Recycled Newspaper Research Articles

Eco-designed recycled newspaper for energy harvesting and pressure sensor applications

This study focuses on developing multifunctional electronic paper (e-paper) using a low-cost recycling method to minimize the usage of critical raw materials. The e-paper is designed for various smart applications, such as mechano-responsive energy harvesters and pressure sensors. The emphasis is on adopting an eco-friendly approach by utilizing cellulose extracted from used newspapers, which would otherwise have been discarded. The formulated e-paper contains 100 % recycled cellulose fibers, unlike the more commonly used recycled paper, which contains around 70 % of recycled cellulose and 30 % of new pulp. The recycled paper (RP) was functionalized using polyaniline (PANi), resulting in a conductive e-paper, capable of generating electric current through a charge transfer mechanism at the PANi-Cellulose/electrode interface layer. The resulting devices demonstrate satisfactory energy production, with output voltage ranging from 16.8 to 20.25 V, output current ranging from 0.9 µA to 1.75 µA, and power density ranging from 0.18 to 0.35 Wm−2. The mechanical impulses generated by the device can successfully light up several LEDs in series. Additionally, the e-paper was investigated as a flexible, paper-based pressure sensor. The fabricated device exhibited excellent sensitivity, fast response time, and a wide detection range from 25 Pa to 12.25 kPa. The sensitivity of the pressure sensors achieved 4.21 kPa−1 within a low range of 0–1 kPa and approximately 0.008 kPa-1for a broader pressure range (2 – 12.25 kPa). Additionally, the durability of the pressure sensing devices has undergone rigorous testing, surpassing 2000 cyclic tests.

Removal of the Cationic Textile Dye by Recycled Newspaper Pulp and Its Cellulose Microfibers Extracted: Characterization, Release, and Adsorption Studies

In this work, the Cellulose MicroFibers (CMF) were produced by using Recycled Newspaper Paper (RNP). The two adsorbents (CMF) and (RNP) were used in the adsorption of the basic textile dye BY28. RNP was characterized by X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy while the morphology was visualized by SEM analysis. The chemical composition was determined by EnergyDispersive Spectroscopy (EDS); the characteristics showed a good extraction of cellulose from a newspaper pulp compared to cellulose alone. The release of RNP was followed by measuring both the absorbance and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in water after washing and deinking. Alkaline pH medium has a positive effect on the release of various compounds of the pulp. The adsorption of BY28 on RNP and CMF according to various parameters such as biosorbent dose (1 - 8 g) and initial BY28 concentration (25 - 200 mg/L) was investigated. The adsorption isotherms were studied by using the Langmuir and Freundlich. Maximal RNP and CMF adsorption capacities of 91.21 and 52.67 mg/g respectively were obtained at 20 °C.

Fruit pomace as a source of alternative fibers and cellulose nanofiber as reinforcement agent to create molded pulp packaging boards

Fruit pomace (FP) as a source of fiber partially replaced recycled newspaper (NP) to create molded pulp boards (FPBs). Blueberry (BP), cranberry (CP), and apple pomace (AP) with different fiber compositions and morphologies were studied for their compatibility with NP. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was used to improve adhesion between FP and NP. FP/NP ratio and CNF concentration were optimized via central composite design to create FPBs with lower water absorption, and similar flexural strength and strain to 100% newspaper board (NPB). Lignocellulosic composition and fiber morphology of FP affected its compatibility with NP. Incorporating CNF reduced water absorption and increased flexural strength and strain of FPBs, but the amount of required CNF varied among the types of pomace. This study demonstrated that FP can partially substitute NP to create FPBs with better or similar properties to 100% NPB.

The Utilization of Recycled Newspaper in the Production of Cellulose Microfiber

Cellulose microfibers (CMF) were produced by utilizing recycled newspaper paper (RNP) as starting material. This approach is considered as green since recycling newspaper leads to the environment preservation and also cost-effective. The effect on the structural properties of cellulose produced at different stage of pretreatment were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR and SEM demonstrate that the hemicellulose and lignin was successfully removed from the structure of the CMF. XRD and TGA results revealed that the different step of pretreatment was increased the crystallinity and thermal stability of CMF increased gradually. The improvement in CMF crystallinity has improved its thermal properties which is important in the field of reinforcement material.

Physicochemical characteristic of regenerated cellulose/N-doped TiO2 nanocomposite membrane fabricated from recycled newspaper with photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light irradiation

The use of recycled newspaper as sustainable cellulose resource for the fabrication of green organic/inorganic hybrid photocatalytic membrane via phase inversion method was highlighted in this study. The incorporation of N-doped TiO2 nanorods as a nanocomposite in regenerated cellulose membrane matrix to great extent has altered its morphological and physicochemical properties, as revealed by FESEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and UV–visible spectroscopy analyses. FTIR analysis suggested that there is a strong interaction between the hydroxyl groups of regenerated cellulose (RC) and the TiO2 nanorods through hydrogen bonding interactions. The UV–visible spectroscopy and XPS analysis confirmed that the highly visible light absorption capability of the prepared RC/TiO2 nanocomposite membrane is due to the existence of nitrogen as dopant in the TiO2 lattice structure. The resultant membranes showed a significant photocatalytic performance in the degradation of phenol in aqueous solution under UV and visible light irradiation, respectively. It was found that 0.5wt% of TiO2 nanorods was the best loading in the regenerated cellulose membrane (RCM) with desirable physicochemical and photocatalytic properties. This study promotes the use of RC/TiO2 nanocomposite membrane as a new and green portable photocatalyst in the field of wastewater treatment without leaving any photocatalyst in the reaction system. It is crucial to emphasize that the use of a non-toxic solvent-based system in this study provide a significant contribution towards the development of a green technology system.

Incorporation of N-doped TiO2 nanorods in regenerated cellulose thin films fabricated from recycled newspaper as a green portable photocatalyst

In this work, an environmental friendly RC/N-TiO2 nanocomposite thin film was designed as a green portable photocatalyst by utilizing recycled newspaper as sustainable cellulose resource. Investigations on the influence of N-doped TiO2 nanorods incorporation on the structural and morphological properties of RC/N-TiO2 nanocomposite thin film are presented. The resulting nanocomposite thin film was characterized by FESEM, AFM, FTIR, UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy, and XPS analysis. The results suggested that there was a remarkable compatibility between cellulose and N-doped TiO2 nanorods anchored onto the surface of the RC/N-TiO2 nanocomposite thin film. Under UV and visible irradiation, the RC/N-TiO2 nanocomposite thin film showed remarkable photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue solution with degradation percentage of 96% and 78.8%, respectively. It is crucial to note that the resulting portable photocatalyst produced via an environmental and green technique in its fabrication process has good potential in the field of water and wastewater treatment application.

Feasibility of recycled newspaper as cellulose source for regenerated cellulose membrane fabrication

ABSTRACTAn environmental friendly regenerated cellulose membrane (RCM) was successfully prepared via NaOH/urea aqueous solution system by utilizing recycled newspaper (RNP) as the cellulose source. The morphological and chemical structure of resulting membrane were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results from FTIR and XRD verified that the transparent RCM possesses cellulose II structure. SEM observation revealed that the transparent RCM consist of homogeneous dense symmetric membrane structure and composed of a skin layer with mean roughness parameter Ra, obtained from AFM analysis of 29.53 nm. Pure water flux, water content, water contact angle, porosity, and pore size of the resulting membrane were also measured. This study promotes the potential of the cellulose‐based membrane obtained from low cost cellulose source for application in filtration and separation system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42684.

Effects of Maleic Anhydride Polypropylene on Tensile, Water Absorption, and Morphological Properties of Recycled Newspaper Filled Polypropylene/Natural Rubber Composites

This study focused on the effects of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) on tensile, water absorption, and morphological properties of recycled newspaper (RNP) filled polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR) composites. The abbreviation MAPP will be used for its common name in this research work. For both uncompatibilized and MAPP-compatibilized RNP-filled composites, tensile strength and elongation at break (EB) increased at certain filler content, then decreased at higher filler content. Meanwhile, continuous increase of Young’s modulus has been observed in the case of uncompatibilized and compatibilized composites. At similar filler content, compatibilized composites show higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus but lower EB than uncompatibilized composites. Water absorption study indicates that the incorporation of MAPP reduced water uptakes of the composites. This may be attributed to the enhanced adhesion between the MAPP-compatibilized RNP and polymer matrix, as evidenced from morphology study with scanning electron microscopy. The chemical interaction between MAPP-compatibilized RNP and polymer matrix was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared analysis.

Comparison of Reinforcing Efficiency between Recycled Newspaper (RNP)/Carbon Black (CB) and Recycled Newspaper (RNP)/Silica Hybrid Filled Polypropylene (PP)/Natural Rubber (NR) Composites

Comparison was made between properties of recycled newspaper (RNP)/carbon black (CB) and recycled newspaper (RNP)/silica hybrid filled polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR) composites. The properties of composites consisting of processing characteristics, mechanical properties, thermal analysis via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphology and water absorption were studied. The results revealed that the incorporation of CB and silica in the weight ratio of RNP/CB and RNP/silica hybrid has increased stabilization torque of the composites. Certain mechanical properties of the composites such as tensile strength and elongation at break (EB) were found increased, while Young’s modulus decreased with increasing CB and silica content. The incorporation of CB in the weight ratio of RNP/CB hybrid shows higher stabilization torque, tensile strength, elongation at break (EB) compared with RNP/silica hybrid of the PP/NR composites. However, RNP/silica hybrid exhibited higher Young’s modulus than RNP/CB hybrid of the PP/NR composites. TGA and DSC results indicate that primary and secondary peak of DTG curve, initial degradation temperature (T0), degradation temperature (Tdeg), melting temperature (Tm), heat of fusion of composites (ΔHf(com)), crystallinity of composites (Xcom) and PP (XPP) increased, while total weight loss and thermal degradation rate decreased for both hybrid composites. The RNP/silica hybrid is likely to be more thermal resistance and more crystalline than RNP/CB hybrid of the composites. A correlation between the increment of tensile strength and morphology of the composites was also studied. Results show that the presence of CB and silica has increased interfacial interaction between polymer and filler of the composites.

Hybrid‐filler filled polypropylene/(natural rubber) composites: Effects of natural weathering on mechanical and thermal properties and morphology

AbstractComparison was made between the properties of recycled newspaper (RNP)/carbon black (CB) and recycled newspaper (RNP)/silica hybrid filled polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR) composites. The properties studied were mechanical, thermal, and morphological. These composites were also subjected to natural weathering, i.e., the tropical climate in Penang, Malaysia, for 6 months. The incorporation of CB and silica at all weight ratios of RNP/CB and RNP/silica hybrid gave increases in tensile strength, elongation at break (EB), Young's modulus, melting temperature (Tm), heat of fusion of composites (ΔHf(com)), crystallinity of composites (Xcom), and the crystallinity of PP (XPP). As expected, the tensile properties (except for Young's modulus), Tm, ΔHf(com), Xcom, and XPP of the composites exhibited lower values after weathering than before weathering. The extent of chemical degradation was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the results showed the formation of several functional groups, i.e., hydroxyl, hydroperoxide, vinyl, carboxylic acid, and ketone. At the same filler weight ratio, the composites filled with RNP/CB hybrid showed higher values of tensile strength and EB but lower values of Young's modulus, ΔHf(com), XPP, and XPP, as compared to those with the RNP/silica hybrid under weathering conditions. The good retention in tensile properties indicated that the replacement of RNP by CB and silica improved the weatherability performance of the PP/NR composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers

Effects of Natural Weathering on Properties of Recycled Newspaper-filled Polypropylene (PP)/Natural Rubber (NR) Composites

Natural weathering has been applied to investigate the properties of recycled newspaper (RNP)-filled polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR) composites. Three sizes of RNP (11 mm, 23 mm, and 53 mm) were used in this study. These composites were subjected to natural weathering conditions; i.e, tropical climate in Penang, Malaysia, for 3 and 6 months. Different techniques including mechanical tests, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used in order to obtain a comprehensive view of degradation occurring during the natural weathering of the composites. Results of mechanical tests show that an increasing content of RNP in composites decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break (EB), while increasing the Young's modulus after exposure of 3 and 6 months. Scanning electron microscopy on surfaces after weathering shows that the filler was poorly wetted by the matrix. This explains the reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break after weathering. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometry results on the composites after exposure to natural weathering indicate the presence of carbonyl, vinyl, and hydroxyl groups, which formed from various chemical reactions taking place during weathering.

The Effect of Recycled Newspaper Content and Size on the Properties of Polypropylene (PP)/Natural Rubber (NR) Composites

The effect of recycled newspaper (RNP) loading and size on the processing behavior, mechanical properties, water absorption and morphology of PP/NR composites were investigated. Three sizes of RNP, i.e. 11, 23 and 53 µm were used in this study. Results show that the increasing content of RNP in composites has increased the stabilization torque, tensile strength and elongation at break (up to 5 wt.% of filler content), Young's modulus and water absorption. PP-NR composites with the smallest particle size of RNP show the highest mechanical properties but the lowest water absorption resistance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of composites indicate that the smallest particle size of RNP shows better filler-matrix interaction than larger particle size of RNP.

The effect of silane treated- and untreated-talc on the mechanical and physico-mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/newspaper fibers/talc hybrid composites

This paper evaluates the effect of the addition of silane treated- and untreated- talc as the fillers on the mechanical and physico-mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/recycled newspaper cellulose fibers (RNCF)/talc hybrid composites. For this purpose, 10 wt% of a talc with and without silane treatment were incorporated into PLA/RNCF (60 wt%/30 wt%) composites that were processed by a micro-compounding and molding system. PLA is utilized is a bio-based polymer that made from dextrose, a derivative of corn. Talc is also a natural product. The RNCF and talc hybrid reinforcements of PLA polymer matrix were targeted to design and engineer bio-based composites of balanced properties with added advantages of cost benefits besides the eco-friendliness of all the components in the composites. In this work, the flexural and impact properties of PLA/RNCF composites improved significantly with the addition of 10 wt% talc. The flexural and impact strength of these hybrid composites were found to be significantly higher than that made from either PLA/RNCF. The hybrid composites showed improved properties such as flexural strength of 132 MPa and flexural modulus of 15.3 GPa, while the unhybridized PLA/RNCF based composites exhibited flexural strength and modulus values of 77 MPa and 6.7 GPa, respectively. The DMA storage modulus and the loss modulus of the PLA/RNCF hybrid composites were found to increase, whereas the mechanical loss factor (tan delta) was found to decrease. The storage modulus increased with the addition of talc, because the talc generated a stiffer interface in the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms of neat PLA and of the hybrid composites showed nearly the similar glass transition temperatures and melting temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the fracture surface of Notched Izod impact specimen of 10 wt% talc filled PLA/RNCF composite showed well filler particle dispersion in the matrix and no large aggregates are present. The comparison data of mechanical properties among samples filled with silane-treated- and untreated- talc fillers showed that the hybrid composites filled with silane treated talc displayed the better mechanical prosperities relative to the other hybrid composites. Talc-filled RNCF-reinforced polypropylene (PP) hybrid composites were also made in the same way that of PLA hybrid composites for a comparison. The PLA hybrid bio-based composites showed much improvement in mechanical properties as compared to PP-based hybrid counterparts. This suggests that these PLA hybrid bio-based composites have a potential to replace glass fibers in many applications that do not require very high load bearing capabilities and these recycled newspaper cellulose fibers could be a good candidate reinforcement fiber of high performance hybrid biocomposites.

Abstracts of the ASHS Southern Region 64th Annual Meeting

ALTERNATIVES IN MEDIA: FINDING RENEWABLE SUBSTITUTES FOR PEATMOSS LeAnne Newell* and Janet C. Cole, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Oklahoma State University, 360 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078 WetEarth, a processed recycled newspaper product, was used in combination with pine bark, sand, and vermiculite as a growing medium for rose of Sharon and forsythia. Rose of Sharon was taller and had more leaves; more leaf area per plant; and greater leaf, stem, and root dry weights in all media containing recycled paper compared to plants grown in a medium consisting of 3 pine bark : 1 peat moss : 1 sand (by volume) (control). Forsythia grown in the control media were taller than those grown in any medium containing recycled newspaper. There was no difference in number of leaves per plant or leaf area of forsythia, regardless of growing medium. Physical and chemical properties of each medium also were investigated. All media containing recycled newspaper had a higher pH, porosity, and air space than the control medium.

Fertilization Methods Affect Growth, Color and Nitrogen Leaching of Winter Annuals in Landscape Beds

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate fertilizer formulations, methods of application, and frequency of application on growth of winter-grown landscape bedding plants and N leaching. In Expt. 1, ‘Majestic Giants White’ pansy (Viola xwittrockiana Gams.) and ‘Telstar Purple’ dianthus (Dianthus chinensis L.) were planted in raised beds. Four inorganic fertilizer formulations were applied at 4.9 g/m2 N (1 lb N/1000 ft2) either incorporated pre-plant or topdressed post-plant. Additional treatments included an industry practice (IP) of incorporating a granular water soluble (GWS) fertilizer pre-plant and topdressing a controlled release fertilizer (CRF) post-plant, and a pre-plant incorporation of an organically-based fertilizer (OBF) composed of recycled newspaper amended with chicken manure. In Expt. 2, similar treatments were applied to the following species: ‘Bingo Blue with Blotch’ pansy, ‘Telstar Crimson Picotee’ dianthus, and ‘Tall Red’ snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.). Across both studies, CRFs generally improved foliar color and plant size compared to GWS fertilizers, while reducing total-N in soil-water in some instances. The IP treatment provided superior foliar color and larger plants compared to other inorganically fertilized plants, while causing no more or less total-N in soil-water leaching below plant roots. Response to the OBF differed among the two experiments. The OBF resulted in adequate foliar color and plant size and reduced total-N recovered from soil-water in Expt. 1. However, it generally provided superior foliar color and size compared to all other treatments in Expt. 2, but also caused elevated levels of total-N in soil-water.

Fertilizer Formulation and Method of Application Influence Bedding Plant Growth and Nitrogen Leaching in Urban Landscapes

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate fertilizer formulation, method of application, and frequency of application on growth of landscape bedding plants and nitrogen (N) leaching. In the first experiment, ‘Peppermint Cooler’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don ‘Peppermint Cooler’), ‘Bonanza Yellow’ marigold (Tagetes patula L. ‘Bonanza Yellow’), and ‘Hawaii Blue’ ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum Mill. ‘Hawaii Blue’) were planted in raised beds. Four inorganic fertilizer formulations used included 13N–5.6P–10.9K (13–13–13) and 15N–0P–12.6K (15–0–15) granular water soluble (GWS) fertilizers, Osmocote 14N–6.0P–11.6K (14–14–14) (3 to 4 month release) controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), and Osmocote 17N–3.0P–10.1K (17–7–12) (12 to 14 month release) CRF. Each fertilizer was applied at a rate of 4.9 g N/m2 (1 lb N/1000 ft2) either incorporated into the top 10.2 cm (4 in) pre-plant or topdressed postplant. Additional treatments included an industry practice of incorporating 13N–5.6P–10.9K (13–13–13) pre-plant and topdressing 17N–3.0P–10.1K (17–7–12) post-plant; and a pre-plant incorporation of an organically-based fertilizer composed of recycled newspaper amended with chicken manure (caged layer manure). In Expt. 2, a similar experimental setup was used with ‘Peppermint Cooler’ vinca, ‘Red Vista’ salvia (Salvia splendens F. Sellow ex Roem. & Schult. ‘Red Vista’), and ‘Strata’ salvia (Salvia farinacea Benth. ‘Strata’). Inorganic fertilizers were applied in either single or multiple applications. Inorganic fertilizers included 15N–0P–12.6K (15–0–15) GWS fertilizer, Osmocote 14N–6.0P–11.6K (14–14–14) CRF, and Osmocote 17N–3.0P–10.1K (17–7–12) CRF. Three organically-based fertilizers were applied pre-plant and were composed of recycled newspaper amended with either chicken, beef cattle, or dairy cow animal manures. Summarizing across both experiments, plants treated with GWS fertilizers appeared to benefit with improved foliar color from immediate release of nutrients, while those treated with CRFs required at least 4 weeks to achieve dark foliar color. Nutrient leaching below plant roots was greater for GWS compared to CRFs. The industry practice treatment provided some improved plant growth in both experiments; however, it also caused initially high levels of soil-water-N (SWN) in Expt. 1. The organically-based fertilizer resulted in larger, more attractive (higher foliar color ratings) plants than inorganic fertilizers, though it also resulted in the highest levels of SWN compared to all other treatments.

219 Alternative Weed Control Methods for Production of Large Container Ornamentals

Non-target herbicide losses pose environmental concerns for nurseries. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the ability of each alternative mulch to suppress weed growth when compared to traditional chemical methods. Uniform quart liners of Lagersroemia indica × faurei `Natchez' were planted in 15-gal containers 15 June 1999, on a gravel container pad using overhead irrigation. Weed pressure was uniform. Treatments include Regal 0-0 3 G (3 lb ai/a) as a broadcast or individual container application, recycled newspaper pellets (1 inch thick), Spin-out coated recycled newspaper pellets (1 inch thick) geotextile disks (Spin-out coated), kenaf mulch, waste tire crumbles, wheat straw (2 inches thick), oat straw (2 inches thick), cereal rye straw (2 inches thick), paper mill sludge (2 inches thick), a handweeded control, and a weedy control. Treatments were organized in a RCBD consisting of eight single-plant replicates. The geotextile disks, newspaper pellets treated with spin-out, and shredded rubber tire treatments all had better than 80% weed control from 30 to 180 DAT. These alternative weed control methods can provide a good alternative to conventional weed control practices in large container-grown ornamental.

371 Influence of Inorganic and Organically Based Fertilizers on Plant Growth and Nutrient Leaching

Selected fertilizer treatments were applied to vinca (Catharanthus roseus `Peppermint Cooler') in the landscape to determine their effect on growth and nutrient leaching. In plots 0.9 m × 2.3 m, inorganic fertilizers were applied as either a single application of 4.9 g N/m2 pre-plant, or a split application with 4.9 g N/m2 applied pre-plant followed by application of 2.45 g N/m2 at 8 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Inorganic fertilizers included 15N–0P–12.6K granular fertilizer, Osmocote 14N–6.0P–11.6K, and Osmocote 17N–3.0P–10.1K controlled-release fertilizers. Three different organically based fertilizers were applied pre-plant and were composed of recycled newspaper amended with animal manures (chicken, beef cattle, or dairy) and adjusted with (NH4)2SO4 to achieve C:N ratios of either 20:1 or 30:1. A standard industry treatment of 13N–5.6P–10.9K (4.9 g N/m2) incorporated pre-plant and 17N–3.0P–10.1K (4.9 g N/m2) topdressed post-plant was also included. Leachates, collected with lysimeters, from inorganic fertilizer plots had lower levels of total N (NO3– + NH4+) compared to organically based fertilizer plots through 8 WAP. Of the inorganic fertilizer plots, those receiving 15N–0P–12.6K granular fertilizer had higher total N levels at 1, 2, and 4 WAP than other inorganic fertilizer plots. Total N in leachates declined over the study and by 12 WAP were similar among all treatments. Vinca treated with organically based fertilizers (C:N 20:1) had the highest foliar color ratings through 8 WAP; however, color ratings declined thereafter and by 16 WAP had the lowest ratings. Plants treated with organically based fertilizers had greater shoot dry weights 20 WAP and larger growth indices 8 and 20 WAP.

Chemical and Physical Properties of Processed Newspaper Compared to Wheat Straw and Wood Shavings as Animal Bedding

Because of continuing concerns about the safety and the suitability of recycled newspaper as an animal bedding material, municipal curbside-collected newspaper was processed into chopped and pelleted forms for comparison studies with wheat straw and kiln-dried pinewood shavings. Measurements included nutrient, heavy metal, dioxin and furan content, particle size distribution, density, combustion potential, and water-holding capacity. Recycled newspaper, straw, and wood shavings tested below or equivalent to National Research Council dietary tolerance levels and US Environmental Protection Agency toxic equivalent levels. Small particle size distribution was shavings > straw > all forms of newspaper. The density of pelleted newspaper was 50-fold greater than that of chopped newspaper and straw and 15-fold greater than shavings. In simulated flash burns, chopped newspaper, straw, and shavings ignited, and flames spread rapidly in newspaper and shavings and lasted the longest in shavings. Pelleted newspaper did not ignite. Chopped and pelleted forms of newspaper and wood shavings had higher water holding capacities (>400%) than did straw (200%). Animal industries can, in confidence, utilize recycled newspaper as an animal bedding material, providing that sources of low toxicity are identified, and suitable processed forms are produced.

RECYCLED NEWSPAPER AS A LANDSCAPE MULCH

Two studies were conducted to evaluate recycled newspaper mulch for landscape plantings. In the first study, two paper products (pellets and crumble) were tested at three depths. Application of either 25 or 50 mm provided excellent control of prostrate spurge. Of the four annuals grown, ageratum exhibited severe stunting of roots and shoots. In the second study, three annual species were mulched with the two recycled paper products applied at 25 mm each and adjusted with P at 0, 3.75, or 7.5 ppm to bind excess Al. When no P was added, ageratum growth was about half that of the control plants. Addition of P at either rate resulted in similar growth compared to control plants. Marigold and geranium were less affected by recycled paper mulch; however, when P was added growth was always similar to nonmulched control plants.