was statistically significant.

Microbial population in soil as influenced by organic and inorganic fertilizers under different cropping systems

Studies were undertaken to evaluate the impact of application of organic and inorganic on soil microbial population under different cropping systems such as soybean-pigeonpea and sorghum-pigeonpea. After these two cycles, the soil microbial properties were significantly influenced due to various combinations of manurial treatments. The population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes decreased in higher proportion in control followed by farmer's practice, however, highest population of microbes was observed in the treatment receiving FYM. Fertilizer application alone showed relatively less increase in population of microbes. However, application of organics in the form of FYM, glyricidia, vermi-compost, plant and weed residues, bio-fertilizers, neem seed cake, press mud etc. helped to increase bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi and total microbes after these two cycles of cropping systems.

Geoenvironmental application of sugarcane press mud in lime stabilisation of an expansive soil: a preliminary report

Press mud is the compressed sugar industry waste produced during filtration of cane juice. Press mud has lots of applications like fertilisers, for extraction of chemicals, as biosorbent, animal feed and in manufacture of cement. In this work, an effort has been made to open up the avenue of soil stabilisation, for the utilisation of sugarcane press mud as an additive to lime. Unconfined compression test samples were prepared with lime as stabiliser with and without press mud and cured for different periods. The samples were axially loaded until failure to study the effect of press mud on the strength of lime stabilised soil. The samples used for unconfined compression tests were then crushed and pulverised for performing the Atterberg limits and pH tests. The results indicated that addition of press mud to lime increased the strength of lime-stabilised soil and reduced its plasticity characteristics.

Influence of organic and inorganic amendments on the bioavailability of lead and micronutrient composition of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern) in a lead-contaminated soil

Irrigation with untreated sewage water in periurban areas and other anthropogenic activities have resulted in accumulation of lead (Pb) in soils. To prevent its movement to deeper soil layers and groundwater aquifers, identification of some viable remedial measures is necessary for chemical and biological immobilization of Pb in soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of organic and inorganic amendments on Pb bioavailability, immobilization and on their effectiveness in enhancing micronutrients and growth of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern). A loamy sand soil spiked with five levels of Pb varying from 0 to 400 mg kg−1 soil was used for the screen house study. Amendments used were lime (CaCO3), farm yard manure (FYM) and press mud (PM) applied at 2.5 and 5.0 % (w/w) and silt + clay applied at 20 and 40 % (w/w). Indian mustard was grown for 60 days with adequate application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. All amendments reduced the extraction of Pb and the magnitude of reduction was highest with the addition of silt + clay. Addition of amendments increased plant dry matter yield as compared to unamended soil. All amendments significantly reduced Pb accumulation by Indian mustard and the magnitude of reduction increased with increasing the rate of amendment application. The addition of amendments also increased the concentration of micronutrients in Indian mustard as compared to unamended soils. The ameliorative efficiency of amendments in terms of reducing Pb content in plants followed the order silt + clay > lime > FYM > PM.

Effect of Pressmud, as an Organic Fertilizer, on Some Soil Properties, Growth of Tomato Plant and Infestation of Tuta absluta Under Saline Irrigation Water

A filed experiment was carried out to study the effect of addition pressmud (PM) as organic wastesunder saline irrigation water on some soilproperties, Tuta Absuluta Damage and plant growth. PM was applied at rates of 0, 5 and 10 ton/fed. The soil was cultivated with tomato (Genotype: Alissa) under salinity irrigation whichapplied having 0, 25 and 50 mM NaCl.Untreated soil was used as a control (CTRL). At the end of the experiment, soil samples and plants were taken from each treatment. The results showed that the application of PM significantly decreased the soil bulk density, soil pH, while, under saline irrigation water increased them compared with PM. On the other hand, PM increased each of ECe, cations such as Ca+2 + Mg+2, Na+ and K+ while these parameters were increased with increasing salinity levels compared with CTRL. In addition, data showed also that the parametersplant growth were significantly positively affected by the application of PM addition rates compared with control or salinity stress. Na+ was accumulated into plant tissues with increasing level NaCl. The Ca2++ Mg2+ and K+ contents reduced under saline irrigation water compared as control or PM addition rates. On the other hand, plants growing under 10 ton/fed of PM and freshwater had lower number of miners/leaf and infested fruits/plant compared with plants growing under 5 ton/fed of PM or control treatment. High level of salinity had a good effect on T. absluta damage than control treatment. These results support the hypothesis that plants growing under a good level of organic fertilizer and salt-stress are better defended againstT. absluta.

Use of sugarcane industrial by-products for improving sugarcane productivity and soil health

Sugarcane industries are age-old industrial practices in India which contribute a significant amount of by-products as waste. Handling and management of these by-products are huge task, because those require lot of space for storage. However, it provides opportunity to utilize these by-products in agricultural crop production as organic nutrient source. Therefore, it is attempted to review the potential of sugar industries by-products, their availability, and use in agricultural production. A large number of research experiments and literatures have been surveyed and critically analyzed for the effect of sugarcane by-products on crop productivity and soil properties. Application of sugar industries by-products, such as press mud and bagasse, to soil improves the soil chemical, physical, and biological properties and enhanced the crop quality and yield. A huge possibility of sugarcane industries by-products can be used in agriculture to cut down the chemical fertilizer requirement. If all the press mud is recycled through agriculture about 32,464, 28,077, 14,038, 3434, 393, 1030, and 240 tonnes (t) of N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, can be available and that helps in saving of costly chemical fertilizers. Application of sugarcane industries by-products reduces the recommended dose of fertilizers and improves organic matter of soil during the crop production. It can also be used in combination with inorganic chemical fertilizers and can be packed and marketed along with commercial fertilizer for a particular cropping system. That helps in reduce the storage problem of sugarcane industries by-products across the India.

Consequences of Compost Press Mud as Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers derived from Sugar Press Mud (SPM) yields better production of crops. Sugar press mud or the sugarcane filter-cake is the residue of sugarcane industry which results from the processing of sugarcane where sugar mud is separated from the crush. The total supply of sugar press mud varies from (1-7) kg from the processing of 100 kg of sugarcane. Sugar filter cake is used as a suitable fertilising agent since it is rich in micro and macro nutrients along with organic carbon. It is eco-friendly and protects the plants from various soil borne diseases. Press mud compost does not include any substances which are unfavourable for microbial action. In certain cases, press mud is mixed with other organic fertilizers to yield enriched compost. Whatever the case, the resultant press mud should not be added to the soil directly as it affects the welfare of human health due to the fast growth rate of pathogenic fungi. These are the disease causing microbes whose growth rate must be inhibited. The review deals with the physical, chemical and microbial functions on the press mud resulting in excellent bio-fertilizers. Enriched press mud is mixed with gibberellic acid to inhibit the growth of toxic chromium which affects the metabolism of plants. The fields which are ineffective by the over use of chemical pesticides can be brought into control by constant use of bio-fertilizers such as press mud. Usage of chemical pesticides may destroy the insects causing damage to the fields, but its impact over the health of living beings is tremendous. Press mud, on the other hand, is safe and very effective in producing income and killing certain insects affecting the crops as well.

Mineralization of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur from different organic wastes in silty clay loam soils

Mineralization of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and suphur was studied by incubating soil samples for 90 days at 30°C temperature with four different organic materials viz. Press mud, sugarcane trash, paper mill bagasse and pine needle. The results showed that the carbon mineralization in soil was significantly higher from sugarcane trash followed by press mud as compared to control. The cumulative percent of carbon mineralization increased with incubation period and maximum mineralization was recorded at 90 DOI (days after incubation). The maximum cumulative percent N-mineralization (16.88%) in soil was shown by paper mill bagasse followed by sugarcane trash and pine needle. The percent N-mineralization from all added organic amendments increased incubation period up to 45days of incubation DOI (days after incubation) after then it gradually declined, while the pine needles showed maximum cumulative P-mineralization in soil followed by sugarcane trash while minimum was recorded from press mud. The paper mill bagasse showed highest cumulative S-mineralization in soil followed by sugarcane trash. Irrespective of organic wastes, cumulative S-mineralization significantly increased after 15 days of incubation up to 45 days later on it showed declined trend. Among the organic wastes, sugarcane trash showed maximum Cmineralization in soil exhibited fast decomposition in comparison to other wastes. So, it can be used for composting.The paper mill bagasse showed more N and S mineralization while maximum mineralization of P was found in pine needle. The press mud and sugarcane trash showed potential for short duration enriched compost.

Impact of Fertilization on Vinca (Catharanthus roseus L.) Grown in Binary Mixtures of Sugarcane Filter Press Mud and Vermiculite

Filter press mud (FPM) is a waste product of the sugar manufacturing industry that is primarily composed of soil, finely ground sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) stalks, and lime. It is widely used as a soil amendment wherever sugarcane is produced. This study sought to investigate the impact of fertilization with potassium nitrate on the growth of vinca (Cataranthus roseus L.) being grown in mixtures of FPM and vermiculite. The purpose of the study was to investigate the nutrient-supplying ability of the FPM-based growing medium. A completely randomized factorial design was installed into 18-count landscape trays, with each cell consisting of a different growing medium by fertilization treatment. While the bulk density of FPM-based growing media tended to be higher than FafardTM 2, plant growth was not stunted. Electrical conductivity and pH were not deleterious to the plants in any of the FPM treatments. Fertilization increased plant growth and development in all treatments in comparison to non-fertilized controls. The 1:1 FPM and vermiculite mixture by volume had the greatest increase in growth from fertilization while the least change in growth from fertilization occurred with the 100 percent FPM treatment. When using FPM as a growing medium, it appears that the fertilization practices might be decreased to take advantage of the nutrients released by the growing medium.

Investigating the potential influence of biochar and traditional organic amendments on the bioavailability and transfer of Cd in the soil–plant system

In this paper biochar (BC) and traditional soil amendments, including press mud (PrM), farm manure (FM), compost (Cmp), poultry manure (PM) and sewage sludge (SS), were evaluated as carbon sources (20 g kg−1 organic carbon) to assess their ability to store soil organic carbon as well as their effects on the bioavailability, transfer and immobilization of Cd in contaminated soil. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown on unamended and amended soil (at 2 % organic carbon basis) in a greenhouse experiment and the soil characteristics, AB-DTPA extractable Cd and metal uptake were determined. The influence of the applied organic carbon amendments on the soil properties and accumulation of Cd was evaluated and compared to unamended soil. All of the amendments increased the soil OC significantly with the highest value (1.2 %) with BC followed by PrM (0.98 %) and Cmp (0.86 %). The maximum decrease in the AB-DTPA extractable Cd (43.82 %) was recorded with the BC amendment followed by Cmp (18.16 %), while FM and PrM amendments increased the Cd availability up to 19.92 and 4.45 %, respectively. The uptake of Cd by Triticum aestivum L. was increased with all of the amendments except for BC and Cmp, which showed significant decreases, and the maximum transfer factor was found in SS followed by PrM, PM and FM. The soil organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and pH were negatively correlated with the AB-DTPA extractable Cd in post-experiment soil. The results obtained from this experiment suggest that organic carbon from biochar (BC) can be used to increase the soil OC stock, and it is also effective for the in situ immobilization/remediation of Cd, thus improving the physico-chemical properties of soil and leading to increased plant growth.