Vegetable Compost Research Articles

Assessing the Fate of Benzophenone-Type UV Filters and Transformation Products during Soil Aquifer Treatment: The Biofilm Compartment as Bioaccumulator and Biodegrader in Porous Media.

The fate of selected UV filters (UVFs) was investigated in two soil aquifer treatment (SAT) systems, one supplemented with a reactive barrier containing clay and vegetable compost and the other as a traditional SAT reference system. We monitored benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and its transformation products (TPs), including benzophenone-1 (BP-1), 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone (4DHB), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4HB), and 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (DHMB), along with benzophenone-4 (BP-4) and avobenzone (AVO) in all involved compartments (water, aquifer sediments, and biofilm). The reactive barrier, which enhances biochemical activity and biofilm development, improved the removal of all detected UVFs in water samples. Among monitored UVFs, only 4HB, BP-4, and AVO were detected in sediment and biofilm samples. But the overall retained amounts were several orders of magnitude larger than those dissolved. These amounts were quantitatively reproduced with a specifically developed simple analytical model that consists of a mobile compartment and an immobile compartment. Retention and degradation are restricted to the immobile water compartment, where biofilm absorption was simulated with well-known compound-specific Kow values. The fact that the model reproduced observations, including metabolites detected in the biofilm but not in the (mobile) water samples, supports its validity. The results imply that accumulation ensures significant biodegradation even if the degradation rates are very low and suggest that our experimental findings for UVFs and TPs can be extended to other hydrophobic compounds. Biofilms act as accumulators and biodegraders of hydrophobic compounds.

The Effect of Vegetable Waste Compost on The Growth of Robusta Coffee Seeds (Coffea canephora)

Vegetable compost is an organic fertilizer derived from vegetable waste which can be used as a source of nutrients for plants. This study aims to determine the effect of vegetable waste compost on the growth of robusta coffee seedlings. This study used a non-factorial completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 4 replications to obtain 24 experimental units. The treatment given was a dose of vegetable waste compost consisting of 6 levels, namely: K0 = without adding vegetable waste compost K1 = 100 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K2 = 200 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K3 = 300 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K4 = 400 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K5 = 500 gram dose of vegetable waste compost. The results showed that the application of vegetable waste compost with different doses had a very significant effect on the parameters of seedling height, number of leaves and stem diameter of robusta coffee plant seedlings. The best treatment was obtained in the K5 treatment, namely 50 grams/plant of vegetable waste compost.

Organic matter stabilization and phosphorus activation during vegetable waste composting: Multivariate and multiscale investigation

The conversion of organic matter and P in the waste composting process affects the efficiency of the composted product. However, the addition of microbial inoculants may improve the conversion characteristics of organic matter and P. In this study, straw-decomposing microbial inoculant (SDMI) was added to investigate its effects on the organic matter stabilization and phosphorus activation during the composting of vegetable waste (VWs). Aliphatic carboxyl-containing compounds were degraded during composting, but the stability of the organic matter and P was improved. The addition of SDMI promoted the degradation of dissolved organic carbon by 81.7 % and improved P stability and thermal stability of organic matter. Hedley sequential P fractionation showed a decrease in the H2O-P proportion by >12 % and increased in the HCl-P proportion by >4 % by the end of composting. Stable forms of P, such as AlPO4 and iron-containing phosphate, were the main forms of P in the final compost. The results provide a basis for producing high-quality vegetable compost products and improving the reutilization potential of VWs.

Development of intelligent and active potato starch films based on purple corn cob extract and molle essential oil

The present study aims to develop an active and “intelligent” film that uses potato starch as a polymeric matrix, anthocyanins from purple corn cob as a natural dye, and molle essential oil as an antibacterial compound. The color of anthocyanin solutions is pH-dependent, and the developed films show a visual color change from red to brown after immersion in solutions with pH values ranging from 2 to 12. SEM and FTIR analyses suggested that anthocyanins have favorable dispersibility and good compatibility with the starch-glycerol matrix. The study found that both anthocyanins and molle essential oil significantly enhanced the ultraviolet-visible light barrier performance. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and elastic modulus reached values of 3.21 MPa, 62.16 %, and 12.87 MPa, respectively. The biodegradation rate in vegetal compost also accelerated during the three-week period, achieving a weight loss of 95 %. Moreover, the film presented an inhibition halo for Escherichia coli, indicating its antibacterial activity. The results suggest that the developed film has the potential to be used as food-packaging material.

Properties of Starch‐Based Nanocomposites with Starch‐Coated ZnONP Obtained by Flat‐Die Extrusion

AbstractFast‐growing environmental concern has made nanotechnology surge as an enhancer of eco‐friendly materials. In this research, biodegradable and active nanocomposites are developed from thermoplastic starch films with the incorporation of different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles eco‐friendly synthesized with starch (ZnONP) (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 wt.%) by flat‐die extrusion. ZnONP at 2 and 5 wt.% enhances Young's modulus (E), strain at break (εb), and tensile toughness (T), and decreases the water solubility (WS) and moisture content (MC), also inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli. Additionally, with 5 wt.% of nanofiller, a hydrophobic material with UV‐A and UV‐B shielding is also achieved. Furthermore, all films are fully biodegraded in vegetal compost at around 4 weeks. The results show that ZnONP can be a very promising alternative as a reinforcing and active agent for preparing new starch‐based nanocomposites for the food packaging and coating industry.

UJI PEMBERIAN BERBAGAI KOMPOS ORGANIK DAN PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR (POC) KULIT PISANG TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN JAHE MERAH (Zingiber officinale Rosc. Var. Rubrum)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction of various organic composts and banana peel POCs on the growth and production of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var Rubrum). This study used a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD), which consisted of two factors and 3 replications. The first factor was various organic compost (P), consisting of 4 levels, namely 0.600 (Vegetable Compost), 600 (Ketapang Compost), 600 (Straw Compost) g/plant and the second factor was banana peel organic fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels, namely 0, 125, 250, and 375 ml/L of water. Parameters observed were plant height (cm), number of tillers (stem), the weight of wet safe (g), wet weight of rhizome (g), dry weight of rhizome (g), and harvest index (g). The data were statistically analyzed and continued to the BNJ test at the 5% level. The results showed that the interaction of various organic compost and banana peel POC treatments affected the number of clumps of tillers (stems), wet rhizome weight (g), wet rhizome weight (g), and dry rhizome weight (g). The best treatment was found on a combination of 600 g/Plot Straw Compost and Banana Peel POC with a dose of 375 ml/L water. The main effect of various organic composts affects all parameters of the observation with the best treatment was the 600 g/plant Ketapang Compost. The main effect of POC Banana Peel affected the observation parameters Wet rhizome Weight (grams), Wet Rhizome Weight (grams), Dry Rhizome Weight (grams), and Harvest Index. The best dose for POC Banana Peel Treatment ws 375 ml/L water.

RESPONSE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER OF BAMBOO BAMBOO AND VEGETABLE COMPOST ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF ROBUSTA COFFEE (CoffeaCanephora)

This research program aims to determine the responsegiving organic fertilizer to the vegetative growth of robusta coffee plants (CoffeaCanephora). Using a 2 factorial Group Design (RAK), each treatment was given 3 replications. Factor 1 was liquid organic fertilizer for bamboo shoots (P0: control, P1: 200 ml + 1000 ml water, P2: 500 ml + 1000 ml water, and P3: 800 ml + 1000 ml water). Factor 2 is using vegetable compost (K0: control, K1: 10 grams/polybag, K2: 20 grams/polybag), K3: 30 grams/polybag). Parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and leaf width. Based on the data on the response variance of the application of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) for bamboo shoots, it was shown that there was no significant effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and leaf width at the ages of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 mst. The results of the response variance data for the application of vegetable compost showed no significant effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and leaf width at the ages of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 mst. And the results of the interaction of the two treatments showed no significant effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf width.

Biostimulant Effects of Waste Derived Biobased Products in the Cultivation of Ornamental and Food Plants

Soluble bio-based substances (SBS) may be isolated from the anaerobic digestate of the organic humid fraction of urban waste; from the whole vegetable compost made from gardening residues and from the compost obtained after aerobic digestion of a mixture of urban waste digestate, gardening residues and sewage sludge. These SBS can be used as sustainable and efficient plant biostimulants in alternatives to the commercial products based on fossil sources such as the Leonardite. The present review summarizes the main findings obtained from recent studies accomplished with the SBS applied on several ornamental (Euphorbia; Lantana; Murraya; Hibiscus) and vegetable species (tomato; red pepper; spinach; maize; bean; wheat; tobacco; oilseed rape) with the aim to evaluate their effect on plant growth; fruit and ornamental quality. The main results from these studies show that the non-commercial SBS are more efficient than commercial fossil-based products; at equal applied doses; in enhancing plant growth; leaf chlorophylls; photosynthetic activity; fruit ripening and yield and aesthetic effect; improving flower and fruit quality and optimizing water use efficiency. Depending upon the plant species, increases of the plant performance indicators ranging from zero to 1750% are reported for the plants cultivated in the presence of SBS, relatively to the control plants cultivated in absence of SBS added to the cultivation substrate. The review suggests that biowaste recycling is a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of plant biostimulants, as an alternative to existing fossil sourced agrochemicals.

Effects of Faba Bean Strip Cropping in an Outdoor Organic Tomato System on Soil Nutrient Availability, Production, and N Budget under Different Fertilizations

Crop diversification has been identified as a tool to improve both productive and environmental performances of organic horticulture. We tested the introduction of faba beans in a tomato cropping system—both as preceding crop and in strip cropping (SC)—under different fertilization strategies—faba residues, animal manure, and vegetable compost. We studied: (i) the tomato nutrient uptake and yield and quality; (ii) the soil-N and P, the N-budget, and the mycorrhizal colonization. SC did not provide consistent positive effects on tomato production and quality, namely the N-uptake, N in the tomato yield, the mean fruit weight, and the sugar accumulation in berries, regardless of the type of fertilizers applied. SC improved the tomato dry yield and P-uptake, especially in years when the faba growth and the subsequent yield were problematic. Faba residues could provide sufficient N to sustain tomato production but care should be given in balancing additional N-inputs. Organic fertilization increased the soil-N concentration but did not always translate into an increased yield and a higher quality production, with the risk of escalating N-losses. SC improved the soil-P availability and mycorrhizal colonization in tomato, due to the rhizobia–mycorrhiza-mycorrhiza association, especially when coupled with organic fertilization. Finally, introducing faba as SC holds potential to improve the productive and environmental performance of organic tomato production.

Incorporating torch ginger (Etlingera elatior Jack) inflorescence essential oil onto starch-based edible film towards sustainable active packaging for chicken meat

Incorporating torch ginger (Etlingera eliator Jack) inflorescence essential oil (TGIEO) in active packaging could offer protection to enhance safety and extend chicken meat's shelf life. Thus, the study’s objectives were to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial and physicochemical activities of TGIEO incorporated into a starch-based edible film (TF) for chicken meat packaging. The films were prepared by casting method and were exposed to light absorption at 200–800 nm for the light barrier and opacity properties. The water aspects, thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry, antioxidant activities, antimicrobial activities, and biodegradability of the film in vegetable compost were determined. Next, the coliform count, rancidity test, and 9-point hedonic scale sensory analysis for chicken meat packed with TF were evaluated. Results shows TF with higher opacity value (3.168 ± 0.03–9.024 ± 0.09), lower water solubility (0.070 ± 0.09% - 0.095 ± 0.00%) and can withstood temperatures at < 280 °C. The diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) showed antioxidant activity at 67.36 ± 2.48% and 84.78 ± 0.57%, respectively. For antibacterial activities, TF showed positive inhibition towards pathogenic bacteria; Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhi, and Escherichia coli (6.0 ± 0.01–23.0 ± 0.12 mm) and exhibited significant observation for degradation in vegetal compost after 10 days. At the end of the chilled storage period (3 °C ± 1), the chicken sample TF showed the lowest coliform count (4.98 ± 0.07 CFU/g) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value (0.212 ± 0.31 mg MDA/kg). There is no significant difference (p < 0.05) for all the chicken samples for sensory analysis and concluded that the TGIEO does not affect the organoleptic properties. Thus, the TF showed significant antibacterial and antioxidant film properties that potentially extend the quality of chicken meat during the chilled storage period.

Effects of technosols based on organic amendments addition for the recovery of the functionality of degraded quarry soils under semiarid Mediterranean climate: A field study

This study aims to evaluate the effects of technosols made with different organic amendments to restore degraded soils in a semiarid limestone quarry. The effects on soil quality, functionality and organic matter dynamics of the technosols amended with waste of gardening, greenhouse horticultural, stabilized sewage sludge and two mixtures of sludge with both vegetable composts were assessed. Several physical and chemical properties, humus fractions, soil respiration and molecular composition was performed after 6 and 18 months. Un-amended soils, and nearby natural undegraded soils served as reference. Amended technosols increased water retention capacity, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon and nitrogen, respect to not amended and natural soils. Humus fraction composition was not altered over time. Un-amended soils, very poor in organic matter, did not show any pyrolyzable compounds or labile soil organic matter by thermogravimetry. In contrast, the pyrochromatograms of natural soils showed lignocellulosic materials, polypeptides and a noticeable presence of alkylic compounds. In technosols with both types vegetable compost, the organic matter structure was more complex, showing compounds from lignin-derived and long-chain alkyl, polysaccharides, chlorophyll isoprenoids and nitrogen. In sludge technosol, a set of sterols was outstanding. The mixtures showed a molecular fingerprint of materials derived from the decomposition of the organic amendments that formed them. These signs of the contribution of different organic matter forms derived from the amendments were also reported by the series exothermic peaks found in the calorimetry. This short-term study indicates a clear effect of the amendments on the recovery of soil organic matter and presumably of its functionality. After the amendments application, microbial activity and soil respiration rates increased rapidly but ceased 18 months later. The molecular composition of the organic matter of the soils amended with plant compost was very similar to that of natural, non-degraded soils in nearby areas.

Benefits of applying organic amendments from recycled wastes for fungal community growth in restored soils of a limestone quarry in a semiarid environment

Applying organic amendments to recover physical, chemical, and biological qualities of soil may enable recovery of soils degraded by mining in semiarid climates. This study's aim was to investigate the development and changes in the composition of fungal communities in restored soils with five different types of organic amendments (two types of vegetable compost and sewage sludge compost, and a mixture of both) compared with unamended soils and surrounding natural soils and to examine the relationships between the fungal taxa, the new physico-chemical and biological soil properties of technosoils after 18 months of restoration, and natural soils. Restoration improved soil quality and fungal diversity, placing these soils in an intermediate position between unrestored soils (with no fungi present) and undisturbed reference soils, which were the most fungal diverse. Sewage-treated soils and their mixtures showed high nitrogen and carbohydrate content as well as high basal respiration and fatty acid content, suggesting that they provided readily biodegradable organic matter. In contrast, greenhouse compost-treated soils showed high total organic carbon and polyphenol content, whereas garden compost-treated soils showed intermediate values. The biological soil properties of both composts showed were similar to those of the reference soils, suggesting that composts contained more resilient organic matter. Organic amendments of dissimilar origin caused significantly different fungal soil communities at the genus level among the restored soils. Results indicated that soil pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen content, soil basal respiration, fungi/bacteria-PLFA ratio, and dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase activities, together with Pearson's correlations, revealed that these properties and nutrient content (total organic carbon, C/N ratio, carbohydrates, and polyphenols) influenced 40 soil fungal taxa. Therefore, the organic amendments led to changes in soil properties that favoured plant cover by promoting the soil fungal community growth beneficial to the carbon cycle and symbiotic with plants.

Soil amendments from recycled waste differently affect CO₂ soil emissions in restored mining soils under semiarid conditions

Drylands affected by serious disturbances such as mining activities lose their vegetation cover and organic soil horizons, becoming CO2 emissions sources. Applications of organic amendments could be a good restoration solution that favours vegetation establishment and soil carbon sequestration; however, they are also associated with CO₂ emissions. Experimental plots with different organic amendments (sewage sludge, garden and greenhouse vegetable composts, and mixtures of both) and unamended soils were installed in a quarry in southeast Spain. The aim of this study was: i) to evaluate the magnitude and changes of in situ CO₂ emission from each experimental plot during a year and a half, and ii) to assess the effects of several physical–chemical (total organic carbon, total nitrogen, water retention, pH and electrical conductivity) and environmental parameters (moisture and temperature) in CO2 emissions. The results showed an initial CO2 emission (priming effect), produced from all restored plots just after the application of the organic amendment, which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in soils with sewage sludge and their mixtures in comparison to vegetable compost. Garden compost had low emission rates, similar to soils without amendment and showed lower CO2 emission rates than the rest of the restoration treatments. Nevertheless, CO2 emissions decreased in each field campaign over time, showing that all restored soils had lower emissions than natural soils at the end of the sampled period. The different composition of organic amendments had a different effect on soil CO2 emissions. DistLM analysis showed that soil properties such as total organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH and soil moisture, associated with rainfall periods, strongly influenced CO₂ emissions, whereas temperature did not affect the CO2 flow. In conclusion, the compost from plant remains could serve better as treatment to restore degraded soils in drylands than sewage sludge because of its lower CO2 emissions and concomitant effect on climate warming and carbon balance.

Evolution of nitrogen mineralization dynamics and bean production with three different organic amendments in the arid soil of south Tunisia

Although the importance of organic amendments on arid soils of semi-arid and arid lands in improving long-term soil fertility, the excessive use of these amendments may induce the mineralization of the soil’s native organic components. Thus, this study focused on the examination of the impact of the use of three different amendments, sewage sludge, compost, and horse manure on nitrogen soil dynamics as well on the physico-chemical characteristics (soil texture, nitrogen cycle, and carbon concentration) and plant characteristics (morphology and production). In this context, the present work discusses one of the major issues challenging sustainable agriculture development related to increasing land degradation, soil salinization, and fertility loss. The three amendments were applied on the soil collected at the Institute of Arid Regions of Gabes. The findings of these experimental trials indicated that compost seems to be the most valuable organic amendment that may be used for an adequate supply of nitrogen and optimal benefits for plant growth. The highest mineral nitrogen content was found in the treatment with sludge. The manure-based treatment had the highest carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N=25). The effects of the amendments were well reflected in the growth and production of bean plants after one year from the amendment. An increase in biomass was observed in the amended pots. The highest increase in pods biomass was obtained in the pots amended with sewage sludge and vegetable compost followed by household manure treatment

Kombinasi Pupuk Kompos dan Pupuk Kimia terhadap Produksi Kedelai (Glycine max L.)

This study aims to determine the effect of a combination of compost and chemical fertilizers on soybean (Glycine max L.) production. The research method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) using four treatments and six replications. The combination treatment of compost and chemical fertilizers, namely NPK fertilizer (control) (P0), straw compost + NPK (P1), coffee husk compost + NPK (P2) and vegetable waste compost + NPK (P3). The research data were analyzed by one factor ANOVA using SPSS 16 and continued by using the LSD test at the 5% real level. The results showed that the best treatment to increase the number of pods and dry weight of seeds was the P1 treatment (straw compost + NPK), but it was not significantly different from the P3 treatment (vegetable compost + NPK). In conclusion, there is an effect of a combination of compost and chemical fertilizers on soybean production (Glycine max L.).&#x0D; Keywords: Straw Compost, Coffee Husks, Vegetable Waste, NPK, Soybean Production

Role of organic amendment application on soil quality, functionality and greenhouse emission in a limestone quarry from semiarid ecosystems

One strategy for restoring degraded soils by opencast mining in semiarid regions is the application of organic amendments. However, selecting an appropriate organic amendment that improves soil quality and functionality for recovery in the short-term without a high contribution to increased CO₂ emissions is important for improving restoration strategies. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the short and medium-term changes in physico-chemical and biological properties in restored soils with organic amendments from a limestone quarry (SE, Spain). Several restoration treatments were applied consisting stabilized sewage sludge, vegetable compost garden waste, vegetable compost from greenhouse crop residues and two mixtures thereof, then native plants were planted. After six months several soil properties were evaluated (electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), assimilable phosphorus (AP), soil water retention, carbohydrates and polyphenols content, enzymatic activities, bacteria and fungi fatty acids and soil respiration). Some physico-chemical soil properties and the survival rates and biovolume of the introduced native plants, as well as the percentage of land cover occupied by wild plants, were also analyzed 2 years after the application of the amendments. Organic amendments improved significantly all soil properties compared with unamended soils. Labile organic matter forms (carbohydrates and polyphenols) showed significant positive correlations with parameters related to microbial activity. Restored soils with sewage sludge had the highest significant labile C values, following by its mixtures. All organic amendments increased in situ CO₂ release, a positive priming effect and organic matter mineralization, being these properties higher in sludge-treated soils than in the rest restored and non-amendment soils. The content of TOC and TN and water retention remained similar two after the application of the amendments, but the EC decreased in restored soils. Nevertheless, despite PCA analysis clearly demonstrated that all restoration treatments had an important effect on the functionality and soil quality, vegetable compost from garden waste or from horticultural greenhouse crop waste amendments were the best restoration treatments for short and medium-term restoration of degraded quarry soils in harsh environmental and climate conditions because they also presented lower CO2 emission rates to the atmosphere and the highest survival and growth rates of the introduced plants and wild cover in the experimental plots.

Comparative role of animal manure and vegetable waste induced compost for polluted soil restoration and maize growth.

Soil amendment with two types of composts: animal manure (AC) and vegetable waste (VC) induced composts have potential to alleviate Cd toxicity to maize in contaminated soil. Therefore, Cd mobility in waste water irrigated soil can be addressed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments AC and VC that eventually reduces its translocation from polluted soil to maize plant tissues. The comparative effectiveness of AC and VC at 3% rate were evaluated on Cd solubility, its accumulation in maize tissues, translocation from root to shoot, chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM). Results revealed that the addition of organic soil amendments significantly minimized Cd mobility and leachability in soil by 58.6% and 47%, respectively in VC-amended soil over control. While, the reduction was observed by 61.7% and 57%, respectively when AC was added at 3% over control. Comparing the control soil, Cd uptake effectively reduced via plants shoots and roots by 50%, 46% respectively when VC was added in polluted soil. However, Cd uptake was decreased in maize shoot and roots by 58% and 52.4% in AC amended soil at 3% rate, respectively. Additionally, NPK contents were significantly improved in polluted soil as well as in plant tissues in both composts amended soil Comparative to control, the addition of composts significantly improved the maize dry biomass and chlorophyll contents at 3% rate. Thus, present study confirmed that the addition of animal manure derived compost (AC) at 3% rate performed well and might be consider the suitable approach relative to vegetable compost for maize growth in polluted soil.

Caraterísticas agronômicas de plantas de rabanete (Raphanus sativus L.) cultivadas sob diferentes fontes de adubos orgânicos

ABSTRACT: The radish cultivation (Raphanus sativus L.) has been conducted mainly by family farming, for which demands for more economically and sustainable strategies, and in this case, the use of organic fertilizers have been a fundamental tool in relation to increase the productivity and improve the quality production. The objective of the research was to analyze the agronomic characteristics related to height, stem diameter and number of leaves of R. sativus plants grown under different sources of organic fertilizers. The experiment was conducted in the University of Araraquara (UNIARA), composed by four treatments and six replicates, in a randomized block design, characterized by a control (without fertilization) (T1), and also by three sources of organic fertilizers: cattle manure (20 %) (T2), vegetable compost (20 %) (T3), and earthworm humus (20 %) (T4). The parameters analyzed were the average plant height (cm), average stem diameter (mm), and average number of leaves (n), with the evaluation performed at 35 and 50 days after sowing. Organic fertilization based on earthworm humus provided a significant increase compared with the control in terms of plant height at 35 and 50 days after sowing, with positive and significant results related with the stem diameter at 50 days after sowing. The organic fertilized characterized by cattle manure provided a higher height of R. sativus plants at 50 days after sowing, when compared with the control, while the vegetable compost did not assist the development of radish culture related to agronomic characteristics analyzed. Organic fertilizer related to earthworm humus, at a concentration of 20%, helps the growth and development of radish plants, especially concerning the agronomic characteristics of height, and stem diameter, while cattle manure provides greater growth of R. sativus plants. KEYWORDS: horticulture, fertilizers, growt.

In-depth study from gluten/PCL-based food packaging films obtained under reactive extrusion conditions using chrome octanoate as a potential food grade catalyst

Single-use food packaging derived from petroleum is causing serious environmental problems, and food hydrocolloids have been suggested as raw materials to replace these non-biodegradable materials. However, food hydrocolloid-based food packaging materials have some challenges that must be overcome to achieve their manufacture on a large scale. Keeping this in view, three thermoplastic gluten (TPG)-based film systems were developed in this study under reactive extrusion (REx) conditions followed by thermo-molding: TPG, TPG/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and TPG/PCL plus chrome octanoate as a potential food grade catalyst (TPG/PCL + Cat). An in-depth analysis in terms of the structural, thermal, crystalline, physicochemical, microstructural, rheological, mechanical and environmental properties was carried out here. The films prepared from the TPG/PCL blend showed a clear phase separation: a TPG-rich phase (hard section) and another PCL-rich phase (soft section). Despite this, mechanical compatibility was observed in these systems. In addition, TPG/PCL and TPG/PCL + Cat films were recommended as potential shape memory food packaging materials. In particular, the addition of the Cat caused the crosslinking of the TPG and PCL chains via Schiff’s base reactions, resulting in a more hydrophobic material, which showed to be kinetically less biodegradable than the other developed film systems. It should be noted, however, that all the materials were biodegradable after 90 days under vegetable compost conditions, as well as none of them proved to be ecotoxic. All the materials manufactured in this study can thus be well named as compostable materials.

Corn biomass, uptake and fractionation of soil phosphorus in five soils amended with organic wastes as P fertilizers

Sustainable food production includes mitigating environmental pollution and avoiding unnecessary use of non-renewable mineral phosphate resources. Efficient phosphorus (P) utilization from organic wastes is crucial for alternative P sources to be adopted as fertilizers. There must be predictable plant responses in terms of P uptake and plant growth. An 18-week pot experiment was conducted to assess corn (Zea mays L.) plant growth, P uptake, soil test P and P fractionation in response to application of organic P fertilizer versus inorganic P fertilizer in five soils. Fertilizers were applied at a single P rate using: mono-ammonium phosphate, anaerobically digested dairy manure, composted chicken manure, vegetable compost and a no-P control. Five soils used varied in soil texture and pH. Corn biomass and tissue P concentrations were different among P fertilizers in two soils (Warden and Quincy), with greater shoot biomass for composted chicken manure and higher tissue P concentration for MAP. Plant dry biomass ranged from highest to lowest with fertilizer treatment as follows: composted chicken manure > AD dairy = MAP = no-P control = vegetable compost. Soil test P was higher in soils with any P fertilizer treatment versus the no-P control. The loosely bound and soluble P (2.7 mg P kg−1) accounted for the smallest pool of inorganic P fractions, followed by iron bound P (13.7 mg P kg−1), aluminum bound P (43.4 mg P kg−1) and reductant soluble P (67.9 mg P kg−1) while calcium bound P (584.6 mg P kg−1) represented the largest pool of inorganic P.