Residue Yield Research Articles

Evaluating the Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Land Productivity, Crop Residue Decomposition and Abundance of Soil Organisms in a Banana Plantation in Sri Lanka

The fertilization practices heavily influence the decomposition rate of organic materials added to soil. Hence, the nutrient management strategies that aim to improve crop yields may not necessarily support organic carbon accumulation in soil and overall soil fertility. This study investigated how land productivity, crop residue decomposition and diversity of soil organisms were affected by the combined use of chemical fertilizers (CF) and poultry manure (PM) in a banana plantation in Buttala, Sri Lanka. Banana yield, soil properties and decomposition of crop residues were studied in six treatments as, CF1+PM1, CF1+PM2, CF1+PM3, CF2 +PM1, CF2+PM2, and CF2+PM3. CF1 and CF2 correspond with 75% and 100% of recommended CF application rate. PM1, PM2 and PM3 correspond with PM application rates of 0, 2.5 and 5 kg/plant. Crop residue decomposition was assessed using litter bags containing two litter materials as banana pseudo-stem pieces and banana leaves and placed at two depths (surface and at 7.5 cm depth). Litter bags were recovered at 17, 31 and 45 days after placement (DAP) and weight loss of crop residues was determined. The application of poultry manure significantly increased (P<0.01) banana yield at first harvest and decreased (P<0.1) bulk density. Type of material and time of exposure to decomposition had significant effects (P<0.05) on litter decomposition but depth of placement and nutrient management strategy had no significant effect (P>0.05) on decomposition. By 45 DAP pseudo-stems were degraded more than leaves (67.47±13.99 % and 46.90±5.76 %, respectively). The abundance of culturable bacteria and cellulose decomposers in soil and the abundance of soil fauna in decomposing litter were significantly (P<0.1) increased with the PM application to soil. In conclusion, in the studied banana plantation, incorporation of PM in nutrient management increased land productivity and had positive impact on some soil properties, which are important determinants of soil fertility but did not register any effects on crop residue decomposition during the study period.

CO-PROCESSING OF COTTON SOAPSTOCK, COAL DUST AND POLYMER WASTE BY PYROLYSIS METHOD

The work is aimed at solving the problems of rational consumption of secondary raw materials on the basis of carbon-containing waste of industries, saturation of the market with additional products and protection of the environment from the toxic effects of waste. Aim of work: the study of the co-pyrolysis process of gossypol resin (GR) from cotton soapstock of "Shymkentmay" JSC, coal dust (CD) of Kulan deposit and plastics waste (PW) in N2 medium. The methodology of work included the establishment of optimal modes of the process, determination of yield, composition and properties of pyrolysis products. Analysis of pyrolysis products by IR spectroscopy, XRD, chromatomass spectrometry. Study of the component composition of liquid pyrolysis products by the method of extraction separation in Soxhlet apparatus into oils, asphaltenes and resins. Assessment of perspectivity of co- pyrolytic processing of carbon-containing wastes from different industries for industrial development. Results and discussion. The optimum temperature of GR pyrolysis (T=450 ⁰С) was established, at which the yield of liquid product was on average 33.01 wt.%, gas yield – 60.33 wt.%, yield of solid residue – 6.65 wt.%. The co-pyrolysis of GR and CD at 1:1 ratio and T=500 ⁰C in N2 atmosphere was investigated for the first time. A high yield of liquid product – 47.34 wt.%, low gas formation – 2.31 wt.% and a large amount of solid residue – 50.34 wt.% were observed, which is apparently due to the formation of coal semicoke and coke. The process of co- pyrolysis of GR, CD with D=90 μm and PW (PE:HPPP – 1:1) at the ratio of 1:1:1 and temperatures of 500 ⁰С-700 ⁰С in N2 atmosphere was investigated for the first time. It is shown that the main contribution to the formation of liquid products in the given temperature regimes is made by GR and PW. Conclusion. Co-processing of carbon-containing wastes was found to be of interest and practical importance, both in terms of obtaining marketable products and maintaining a safe ecology.

RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY OPTIMIZATION AND UPGRADING OF AGBABU BITUMEN IN THE PRESENCE OF RICE HUSKS

With the current global trend in energy demand due to the increase in human population and technological inclination in carrying out day to day activities, the conventional crude oil is fast depleting and thus an alternative source of energy is needed for sustainability for the fuel/energy supply. Natural bitumen upgrading could serve as an alternative source for the future fuel supply but the process of upgrading the bitumen needs to be optimized to obtain the best conditions at which the bitumen upgrading process would effectively take place which brought about this study. In this study research work, optimization of Agbabu bitumen in the presence of rice husks using response surface methodology (RSM) was carried out to determine the optimal conditions at which the bitumen could be upgraded. Box-Behnken Designed experiment (BBD) was used as the template to design the experiment where the chosen variable factors were temperature, residence time and rice husks at a range or level of (300 – 350 oC), (30 – 180 min) and (0.6 – 1.0 wt.%) for each of the variable factor respectively and the chosen responses were viscosity, API gravity, residue yield and light oil yield. The Agbabu bitumen was characterized by viscosity at 70 oC to be 86.78 Pa.s, density at 60 oC to be 1.0153 Kg/L, H/C ratio 1.19:1 and API gravity of 7.87 o etc. The optimum conditions at which the Agbabu bitumen could be upgraded for maximum yield of light oil was found to be (temperature 345.716 oC, residence time 30.0 min, and rice husks 1.0 wt.%) at response value of viscosity 8.340 Pa.s, API gravity 24.520 o, residue yield 22.39 w/w% and light oil yield 50.064 w/w%. The light oil yield for the upgraded Agbabu bitumen at the optimum conditions had a desirability of 0.688989, amounting to 68.4% yield. The overall desirability for the whole upgrading process was 0.909415 at the optimum conditions. Thus, indicating an acceptable optimization and upgrading process for Agbabu bitumen.

Research on Biomass & Coal Co-pyrolysis

With the growing global energy demand and the pursuit of renewable energy, biomass and coal co-pyrolysis has attracted much attention as a potential energy conversion technology. In order to optimize energy utilization and increase renewable energy yield, this research systematically analyzed the effects of different biomass and coal combinations on pyrolysis products. The effects of different biomass and coal combinations on the products in the co-pyrolysis process were solved through mathematical modeling. Firstly, the linear regression model shows that INS has a significant positive effect on the yield of tar and coke residue. Then, through the interaction effect analysis, it was found that there was an interaction effect between INS and the mixing ratio. Finally, the optimal INS content and mixing ratio were obtained by optimizing the model, which improved the utilization rate and energy conversion efficiency of the pyrolysis products.

Research on the co-pyrolysis of biomass and coal

Abstract Co-pyrolysis of biomass and coal has attracted much attention as a potential energy conversion technology. In this paper, the significant effects of n-hexane insoluble substance (INS) on tar, water, and coke residue yields were analyzed in depth using statistical analysis. With INS and mixing ratio as independent variables, multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to comprehensively investigate the effects of the interaction between the two on the yields of different pyrolysis products, revealing the significant interaction between different pyrolysis products. The genetic algorithm was used to establish an optimization model to optimize the mixing ratios of the co-pyrolysis, and the considerable differences between the experimental and theoretically calculated values of the product yields of the co-pyrolysis compounds were analyzed by statistical tests, and subgroup analyses were carried out to determine the specific differences under different mixing ratios. CNN prediction model was established, and model optimization confirmed the differences between the experimental and theoretically calculated values for different pyrolytic coupling ratio-specific ratios by data validation and subgroup analysis. The further extension and optimization of the model provide a new theoretical basis and idea for further research on the co-pyrolysis of biomass and coal, which can help to improve the energy conversion efficiency and product quality.

Copper leaching behaviour during oxygen pressure leaching of zinc sulfide concentrate

ABSTRACT To optimise copper (Cu) leaching, this study investigated Cu behaviour during a two-stage oxygen pressure leaching process of zinc sulfide concentrate (ZnS). The results indicated that maintaining low temperature, low sulfuric acid (H2SO4) concentration, and low oxygen partial pressure during the first stage of leaching the reduction of ferric iron (Fe3+) by ZnS and the weak leaching of Cu. In the second stage, increasing the temperature, H2SO4 concentration, and oxygen partial pressure enabled efficient Cu leaching while converting iron (Fe) back to Fe3+ and returning it to the first stage. This two-stage process effectively mitigated Fe hydrolysis precipitation, resulting in a small residue yield and preventing Cu incorporation into jarosite. Cyclic validation experiments were conducted under optimum experimental conditions with a residue yield of 36.1%, the dissolution rates of Zn, Cu, and Fe impurity of 98.76%, 91.65%, and 81.05%, and the Zn, Cu, and silver (Ag) contents of leaching residue were 1.61%, 0.17%, and 0.524%, respectively. The primary phases in the leach residue included lead (Pb) sulfate, sulfur, and pyrite. This approach allowed for deep leaching of Zn and Cu as well as achieving efficient Pb and Ag enrichment.

Anti-oxidative quartz/carbon-braided fiber reinforced ceramizable composites modified with B4C and AlB2: Mechanical robustness, phase evolution and anti-oxidation mechanism

Carbon fiber reinforced ceramizable phenolic resin matrix composites (Cf/CPR) have been widely used in the field of thermal protection materials. However, the industrial application of the Cf/CPR is restricted by its easy oxidation failure under high temperature condition. In this work, a novel antioxidative ceramizable composites modified with AlB2 and B4C (Cf-Qf/CPR) were prepared by using quartz fiber-coated carbon fiber (Cf-Qf) as reinforcements via co-weaving technique. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, interfacial phase evolution and anti-oxidation mechanism of the composites were investigated. The residue yield and the flexural strength of the composites after treatment at 1200°C for 15 min were 93.4 % and 62.4 MPa, increased by 5.4 % and 67.3 % compared with those of Cf/CPR. Quartz fiber and ceramic protective layer showed synergistic effect to improve the oxidation resistance of carbon fiber and PyC, confirming good high temperature mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of as-received composites.

Combined Application of Herbicide and Aqueous Extract of Sorghum and Mustard Crop Residue Enhance Weed Management and Yield of Wheat

The rising costs in agriculture and growing public concern over herbicide use have emphasized the need for non-chemical weed control methods. To evaluate the impact of aqueous extracts from sorghum and mustard crop residues on weed control and wheat crop performance, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, from November, 2021, to March 2022. The study involved three wheat varieties (BARI Gom-32, BARI Gom-33, and BWMRI Gom-1) and six treatment levels: no weeding, the recommended dose of herbicide (RDH), 80% RDH + aqueous extract of mustard + sorghum (AEMS) (1:20 ratio w/v), 70% RDH + AEMS (1:20), 60% RDH + AEMS (1:20), and 50% RDH + AEMS (1:20). The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results demonstrated that the aqueous extracts significantly reduced weed population (WP) and dry weight (DW) of weeds. Among the wheat varieties, BARI Gom-32 achieved the highest grain yield (GY) (3.62 t ha-1) and other yield-contributing traits. The highest numbers of effective tillers (NET) per hill (4.56), numbers of grains per spike (NGS) (34.57), 1000 grain weight (TGW) (57.81 g), GY (4.09 t ha-1), straw yield (SY) (6.05 t ha-1), and biological yield (BY) (10.14 t ha-1) were observed in the RDH treatment, followed by the combined application of 80% RDH and AEMS crop residue (1:20). These findings suggest that AEMS crop residue extracts could be an effective source for suppressing weed population and enhancing yield.

Effect of Fertilizers, Seeding Rates of the Legume Component and Weather Conditions on Yield and Accumulation of Plant Residues of LupineCereal Mixtures on Grain in the Center of the NonChernozem Region

On mediumcultivated mediumloamy sod-podzolic soils of the Central NonChernozem region, well provided with mobile phosphorus and potassium (IV–V class), the cultivation of lupine–cereal mixtures for grain with the participation of narrowleaved lupine varieties Ladny, spring wheat, barley and oats varieties of Nemchin breeding after grain precursors in a changing climate ensured grain production in an average of 5 up to 3.0–3.7 t/ha with a share of the legume component of 29–57% and the remaining dry mass of plant residues in the soil up to 6–8 t/ha with the accumulation of total nitrogen in it up to 40–60 kg/ha and biological – 12–17 kg/ha. In arid conditions (GTK = 0.80–0.92), a mixture of lupine and barley was distinguished for the better in terms of yield and weight of plant residues, and in case of waterlogging (GTK = 2.47) – mixtures with oats and spring wheat. The inclusion of liquid micronutrients of organic nature in the technological process with a stimulating effect for non-root top dressing eliminated the need for pre-sowing application of nitrogen fertilizer and, in conditions of moderate aridity, increased grain yield, depending on the composition of the mixture, to 3.9–4.9 t/ha (by 53–59%), the yield of plant residues – up to 7–11 t/ha (by 54–139%) and in them there is an accumulation of symbiotically bound nitrogen – up to 15–25 kg/ha or 5–8 times more than without their use.

Small cross section of the synthesis of darmstadtium in the Ca48+Th232 reaction

The smallness of the cross section of evaporation residues formed in the hot fusion reaction Ca48+Th232 is analyzed by the dinuclear system model (DNS). The capture probability has been calculated by solving the dynamical equations of motion for the relative distance between the centers of mass of the DNS nuclei. Fusion of nuclei is considered as evolution of the DNS to a stable compound nucleus. The fusion probability has a bell-like shape and quasifission is one of reasons causing smallness of the yield of the evaporation residues products. Another reason is the decrease of the fission barrier for the isotopes Dm275–285 related with the shell effects in the neutron structure. The agreement of the theoretical results obtained for the yield of the evaporation residues with the experimental data measured in the Factory of Superheavy Elements of Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is well. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Pyrolytic urban mining of waste printed circuit boards: an enviro-economic analysis.

E-waste, a global environmental concern resulting from supply chain inefficiency, also offers the opportunity to recover valuable materials, including general and rare earth metals. Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are integral components of e-waste that contains substantial amounts of precious metals, making them a valuable waste category. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for material recovery from WPCBs. Hence, pyrolytic urban mining of WPCBs offers an excellent avenue for resource recovery, redirecting valuable materials back into the supply chain. Under the current study, experimental investigation has been conducted to explore the recovery of materials from WPCBs through pyrolysis followed by process simulation, economic analysis, and life cycle assessment (LCA). An Aspen Plus simulation was conducted to model the pyrolysis of WPCBs and subsequent product recovery using a non-equilibrium kinetic model, which represents a unique approach in this study. Another distinct aspect is the comprehensive assessment of environmental and economic sustainability. The economic analysis has been carried out using Aspen economic analyzer whereas the LCA of WPCB pyrolysis has been conducted using the SimaPro software. The experimental investigation reveals yield of solid residues are about 75-84 wt.%, liquid yields of 6-13 wt.%, and gas yields of 4-21 wt.%, which is in well agreement with the Aspen Plus simulation results. The economic analysis for an e-waste pyrolysis plant with an annual feed rate of 2000 t reveals that the total capital cost of a pyrolysis plant is nearly $51.3 million, whereas the total equipment cost is nearly $2.7 million and the total operating cost is nearly $25.6 million. The desired rate of return is 20% per year and the payback period is 6years with a profitability index of 1.25. From the LCA, the major impact categories are global warming, fossil resource scarcity, ozone formation in human health, ozone formation in terrestrial ecosystems, fine particulate matter formation, and water consumption. The findings of this study can serve as a guideline for e-waste recyclers, researchers, and decision-makers in establishing circular economy.

Conversion of Waste Agricultural Biomass from Straw into Useful Bioproducts—Wheat Fibers and Biofuels

Straw, the primary agricultural waste, constitutes approximately 20% of the total biomass in the EU. Only a small fraction of the material is applied in various products, e.g., animal bedding, mulch, building, and composite materials, while a significantly larger portion is often burned in the field. This practice, while prohibited for several reasons, including the increased risk of fire and the release of carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, is still prevalent. Given the increasingly evident effects of climate change, EU legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. One of the strategies includes applying the cascade principle in the circular economy. This principle aims to use the entire raw material, in this case, cereal crops, such that the products with the highest added value, like cellulose fibers from cereal straw, are extracted first. The vast potential for utilizing lignocellulosic agro-waste sustainably arises from its status as the most abundant organic compound on Earth. Its significant presence, renewability, and biodegradability make it a desirable source for producing materials in numerous industries. This study examines the potential of wheat fibers, isolated from the straw of two distinct cultivars (Srpanjka represents an old variety, and Kraljica represents the new variety) primarily for application in technical textiles. The following testing methods were applied: determination of wheat fibers and residues yield, fibers tensile properties, length, moisture content/regain, density, morphology, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The yield of isolated fibers relies on the wheat variety and the climatic conditions affecting plant growth, resulting in fiber yields from 10.91% to 15.34%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicates reduced peak intensity, which is related to hemicellulose and lignin content, suggesting their improved deposition following the process of chemical maceration. Wheat fiber quality was found to be comparable to cotton fibers regarding its density. However, they showed a significant difference in higher moisture regain (9.72–11.40%). The vast majority of the scientific papers related to wheat fibers did not indicate the length of the individual fibers obtained by chemical maceration nor their strength. Therefore, this paper indicated that both varieties demonstrated sufficient fiber tenacity (greater than 10 cN/tex) and fiber length (2–3 cm), stressing the spinning potential of these fibers into yarns and extending their use to the apparel industry. Moreover, our research underscores the feasibility of adhering to the zero-waste principle. A high percentage of solid waste remaining after fiber extraction (25.3–39.5%) was successfully used for biofuel production, thus closing the loop in the circular economy.

Co-pyrolysis of chrome-tanned leather shavings with wheat straw: Thermal behavior, kinetics and pyrolysis products

The thermal behavior and kinetics of chrome-tanned leather shavings (CLS)/wheat straw (WS) blends at different mass ratios during co-pyrolysis were investigated, and the pyrolysis products were characterized. Model-free isoconversional and master-plots methods were applied to determine kinetic triplet of the pyrolysis/co-pyrolysis of CLS, WS and their blends based on thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Results showed that the activation energy for CLS pyrolysis was reduced by the addition of WS, and a synergistic promoting effect predominated across the majority of temperature ranges and feedstock compositions during the co-pyrolysis process. TG-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry-Mass spectrometry analysis showed the changes in evolution profiles of H2O, CO, CO2, HNCO and pyrrole during pyrolysis. The pyrolysis solid residues were characterized and results indicated that the addition of WS to CLS can increase solid residue yield and potentially inhibit the formation of hexavalent chromium during pyrolysis. This study helps to foster a promising solution for the valorization and safe disposal of chromium-containing solid wastes from leather industry.

Innovative multifunctional fire retardance of poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate)-based bio-composite formulation

Poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable aromatic-aliphatic copolyester, has been widely applied in various fields, but it shows the flammability, resulting in serious fire risk. The flame retardancy of some PBAT/polymer blend systems have been studied, but that of neat PBAT was seldom reported. In particular, the research and development of the bio-based green flame retardant agent is highly desired. In this work, fully bio-derived modified chitosan particles (C-CS), were synthesized and used to prepare a novel PBAT-based multifunctional flame-retardant composite. The PBAT/3%C-CS composite (PC3) exhibited an excellent anti-dripping and self-extinguishing performance and achieved the highest fire safety rating (V-0). Peak of heat release rate and total heat release reduced by 39.8 % and 14.9 %, respectively. The char residue yield of the PC3 increased by 211.6 % in the PC3, compared with that of neat PBAT. Both condensed- and gas-phase played dual roles on increasing the flame-retardant performance of the PC3. The PC3 showed a relatively compact and continuous char layer which acted as a physical barrier to suppress the heat exchange and O2 entry (into the matrix) in the combustion process. Meanwhile, the concentration of O2 and H·/HO· free radicals were diluted by a small portion of non-flammable gas products in the pyrolysis process. Also, the PC3 presented elevated crystallizability and anti-bacterial effect, and reduced UV-transmittance characteristic.

Model-based process intensification of deep eutectic solvent treatment of eucalyptus slabs for lignin extraction and pulp production

This work revealed the reaction characteristics in the delignification process of eucalyptus slabs catalyzed by acidic deep eutectic solvent (benzyltriethylammonium chloride/formic acid) from the perspective of heterogeneous reactions. The limitation of internal diffusion on delignification process cannot be ignored. Afterwards, a kinetic model based on cell wall structure was proposed to describe the relationship between the delignification degree and reaction conditions, and it also hold excellent predictive ability for lignin removal, carbohydrate retention and solid residue yield. Compared with other reported kinetic models, this novel model not only took into account all operational parameters of reaction process, but also can be applied to the entire reaction process without the need for segmentation. Besides, an essential requirement based on the developed model was a 44.40 wt% formic acid concentration and a temperature of 130 °C, when the purpose of DES treatment was pulping. Generally, this work could provide guidance on process adjustments and product quality control during the DES processing.

Enhancement of light hydrocarbon production from polypropylene waste by HZSM-11-catalyzed pyrolysis

Herein, a mixture of real polypropylene (PP) waste was pyrolyzed with a HZSM-11 catalyst as a potential method to recover light hydrocarbons (C ≤ 12), the potential feedstock for value-added chemicals and fuels, from polyolefin plastic waste. Using the HZSM-11 in the PP waste mixture pyrolysis noticeably improved the yield of gas pyrolysate and oil in compensation for the yield of wax (i.e. hydrocarbons of C > 20) and solid residue particularly at a higher temperature. In addition, the selectivity of C3–C12 in the PP-waste mixture-derived pyrolysate was markedly increased by the HZSM-11. The highest yield of light hydrocarbons was ≈40 wt% (per mass of the feedstock) achieved at 700 °C with the HZSM-11 catalyst. Despite 7.9 wt% coke deposition on the HZSM-11 after its use in the pyrolysis of the PP waste mixture, the catalyst could be reusable for at least three times after regeneration. The experimental results demonstrate that HZSM-11 has the potential for being a promising catalyst to valorize polyolefin waste into value-added chemicals.

Analytical Pyrolysis of Soluble Bio-Tar from Steam Pretreatment of Bamboo by Using TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS.

Steam pretreatment at high temperatures enables fresh bamboo to possess antifungal and antiseptic properties. The process produces a large amount of wastewater that urgently needs to be recycled. Soluble bio-tars derived from wastewater under low-temperature (LTS-tar) and high-temperature (HTS-tar) steam pretreatments of moso bamboo were studied with a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that in the three stages of the thermal decomposition process, the final residue of the bamboo and HTS-tar had two main peaks of 0.88 wt% and 6.85 wt%. The LTS-tar had much more complicated thermal decomposition behavior, with six steps and a high residue yield of 23.86 wt%. A large quantity of CH4 was observed at the maximum mass loss rates of the bamboo and bio-tars. Acids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and phenolic compounds were found in the pyrolysis products of the bamboo and soluble bio-tars. Both bio-tars contained carbohydrates and lignin fragments, but the LTS-tar under mild steam conditions had more saccharides and was much more sensitive to temperature. The lignin in the bamboo degraded under harsh steam conditions, resulting in high aromatic and polymeric features for the HTS-tar. The significant differences between LTS-tar and HTS-tar require different techniques to achieve the resource utilization of wastewater in the bamboo industry.

Effect of Tillage and Mulching on Growth and Yield Performance of Barley under Different Nitrogen and Irrigation Application Rates

Background: Integrated management of soil, water and nutrient resources is critical in improving animal feed production sustainably as it is highly resource demanding. Barley is considered as an excellent choice for animal feed owing to its rich nutritional composition, energy content, palatability, versatility and economic feasibility. Implementing sustainable crop management practices that improve soil health as well as enhance water and nitrogen availability is critical for improving crop productivity and ensuring improved animal feed production in these challenging environments. In arid regions with scarce water resources and less fertile soil, an interplay between water availability and nitrogen fertilization plays a significant role in enhancing barley production. Thus adoption of conservation agricultural practices coupled with optimized irrigation and fertilization regime is crucial in establishing sustainable animal feed production in the region. However, much insight is not delivered in the area of interactive effects of irrigation and fertilization with conservational agricultural practices on sustainable intensification of animal feed production in arid and semi-arid lands. The study investigated the interactive effect of tillage, mulching, irrigation and nitrogen application rates on growth and yield performance of barley under Kuwait’s environmental conditions. Methods: The study was conducted at KISR Station for Research and Innovation-KSRI (29.3156°N, 47.8403°E), Kuwait. The effect of tillage and mulching on the growth and yield performance of barley was evaluated under combinations of three different irrigation (100% ETc, 75% ETc and 50% ETc) and fertilization application rates (0 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha). Split-split plot experimental design was employed with three replications to study the effect of different treatments on plant height, number of plants per square meter, spike length, number of spikes per square meter, biomass yield, grain weight, harvest index and residue yield. Result: Tillage, mulching, irrigation and fertilization application rates imposed a significant interaction effect on barley biomass and grain yield. Minimum tilled plots with mulching under 100% ETc irrigation and 100 kgN/ha recorded the highest biomass and residue yield. For grain yield, minimum as well as conventional tillage with mulching produced the highest value under 100% ETc irrigation and 50 kgN/ha. Highest plant height and number of spikes per square meter was noted in plots with minimum tillage and mulching under 100% ETc irrigation.

Biokonversi Sampah Organik Kulit Pisang Menggunakan Larva Black Soldier Fly (BSF)

Waste is goods considered unused and thrown away by the previous owner/user, but under certain conditions and processing the waste can still be used. An example is organic waste, organic waste is waste that can undergo weathering or what is usually called decomposition and break down into smaller, odorless materials. This research aims to analyze the effect of feeding rate on larval nutritional quality, residue yield quality and banana peel waste reduction index using the bioconversion method. Bioconversion is a waste processing process that involves microorganisms to convert organic waste into products that have market value. This research used Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as a bioconverter for selected organic waste, namely banana peel waste. The variables used in this study consisted of variations in the number of different feeding rates with 4 variations, namely 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/larva/day for 15 days, where each variation was given 3 containers and each container contained 2000 BSF larvae. The research results that will be obtained are environmental conditions during the bioconversion process and the value of the waste reduction index or WRI.

Alloying synergistic flame retardant effect on PA6 by polyimide containing alkyl hypophosphate structure

A novel flame retardant − bismaleimide polyalkyl phosphinate aluminium (BPPA), containing both imide and phosphinate structures, was designed and synthesized to investigate the intramolecular synergistic flame retardant effect between imide and phosphinate structures and alloying effect of the imide structure with PA6. Based on the flame retardant and mechanical properties of BPPA/PA6 composites, the alloying flame retardant effect of BPPA on PA6 was systematically investigated. The PA6 material had almost no char after burning; however, BPPA can produce a large amount of residue and form a dense char layer during combustion of PA6 matrix, effectively reducing the heat release, while BPPA also improved the mechanical properties of PA6 composites through the alloying effect. The peak heat release rate (pk-HRR) decreased by 55.8 %, and the residue yield increased by 9.2 wt% for 20BPPA/PA6, compared with the PA6. After compounding aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) and BPPA, the flame retardancy of the composites can be further improved. The LOI value of the 8ADP/6BPPA/PA6 was increased to 29.8 % and passed the test of UL94 V-0 level. Its pk-HRR and residue yield were similar to that of the 14BPPA/PA6, which indicated that the compounding system of ADP and BPPA can provide excellent charring properties and gas-phase flame retardancy of PA6. Meanwhile, the alloying BPPA with PA6 not only reduced the effect on the tensile strength of ADP on PA6, but also improved the breaking elongation of the composite. In conclusion, it provides a new direction for developing high-performance halogen-free flame retardant polyamides.