Search

Diatomite has recently been the subject of intensive scientific research aimed at its extensive use in industry, breeding and agriculture. The only active diatomite mine is in Jawornik Ruski, in the Podkarpacie region of Poland. Chemical pollution in the environment, including that from heavy metals, poses a threat to living organisms. Reducing the mobility of heavy metals in the environment through the use of diatomite (DT) has recently gained much interest. More effective immobilisation of heavy metals in the environment with DT, mainly through the modification of its physical and chemical properties by various methods, should be applied. The aim of this research was to develop a simple and inexpensive material showing more favourable chemical and physical properties compared with unenriched DT in terms of metal immobilisation. Diatomite (DT), after calcination, was used in the study, considering three grain fractions, i.e., 0–1 mm (DT1); 0–0.5 mm (DT2) and 5–100 µm (DT3). Biochar (BC), dolomite (DL) and bentonite (BN) were used as additives. The proportion of DTs in the mixtures amounted to 75%, and of the additive, 25%. The use of unenriched DTs after calcination poses the risk of releasing heavy metals into the environment. Enrichment of the DTs with BC and DL resulted in a reduction or absence of Cd, Zn, Pb and Ni in aqueous extracts. It was found that for the specific surface area values obtained, the additive used for the DTs was of crucial importance. The reduction in DT toxicity has been proven under the influence of various additives. The mixtures of the DTs with DL and BN had the least toxicity. The obtained results have economic importance, as the production of the best quality sorbents from locally available raw materials reduces transport costs and thus the environmental impact. In addition, the production of highly efficient sorbents reduces the consumption of critical raw materials. It is estimated that the savings from producing sorbents with the parameters described in the article can be significant in comparison with popular competitive materials of other origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of functionalized materials (biochar, zeolite, and diatomite) and lyophilized metabolic products of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus subtilis to composted biomass may bring many technological and environmental benefits. In this study, we verify the effects of biochar, zeolite Na-P1 (Na6Si10Al6O32·12 H2O), diatomite (SiO2_nH2O), and bacterial metabolites on the composting of biomass prepared from poultry litter, corn straw, grass, leonardite, and brown coal. The experimental design included the following treatments: C—biomass without the addition of functionalized materials and bacterial metabolites, CB—biomass with the addition of biochar, CBM—biomass with the addition of biochar and bacterial metabolites, CZ—biomass with the addition of zeolite, CZM—biomass with the addition of zeolite and bacterial metabolites, CD—biomass with the addition of diatomite, and CDM—biomass with the addition of diatomite and bacterial metabolites. Composts were analyzed for enzymatic and respiratory activities, mobility of heavy metals, and the presence of parasites. The results of this study revealed that, among the analyzed functionalized materials, the addition of diatomite to the composted biomass (CD and CDM) resulted in the most effective immobilization of Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu. Zinc immobilization factors (IFHM) for diatomite-amended composts averaged 30%. For copper, each functionalized material was found to enhance mobilization of the element in bioavailable forms; similar observations were made for lead, except for the compost to which biochar and bacterial metabolites were added (CBM). The determined values of biochemical indicators proved the different effects of the applied functionalized materials and bacterial metabolites on the microbial communities colonizing individual composts. The dehydrogenase activity (DhA) was lower in all combinations as compared with the control, indicating an intensification of the rate of processes in the studied composts. The highest basal respiration (BR) and substrate-induced respiration (SIR) activities were determined in composts with the addition of bacterial metabolites (CBM, CZM, and CDM). The addition of functionalized materials completely inactivated Eimeria sp. in all combinations. In the case of Capillaria sp., complete inactivation was recorded for the combination with zeolite as well as biochar and diatomite without bacterial metabolites (CB, CZ, and CD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar and zeolite are widely used in the remediation of soil contaminated with toxic heavy metals. However, the interaction of these amendments and their effects on grass productivity have not been comprehensively summarized. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects of zeolite and biochar used as soil amendments in the process of remediating soil contaminated with Cd, Pb and Zn. In a pot experiment, the following treatments were applied: zeolite, biochars produced at temperatures of 350 °C and 550 °C, mixtures of biochars and zeolite, and a control treatment without any amendments. The soil amendments were tested on two grass species: tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). The root morphometric parameters and aboveground production were determined in 2017 and 2018. Higher biomass production was observed in the tested grasses in the treatments with zeolite alone (0.229 kg DM m−2) or mixed with the biochars (0.239 kg DM m−2) than in control treatment (0.029 kg DM m−2). Zeolite used in contaminated soil significantly affected root biomass and root morphology parameters. Zeolite application resulted in significantly higher root biomass (2.30 mg cm−3) and root length (76.61 cm cm−3) than those in the treatments without zeolite (0.29 mg cm−3 and 6.90 cm cm−3). Biochar as a soil amendment did not affect most root morphometric parameters. The application of biochars only slightly reduced the root diameter of cocksfoot. The root diameter of tall fescue was similar in all treatments (0.075 mm) except the control (0.063 mm) and biochar 550 treatments (0.067 mm), in which slightly thinner roots were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic and inorganic soil amendments are used to increase crop yields and fertilizer efficiency, as well as to improve the physical and biological properties of soil, increase carbon sequestration, and restore contaminated and saline soils. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of various zeolite composites mixed with either lignite or leonardite on the biomass production of spring wheat and rapeseed and their root morphology. A pot experiment involved the application of the following treatments: zeolite-carbon, zeolite-vermiculite composites, both mixed with lignite or leonardite, and a control treatment with no amendments. Inorganic composites were applied in a dose of 3% and 6%. The study also included an analysis of the root morphometric parameters and aboveground biomass of spring wheat and rapeseed. The lowest productivity was observed when both crops were not enriched with fertilizers or other amendments, 24.92 g per pot and 29.83 g per pot for spring wheat and rapeseed, respectively. The application of mineral fertilizers in combination with zeolite-carbon composite gave the highest aboveground biomass of spring wheat, 110.11 g per pot. Both zeolite-carbon and zeolite-vermiculite composites modified the morphological parameters of roots, with the control treatment showing the lowest root length and dry matter. Although mineral fertilization was found to have a positive impact root development in relation to untreated control, the treatment amended with zeolite-carbon composite and leonardite exhibited the highest root length and biomass of spring wheat. No other soil amendments improved the properties of rapeseed roots. [Display omitted] • Organic/inorganic composites were applied in spring wheat and rapeseed. • The lowest yield were obtained for Control. • Highest productivity was for mineral fertilization with zeolite-carbon composite. • Zeolite-carbon and zeolite-vermiculite increased root length and biomass. • The highest root length was for zeolite-carbon with leonardite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganisms play a key role in many biochemical processes essential for the environment and for the ecological and production functions of soils, hence they are very important quality indicators. The study aimed at evaluating the effect of 1 and 2% additions of wheat and miscanthus straw biochars on soil enzymatic activity (dehydrogenases, urease, phosphatases) and the number of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, actinobacteria). Pot experiments were carried out on soil with a loamy sand texture. The geometric mean of enzyme activities, biological index of fertility, and the integrated total enzyme activity index were used to explore the relationships between soil enzyme activities and the microbiological and chemical properties of soil. The addition of 1% miscanthus straw biochar had the most beneficial effect on the number of bacteria and fungi (increase by 380 and 26%, respectively), and 1% wheat straw biochar on the number of actinomycetes (increase by 273%). The correlation analysis between the number of actinomycetes and the chemical parameters of the soil showed the significant effect of the content of Ntotal (r = 0.76) and Ctotal (r = 0.85). The values of biological index of fertility, total enzyme activity index and geometric mean of enzyme activities indexes showed that the best quality of soil was produced by a 2% addition of wheat straw biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilisation has the greatest impact on soil properties, and they in turn decide on the conversion and availability of fertilising compounds. The aim of the tests was to evaluate the influence of low-temperature (300oC) conversion of pig manure and poultry litter on (i) K, Mg, and P contents in biochars and (ii) reduction of acidification, cation exchange capacity, and availability of K, Mg, and P in sandy soil after their application. The tests were conducted in laboratory conditions using 0.5%, 1%, and 2% addition of pig manure, poultry litter, or biochars. Thermal conversion of pig manure and poultry litter increased the content of total forms of K, Mg, and P in biochars and did not significantly increase the content of these elements extracted by water. The introduction of organic materials into the soil, in particular biochar, caused significant reduction in soil acidification and an increase in cation exchange capacity. The contents of available potassium and magnesium increased together with the increase in dose of pig manure-derived and poultry litter-derived biochars. No available forms of phosphorus were found in the soil into which lower (0.5% and 1%) doses of biochar were introduced. Only the highest (2%) dose of biochars and poultry litter caused the release of available P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the indisputable significance of humus in many biochemical processes as well as its increasing deficit particularly in light soils, alternative sources of substrates for the reproduction of this constituent should be sought. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of wheat straw and wheat straw biochar (in four rates) on quantitative and qualitative humus parameters. The following properties were determined in soil: pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, humic and fulvic acids, carbon in the extract, non-hydrolysing carbon and spectrophotometric indexes for solution of humic acids including A2/6, A2/4, A4/6. After applying 1% and 2% additions of biochar to the soil, the Corg soil content significantly increased compared to the same doses of thermally unconverted straw. After 254 days of incubation, the addition of biochar to soil at higher doses, decreased the share of humic acid carbon (CHA, CFA) in the Corg content compared to treatments without organic additions and WS treatment. The nonhydrolysing carbon soil content was significantly increased by treatments with 1% and 2% additions of WSB, which indicates greater stabilisation of humus compounds and, at the same time, lower CO2 emission. Soil humic acids amended by treatment with biochar, especially at 1% and 2% doses, were characterised by lower A2/6 and A2/4 ratios. Recognition of changes that may occur in the quantitative and qualitative composition of soil humus after the application of biochar may in the future be helpful information for determining appropriate biochar dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of poultry litter biochar application on soil quality and yield of pasture grass mixture. A micro-plot field experiment was established on an Eutric Cambisol (CM-eu) with five treatments: 1) soil without fertilisation (control), 2) mineral fertilisation (NPK), 3) NPK + poultry litter at a rate of 5 t ha-1 DM (PL), 4) NPK + poultry litter biochar at a rate of 2.25 t ha-1 DM (PLBI) and 5) NPK + poultry litter biochar at a rate of 5 t ha-1 DM (PLBII). Given the need to create comparable conditions, the following rates of mineral fertilisers were used in the experiment: 100 kg ha-1 N, 40 kg ha-1 P and 120 kg ha-1 K. In 2014-2016, soil samples were analysed for changes in biological and chemical properties. Annual biomass production of pasture grass mixture was determined at three harvests per year. To characterize the biological soil properties, the soil enzymatic (dehydrogenases and urease) activity was determined. The results indicated that PLBI and PLBII reduced the contents of available forms of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). Significant increase in dehydrogenases activity was observed in the soil with both rates of poultry litter biochar introduced. Coapplication of PLBI or PLBII with mineral fertilisers also increased the total production of biomass of pasture grass mixture compared to the NPK treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar used in this study was prepared from wheat straw and enriched with 10% solutions of chemically pure salts: ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 7H2O). The aim of this study was to determine the growth response of Perennial ryegrass L. as well as identify changes in chemical and biological properties of sandy soil after the application of biochar. A significant increase in the amount of Perennial ryegrass L. biomass was determined after amending the soil with unenriched biochar and biochar enriched with (NH4)2SO4. The highest immobilization of available forms of Mg was observed for biochar enriched with (NH4)2SO4. The highest dehydrogenase activity was determined in the soil with biochar enriched with MgSO4 7H2O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Production of biochar from sewage sludge may be a promising solution for sewage sludge management and improvement of soil properties, including carbon dioxide sequestration. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of biochars derived from different sewage sludges on soil physicochemical and biological properties, ecotoxicity, and plant yield. Three biochars (produced at a temperature of 300 °C) were applied into sandy acid soil in doses of 0.5, 1, and 2% (w/w). Depending on the type and dose, the application of sewage sludge biochars into the soil caused diverse effects on the parameters of soil biological activity (microbial biomass [Cmic], soil respiration, and value of metabolic quotient). No correlation between the applied dose of biochars and inhibition of Vibrio fischeri luminescence was observed. The factor with a stronger impact on the activity of V. fischeri was the type of biochar. The use of the OSTRACODTOXKIT F test (MicroBioTests) showed that the addition of sewage sludge biochar (regardless of its dose) reduced the soil toxicity to Heterocypris incongruens compared with the control soil. A significant increase of Poa pratensis L. biomass was obtained in soils with 1 and 2% additions of each of the biochars. The addition of biochars in doses of 1 and 2% to the soil had greater effect on the content of mobile forms of Cu, Pb, and Cd than the 0.5% dose compared with the control. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1197–1207. © 2017 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variety of technological conditions and raw materials from which biochar is produced is the reason why its soil application may have different effects on soil properties and plant growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of wheat straw and Miscanthus giganteus straw (5 t DM ha-1) and biochar obtained from this materials in doses of 2.25 and 5 t DM ha-1 on soil enzymatic activity, soil ecotoxicity, and plant yield (perennial grass mixture with red clover). The research was carried out under field conditions on soil with the granulometric composition of loamy sand. No significant effect of biochar amendment on soil enzymatic activity was observed. The biochar-amended soil was toxic to Vibrio fischeri and exhibited low toxicity to Heterocypris incongruens. Application of wheat straw biochar and M. giganteus straw biochar in a dose of 5 DM ha-1 contributed to an increase in plant biomass production by 2 and 14%, respectively, compared to the soil with mineral fertilisation. Biochars had a more adverse effect on soil enzymatic activity and soil ecotoxicity to H. incongruens and V. fischeri than non-converted wheat straw and M. giganteus straw, but significantly increased the grass crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of thermal conversion temperature and plant material additionto sewage sludge on the PAHs content and the activity of selected γ-radionuclides in biochars, and to conductan ecotoxicological assessment. The pyrolysis of the mixtures of sewage sludge and plant materials at 300°C andsuch temperature caused an increase in the contents of 2- and 3-ring hydrocarbons. During the pyrolysis of organicmaterials at 600°C, the amount of the following compounds was reduced in biochars: benzo[b]fl uoranthene,benzo[k]fl uoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3c,d]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, and benzo[g,h,i]perylene.Among γ-radioisotopes of the elements, natural radiogenic isotopes were dominant. 137Cs was the only artifi cialradioactive isotope. The pyrolysis of the mixtures of municipal sewage sludge and plant materials revealed thatisotope 40K had the highest radioactive activity. In the case of other analysed nuclides, activities of 212Pb, 214Pb,214Bi, and 137Cs were determined after the sample pyrolysis. The extracts from the mixtures of sewage sludge andplant materials were non-toxic to Vibrio fi scheri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By-products of animal breeding and raising can contain considerable amounts of trace elements, including Mn and Fe, due to the fact that their amounts in fodders are purposefully being increased. Thermal conversion of pig manure and poultry litter may have a significant effect on changes in the content and mobility of Mn and Fe in these materials. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of thermal conversion of pig manure and poultry litter on the content and mobility of Mn and Fe in biochars and in soil after their application (0.5%, 1%, and 2% amendments to the soil). As a result of thermal conversion of pig manure and poultry litter, an increase in the content of total forms and a reduction of Mn and Fe forms extracted with water were recorded. The 2% amendment of pig manure biochar to soil caused an increase in the content of mobile forms of Fe, whereas poultry litter biochar decreased mobility of this element. Introduction of pig manure biochar and poultry litter biochar to the soil caused a similar immobilization of mobile forms of Mn as in the case of application of thermally unprocessed manure and litter. It has been shown that the content of Fe and Mn extracted with 0.025 M C10H22N4O8 was higher than the content of these elements extracted with 1 M NH4NO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted this research in order to evaluate the effect of adding foils produced from polyethylene and maize starch on the quality of composts by means of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of humic compounds. Plant waste to which an 8% addition of foil was introduced (three foils with a different share of polyethylene and maize starch were examined) was the subject of the research. Five variants of compost were subjected to analysis: C1 -- biomass without the addition of foil (control), C2 -- biomass + foil 1, C3 -- biomass + foil 2, C4 -- biomass + foil 3, and C5 -- biomass + foil 3 + microbiological inoculum. Composts that contained foil but not the inoculum were characterized by a higher total carbon content than the control compost; the addition of inoculum caused a decrease in total carbon content. The compost did not differ significantly in the humic acid carbon content, but a diversity in the fulvic acid carbon content was found. The ratio of humic acid to fulvic acid carbon content was most favorable in the (C2) compost. The addition of foil led to a slowdown of biomass humification. Composts with the addition of foil contained more non-hydrolyzing carbon than the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the process of low-temperature transformation and the addition of plant material to sewage sludge diversifying the content of mobile forms of heavy metals and their ecotoxicity. The experimental design included: sewage sludge + rape straw, sewage sludge + wheat straw, sewage sludge + sawdust, sewage sludge + bark and sewage sludge with no addition. The mixtures were subjected to thermal transformation in a chamber furnace, under conditions without air. The procedure consisted of two stages: the first stage (130 °C for 40 min) focused on drying the material, whereas in the second stage (200 °C for 30 min) proper thermal transformation of materials took place. Thermal transformation of the materials, caused an increase in total contents of heavy metals in comparison to the material before transformation. From among elements, the cadmium content changed the most in materials after thermal transformation. As a result of thermal transformation, the content of water soluble form of the heavy metals decreased significantly in all the prepared mixtures. Low toxicity of the extracts from materials for Vibrio fischeri and Lepidium sativum was found in the research, regardless of transformation process. L. sativum showed higher sensitivity to heavy metals occurring in the studied extracts from materials than V. fischeri , evidence of which are the positive significant correlations between the content of metals and the inhibition of root growth of L. sativum . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tractor traffic leads to soil structure degradation which in turn results in unfavorable changes in the physical properties of soil. The lower porosity of soil and its air permeability impacts on the biological and chemical properties, including the availability of macro and micronutrients. Additional N input in soil supplies substrates in biological processes in soil. Thus, it could be expected that the combined effects of compaction and N fertilization are reflected in the chemical quality of the soil. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of multiple tractor passes and mineral N fertilization on the physical and chemical properties of soil under red clover/grass mixture. This study was conducted in a split-plot design, with fertilization as a main plot and compaction as a subplot. The N treatments used were: untreated control (N0), 80kgNha−1 (N80) and 160kgNha−1 (N160). Four compaction treatments were applied using the following number of tractor passes: untreated control (P0), two passes (P2), four passes (P4) and six passes (P6). The soil samples were collected on April 2010 and after the third harvest in October 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the physical parameters and chemical analysis were determined. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that tractor traffic leads to unfavorable changes in soil physical parameters. The more intensive the wheeling applied, the higher the value of BD and PR recorded and the lower the value of TP. The maximum values of these parameters (BD of 1.67gcm−3, PR of 2.16MPa and TP of 0.37cm3 cm−3 for the P6 treatment), obtained for strongly compacted treatments (P6), exceeded the critical values for root growth. In the presented study, soil compaction decreased the pH value which also caused an increase in the Zn content in the soil. The nitrogen fertilization applied significantly increased the mineral N content in the soil and lead to a depletion in P and K contents. A significant correlation was observed between N fertilization and pH. Higher N rates resulted in lower pH in the soil, with the lowest value of 6.02 recorded for the N160 treatment. The changes in soil reaction led to enhancement of the content of some microelements, namely Mn and Zn in proportion to the N fertilization rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used in turfgrass management. This study aimed to find the influence of different rates of PGRs on Kentucky bluegrass visual quality. Six PGRs were applied, Trinexapac Ethyl, Paclobutrazol, Flurprimidol, Mefluidide, Ethephon, and Gibberellic Acid. The measurement of the leaf color was performed using a spectrophotometer. The turfgrass visual quality was judged using a visual rating system. Trinexapac Ethyl and Flurprimidol applications improved the overall appearance of turfgrass. Paclobutrazol and Gibberellic Acid decreased the overall appearance of investigated Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. The leaf texture assessment was only improved by Gibberellic Acid. The color assessment was enhanced with Paclobutrazol but deteriorated with Gibberellic Acid. PGRs affected the wavelength in a range of 520 to 630 nm. Gibberellic Acid caused lighter leaves with higher green and yellow hues. Paclobutrazol caused darker leaves with a lower green and a reddish hue. Trinexapac Ethyl application resulted in a more reddish hue. PGR rates also affected the visual quality of Kentucky bluegrass turfgrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As natural plant growth stimulators, amino acids are widely used to improve crop yield and quality. There are numerous studies documenting the influence of amino acids on plants, which is not always positive. This study was conducted to determine the effect of soil-applied L-tryptophan (L-TRP) on the accumulation and utilization of nitrogen and sulfur by maize. The study was carried out under the conditions of a pot experiment. The experimental design included three treatments: soil without fertilization (control), soil with mineral fertilization (NPKS), and soil with mineral fertilization and L-tryptophan addition (NPKS + L-TRP). The application of tryptophan to the soil, supported by mineral fertilization, caused a significant increase in maize biomass. Although no significant differences in nitrogen and sulfur contents in maize biomass were found between treatments without and with the addition of L-tryptophan, significantly higher intakes of both elements were observed in the NPKS + L-TRP treatment. The application of L-tryptophan increased the biosynthesis of Chlorophyll a. Utilization of nitrogen and sulfur by maize in the NPKS + L-TRP treatment was more than 27% and 17% higher, respectively, compared to the NPKS treatment. Maintaining the recommended contents of individual nutrients in the rhizosphere is not a guarantee of optimal quantitative and qualitative intake of nutrients. Problems with maintaining optimal relationships between individual nutrients may be compounded by soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of soil compaction on the chemical properties of soil and herbage yield of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.). A field experiment was conducted on a silty loam Mollic Fluvisols soil in 2003-07. Four compaction treatments were applied three times annually by tractor using the following number of passes: control without experimental traffic, two passes, four passes, and six passes. This study confirmed the unfavorable effect of multiple tractor passes on lucerne dry matter production. The results showed that tractor traffic reduced the yields of lucerne, particularly during the second and third harvests in each year. Soil compaction caused by tractors changed some chemical properties of soil. Tractor passes resulted in increasing pH and EC. It also increased P and Zn content. Most of these changes were statistically significant only in the deeper 20-30 cm soil layer. This effect could be ascribed to higher soil density and lower air permeability. The upper (0-20 cm) soil layer was resistant to changes in chemical properties, probably due to the dense root system that recovers the soil after compaction and improves physical properties. The decrease in lucerne production probably was the result of mechanical damages to roots and above-ground parts of plants rather than problems in nutrient uptake. We can conclude that chemical properties, particularly N content, are not significantly important factors in reduction of lucerne production exposed to tractor traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our investigations aimed at determining the content of manganese in spring wheat biomass, soil, and soil effluents after fertilization with municipal sewage sludge and compost of municipal wastes. The investigations were conducted for three years as a pot experiment on soil material with granulometric composition of medium silt loam. The sewage sludge was stabilized and originated from a municipal mechanical-biological treatment plant. It was manufactured of plant and other biodegradable wastes using MUT-Kyberferm technology. During the three-year period of the experiment, on non-limed and limed soil only fertilization with municipal sewage sludge produced a better effect, apparent as the amount of wheat grain biomass, in comparison with mineral salt treatment, farmyard manure and composts of plant wastes. Fertilization with farm- yard manure, sewage sludge and compost did not modify significantly manganese concentrations in wheat grain, straw, and roots. Soil liming had a better effect on manganese content in wheat. The content of mobile manganese forms was significantly higher in the non-limed soil, irrespective of the applied fertilization. In both experimental series (0 Ca and + Ca) the greatest number of mobile manganese forms was found in the soil of the mineral treatment. Among the treatments where fertilizers were used, the biggest amounts of manganese in the soil effluents (from both experimental series), were assessed after the application of compost from plant wastes. Liming had a crucial influence on diminishing manganese concentration in water draining away from soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PGRs changed plant growth dynamics. • Trinexapac-ethyl, paclobutrazol, flurprimidol, mefluidide and ethephon reduced plant growth. • Gibberellic acid resulted in higher plant growth. • PGRs resulted in reduced mechanical strength parameters. • Mechanical traits depends on rate of paclobutrazol, flurprimidol and gibberellic acid. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used on sport turfgrass to reduce mowing frequency and inhibit seedhead formation. However, PGRs may also affect turf colour, density and wear tolerance. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of plant growth regulators on the mechanical properties of leaves of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). A pot trial was conducted in three seasons in 2016-2018. Three cultivars were tested, 'Barlicum', 'Vulcanus', and 'Info'. Six different PGRs, trinexapac-ethyl, paclobutrazol, flurprimidol, mefluidide, ethephon and gibberellic acid, were applied at five different rates. An untreated control turfgrass was also tested for each cultivar. The turfgrass height was measured using a falling plate metre. The biomechanical parameters, i.e., strain-at-break, stress-at-break, modulus of elasticity and work-to-break, were determined using a tensile testing machine. All tested PGRs significantly changed plant growth dynamics. Trinexapac-ethyl, paclobutrazol, flurprimidol, mefluidide and ethephon application reduced plant growth. Gibberellic acid resulted in higher plant growth. This effect was usually observed at 7, 14 and 21 days after PGR application. Perennial ryegrass leaves under tensile stress exhibited a characteristic behaviour with a nearly linear initial period followed by a decrease in the stress rate under a constant strain rate. All PGRs resulted in reduced mechanical strength parameters, namely, stress-at-break and modulus of elasticity. Gibberellic acid also resulted in lower strain-at-break. The work-to-break parameter was affected by all PGRs except ethephon. The PGRs application rate significantly affected certain mechanical parameters only when paclobutrazol, flurprimidol and gibberellic acid were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal biomass transformation products are considered to be one of the best materials for improving soil properties. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of charcoal after cavitation on the chemical and biochemical properties of soil. The study was carried out with a 10% aqueous charcoal mixture that was introduced into loamy sand and clay at rates of 1.76%, 3.5%, 7.0%, and 14.0%. The effect of the application of cavitated charcoal was tested on Sorghum saccharatum (L.). Soil and plant material was collected to determine chemical and biochemical properties. The application of cavitated charcoal reduced the acidification of both soils. The highest rate (14.0%) of cavitated charcoal increased the content of soil total carbon (CTot) by 197% in the loamy sand compared to CTot in the control treatments, 19% for clay soil, respectively. The application of cavitated charcoal did not significantly change the total content of heavy metals. Regardless of the element and the soil used, the application of cavitated charcoal reduced the content of the CaCl2-extracted forms of heavy metals. Following the application of cavitated charcoal, the loamy sand soil presented an even lower content of the most mobile forms of the studied elements. It should also be noted that regardless of the soil texture, mobile forms of the elements decreased with the increased cavitated charcoal rate. The results of dehydrogenase and urease activity indicated the low metabolic activity of the microbial population in the soils, especially with the relatively high rates (7.0% and 14.0%) of cavitated charcoal. However, the cavitated charcoal used in the study showed a significant, positive effect on the amount of biomass S. saccharatum (L.), and its application significantly reduced the heavy metal content in the biomass of S. saccharatum (L.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of straw and biochar amendment on the root system morphology and aboveground biomass of a red clover/grass mixture (Lolium. perenne L., Phleum pratense L., Festuca pratensis Huds., F. arundinacea Schreb., L. multiflorum L., L. westerwoldicum Breakw., Trifolium pratense L.). A grassland experiment was conducted from 2014 to 2018. Straw was collected from miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and biochar was produced from the biomass of those species. The following treatments were applied: wheat straw at a rate of 5 t ha−1 (WS), miscanthus straw at a rate of 5 t ha−1 (MS), wheat biochar at a rate of 5 t ha−1 (WBH), wheat biochar at a rate of 2.25 t ha−1 (WBL), miscanthus biochar at a rate of 5 t ha−1 (MBH), and miscanthus biochar at a rate of 2.25 t ha−1 (MBL). A treatment with mineral fertilizer but without organic amendments (MCTR) was used, and a control treatment (CTR) without mineral fertilizer and without any amendments was also tested. The botanical composition and the aboveground yields were determined. The roots were sampled in 2018, and the root morphology parameters were determined using an image analysis system. The applied soil amendments resulted in increased root lengths, surface areas, volumes, and mean root diameters. There were no differences between the treatments with different feedstock types (miscanthus vs. wheat), materials (straw vs. biochar), or amendment rates (5 vs. 2.25 t ha−1). The resulting root system characteristics were reflected in the aboveground biomass productivity. The soil amendments, i.e., the straw and biochar, significantly increased the productivity in comparison to that of the control treatment. However, these differences were noticed only during the first and second cuts. Recommended practice in grassland management is to improve soil with straw. The conversion of straw into biochar does not provide a better effect on grassland productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of straw as a soil amendment is a well-known and recommended agronomy practice, but it can lead to negative effects on the soil and crop yield. It has been hypothesized that many problems related to the burying of straw can be overcome by pyrolyzing it. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of straw and its biochar on the biomass production of perennial ryegrass. A pot-based experiment was conducted with three factors: (i) the crop species used as feedstock, (ii) raw or pyrolyzed organic material, and (iii) the rate of organic amendments. The soil in the pots was amended with straw and biochar produced from Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) or winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). After soil amendment application, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) seeds were sown. During two years of the experiment, the perennial ryegrass above-ground biomass production and root biomass and morphology parameters were determined. Straw and biochar resulted in higher perennial ryegrass above-ground biomass compared with that of the non-fertilized control. However, straw amendment resulted in lower plant yields of above-ground biomass than those of the biochar treatments or the mineral fertilizer control treatment. The feedstock type (Miscanthus or wheat) significantly affected the perennial ryegrass yield. No difference was observed among wheat and Miscanthus biochar, while among straws, Miscanthus resulted in lower perennial ryegrass productivity (the higher rate of straw and biochar as soil amendments resulted in relatively high perennial ryegrass productivity). The organic amendments resulted in relatively high root biomass and length. The root:shoot ratio was lower in the treatments in which biochar was used, whereas feedstock species and amendment rate were not statistically significant for any of the root biomass and morphometric parameters. The results suggest that the use of pyrolyzed straw can be a reliable strategy instead of straw, increasing ryegrass growth and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compost extracts with the addition of polymers obtained from thermoplastic corn starch and polyethylene are novel organic amendments, which can be typically applied to suppress soil-borne diseases. Considering the diversity of biologically active substances, including those growth-promoting and stabilizing various pathogens contained in extracts, composts have a large potential to successfully replace the massively used pesticides. The effect of various concentrations of water compost extracts with the addition of polymers obtained from thermoplastic corn starch and polyethylene on the linear growth, biomass, and sporulation of the following polyphagous fungi was assessed under in situ and in vitro conditions: Fusarium culmorum (W.G. Smith), Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler. The studies revealed that the fungistatic activity was determined by the kind and concentration of compost extract added to the medium, as well as by the fungus kind. The analyzed compost extracts blocked the linear growth of the tested fungi on average by 22%, biomass increment by 51%, and sporulation by 57%. F . culmorum and S . sclerotiorum proved to be the most sensitive to the tested compost extracts. It was found that the extract from compost with the addition of polymer with the highest share of polyethylene blocked the sporulation of F . culmorum by 87% and F . graminearum by 92%. In turn, composts with the addition of polymers with the highest share of a biocomponent weakened the fungistatic activity of composts. The authors demonstrated that the addition of microbiological inoculum to one of the composts enhanced the fungistatic activity with respect to S . sclerotiorum , F . graminearum , and F . culmorum . The obtained results can be used to better understand the growth-promoting and suppression effects of compost extracts with polymer addition, help to enhance crop production, and constitute a paradigm shift towards the development of the next generation of compost with applications in a range of new fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zeolites increased soil water retention. • Zeolites generally have a positive effect on the growth and yield of plants. • Zeolites can be an additive to fertilizers with a slow release of nutrients. Zeolites are porous aluminosilicates with a crystalline structure that contain a system of interconnected chambers and channels. The geometrical parameters of zeolites are one of the most important characteristics responsible for their adsorption capacity. As a result, zeolites can not only serve as a sorbent for pollutants in the environment, but also as a reservoir of water and nutrients for plants (anions and cations). Due to their unique properties, zeolites have become more and more popular in recent years and find practical application in many branches of the economy. The study results to date prove that zeolites are safe for the environment and living organisms, and their multidirectional use in agriculture results primarily from their high porosity, sorption-ion-exchange capacity and well-developed specific surface area. A direct application of zeolites to soil not only has a beneficial effect on the soil sorption capacity, but also reduces soil acidification and increases the efficiency of nutrient use. Better utilisation of nutrients from fertilisers gives higher yields and reduces nutrient dispersion in the environment. Another advantage of zeolites is that they can be obtained by synthesis from various waste materials (e.g. ashes), making their production cost relatively low. This meets the principles of sustainable development and is part of the closed-loop economy and the retardation of environmental resources. Given that zeolites are the subject of many researches, the present study was prepared as a review of the current possibilities of using these materials in agriculture, mainly for the production of fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of PGRs was in the wavelength range from 540 to 650 nm. • Gibberellic Acid resulted in lighter leaves with higher yellow hue. • Paclobutrazol and Trinexapac Ethyl had a beneficial influence on colour and turf quality. • Flurprimidol and Mefluidide did not change turfgrass colour and quality. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used on turfgrass to slow vertical growth and reduce mowing intensity. However, turfgrasses sometimes exhibit some leaf discolouration after PGR applications. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different rates of PGRs on turfgrass quality with a special focus on colour characteristics. Three cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were used in an experiment. Six PGRs were used, namely, Trinexapac Ethyl, Paclobutrazol, Flurprimidol, Mefluidide, Ethephon and Gibberellic Acid, at five different rates. A control without the addition of PGRs was also tested simultaneously. The measurement of leaf colour was performed using a portable spectrophotometer and is presented in CIE Lab colour space. The turfgrass quality was assessed by a visual score. The results showed that the turfgrass quality was significantly different regarding the perennial ryegrass cultivar, treated with different PGRs rates. The changes owing to different PGRs rates appeared in the wavelengths ranging from 540 to 650 nm. PGRs application significantly affected L , b and a colour components. Gibberellic Acid application resulted lighter leaves with higher yellow hue and in a lower score of overall appearance and turf colour assessment. Paclobutrazol and Trinexapac Ethyl, had a beneficial influence on colour characteristics and turf quality. Flurprimidol and Melfuidide had no effect on turfgrass colour and quality after PGR treatment. The changes in colour of turf of perennial ryegrass correlated with PGR rates. Higher rates resulted in increased intensity of discolouration. The results of the spectrophotometric analysis of leaf colour corresponded with visual turf colour assessment. However, visually scored turfgrass did not show differences between PGR rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimum fertilizers rate and frequency was investigated. • Fertigation parameters affected nutrients content in leachate. • Fertigation parameters influence on colour and turf quality. • Optimal fertigation parameters were of 60 kg N ha−1 and fertigation interval of 4.4 days. The main aim of turfgrass fertilization is to maintain high turf quality and obtain proper turf colour. Fertigation has been recognized as the best fertilization method for proper turfgrass nutrition and for minimizing nitrogen leaching. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum fertilizer rate and frequency for obtaining high-quality turfgrass and minimizing nutrient losses using a fertigation system. Lysimeter experiment was conducted on perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass mixture in 2016-2018. Three different fertigation rate treatments were applied: 60, 120, and 240 kg N ha−1 (NPK). Fertigation was applied at three intervals: 2, 4 and 8 days between fertigation (DBF). A control treatment with granular fertilizers (CTR) was also applied. The following turfgrass parameters were scored: leaf texture, overall appearance, turf cover and turfgrass colour. Additionally, colour was measured using a spectrophotometer. The colour parameters were expressed using the CIELAB colour system. Leached water samples were taken every two weeks during the vegetation period. The contents of the available forms of selected macro- and microelements (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe) were determined. The fertigation parameters, nutrient rate and interval between fertigation, significantly affected the contents in leachate of most nutrients and metals, except those of N-NH 4 , Na and Zn. Fertigation resulted in significantly lower N-NO 3 losses in comparison with those under CTR. Higher rates of nutrients in fertigation solution resulted in increased N-NO 3 content in leachate. The same effect was observed for P, Mg, K, Ca and Cu. The fertigation interval only affected P losses. The lowest P content in leachate was observed in the 2DBF treatment, and the P content in leachate increased as the intervals increased. The fertigation interval did not affect the leaching of any other nutrient. However, a significant difference in leachate content was observed between the CTR with granular fertilizers and fertigation. This effect was observed for N-NO 3 , K, Ca, Mn and Cu. A significantly higher content of all these nutrients was observed in leachate from the CTR treatment than in that from the fertigation treatments. Fertigation resulted in darker grass leaves in comparison with those under CTR. Higher fertigation rates resulted in darker leaves with higher green hue content than those at lower rates. There were no differences in colour hue in turfgrass fertigated at different time intervals. Turfgrass quality was affected by the fertigation rate and interval. This effect was significant for overall appearance, turf colour and leaf texture, but not for turf cover. The highest mean quality score was obtained at 240NPK, and the lowest was obtained at 60NPK. The optimal fertigation parameters for reduced nutrient losses and high turfgrass quality were calculated to be the 60NPK fertigation level at a fertigation interval of 4.4 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agronomic utilization of compost has some benefits to soil. Compost increase soil nutrients, and soil organic matter content; thus, it has a positive effect on biological, physical, and chemical properties of the soil. During the composting process, different feedstocks such as plant wastes, sewage sludge, and biochar are used. Biochar has great potential to improve the quality of compost. This paper reports the effects of different compost rates and feedstock types of biochar on water retention characteristics of sandy soil in a standard natural turfgrass root zone. Using soil with the texture of loamy sand, a pot experiment was established. The following mixtures of feedstocks were used in this study: compost of maize straw (MS), compost with sewage sludge (MS + SS), and compost of mixture of maize straw, sewage sludge, and biochar (MS + SS + BC). Mixtures of compost additives and soil were prepared at 0.5% (R05), 1% (R1), 2% (R2), and 4% (R4). Compared to untreated soil, the physical properties of the sandy soil were significantly improved with the application of compost. The basic physical parameters of the soil, such as bulk density and total porosity, depended mainly on the rate of the biochar additive. The differential porosity of the soil was affected by both compost rate and feedstock type. For compost with sewage sludge, the highest content of large pores with diameters above 500 μm was observed, and this was achieved with biochar addition. Addition of the compost also significantly increased the volume of pores with diameters below 50 μm compared to the untreated control soil. The water retention properties of the soil were improved with the compost application and were dependent on the rate of compost and the type of feedstock. The lowest value of available water content (AWC) was obtained for soil with maize straw compost. The addition of sewage sludge or biochar during the composting process resulted in an increase in AWC in the soil. The best combination of compost rates and feedstock types is maize compost with both sewage sludge and biochar at a rate of 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a valuable soil amendment and is recognized to have a positive effect on the crop yield, soil quality, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. However, the effect depends on biochar characteristics, doses, and soil properties. This paper reports the study on determination of the effect of different rates of biochar based on their size fractions on water retention characteristic of sand-based rootzone mixture characteristic for natural turfgrass rootzone. The pot experiment was established using a soil with the texture of loamy sand. Mixtures of biochar and soil were prepared in March 2014. Biochar was produced using the straw of two species, namely miscanthus and winter wheat, by pyrolysis process at a temperature of 300 °C for 15 min with limited air access. Then, biochar particles were separated into three size fractions as follows: 0–500 μm, 500–1000 μm, and 1000–2000 μm. The following four biochar rates were used in this experiment: 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. The results indicated that biochar application significantly improved the physical properties of the tested sandy soil. The basic soil physical parameters, such as bulk density and total porosity, were not only dependent on the rate but also on the size of the biochar. Small particles of biochar reduced the volume of soil pores in diameter below 0.5 μm but increased the volume of larger pores with a diameter 0.5–500 μm. Biochar application increased the available water content (AWC), especially when the finest fraction was used (0.064 cm 3 cm − 3 ). Biochar made of miscanthus was characterized by higher AWC (0.056 cm 3 cm − 3 ) than that made of winter wheat (0.050 cm 3 cm − 3 ). In the present study, the soil water repellency was increased by biochar application, but it was still classified as non-repellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The salt concentration of 150mM limits Miscanthus growth. [•] The salt tolerance of Miscanthus depends strongly on the initial FW of rhizomes. [•] The changes FW and DW of roots and leaves most reflect salt response of Miscanthus. [•] High accumulation of K and proline in the leaves decide Miscanthus salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Large compost particles reduced soil water retention (SWR). • Compost from maize straw, sewage sludge and biochar had the best SWR. • Small compost particles increased soil water repellency. • Biochar in compost reduced soil water repellency. Composting is a technique recommended for sewage sludge stabilization. Recently, it has been recognized that sewage sludge co-composted with bulking material and biochar can avoid environmental risk and improve compost quality. The impact of composting process parameters, feedstock type and particle size on soil properties is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different compost particle sizes and the feedstock types on the physical and chemical characteristics of a sandy soil. The following mixtures of feedstocks in the composting process were used in this study: i) maize straw, ii) maize straw with sewage sludge and iii) maize straw, sewage sludge and biochar. Biochar was produced from a willow (Salix viminalis L.). The plant material was pyrolyzed at a temperature of 350 °C for 2 h. Four compost size classes were used: 0–250 μm, 250–500 μm, 500–1000 μm, and 1000–2000 μm. Compost application improved the water retention characteristics of the soil depending on the compost particle size and feedstock type. The lowest value of the available water content was obtained for the soil with maize straw compost. When sewage sludge or biochar was added during the composting process, it resulted in an increase in the soil available water content. The available water content decreased when large compost particles were used. Both experimental factors (feedstock type and particle size) significantly affected the water repellency. It was also observed that with a decrease in the compost particle size, the water repellency rapidly increased. The results for the chemical compositions of compost and feedstocks suggest that small compost particles have a relatively higher content of sewage sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]