Inter J of recycling of organic waste in agriculture (original) (raw)
The year 2022 marks a year of growth for the International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture (IJROWA). The title has received an impressive Scopus CiteScore of 6.0; the title is ranked in the Quartile (Q1) of the Scopus database. Ijrowa has also been selected for inclusion in the Web of Science JCR: Impact Factor: 1.5.
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Fast -Track Publication
The IJROWA is going to publish some REVIEW PAPERS by 30 November
Submitted articles will be immediately peer reviewed and published.
Dead line for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2023
The journal publishes high-quality review paper, in all areas of recycling of organic waste including:
•Solid waste reuse in agriculture
•Waste water reuse in agriculture
•Utilization of organic wastes: composting
•Ways to reduce, reuse and recycle organic waste
•Social and economic impact of reduction, reuse and recycling of organic waste in agriculture
•Methods to raise the public awareness of recycling and reuse of organic waste in agriculture
•Organic waste utilization in animal and poultry nutrition
•Urban food waste composting
•Agricultural crop residues for wastewater treatment
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We welcome professors/researchers to submit proposals for SPECIAL ISSUES in the International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture. Special issue proposals can be submitted throughout the year. If you are interested in publishing a special issue with us, please send us your proposal to IJROWA at jrowa2011@gmail.com.
Address: Address: International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, Islamic Azad University-Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Arghavanie St., Jey Sharghi St., Isfahan, Iran.
P.O. Box 81595-158. Postal code: 39998-81551.
https://oiccpress.com/international-journal-of-recycling-of-organic-waste-in-agriculture/
Publisher: Islamic Azad University- Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch
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Papers by Inter J of recycling of organic waste in agriculture
Purpose: The study presents how to develop and optimize a spectral measurement methodology for mo... more Purpose: The study presents how to develop and optimize a spectral measurement methodology for monitoring the composting process of broiler and hen manure using zeolite. Models were set up to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC, dS m −1), and moisture content (MC, w/w%) from reflectance data using spectral indices to establish a rapid, noninvasive, non-destructive method for the monitoring of the composting process. Method: An open composting experiment was set up, in which a mixture of broiler and hen manure was composted with a zeolite additive (1 w/w%) for 62 days. During the experiment, samples were taken to determine MC, pH, and EC measured from a 10% distilled water extract. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed for the indices to determine the wavelength ranges that could be used to test the material quality of the compost. Results: Spectral index-based monitoring methods were developed. The λ 2115 /λ 1993 index-based estimation model with good performance (RMSE 2.42 m/m%) is suggested to measure the moisture content in composts. The electrical conductivity (RMSE 1.38 dS m −1) and pH (RMSE 0.28 pH) are recommended to monitor with the λ 812 /λ 941 index-based models. Conclusion: Based on the results, identified indices are suitable for determining the physico-chemical parameters of compost, which is of great importance for intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive composting plants, as spectral analyses can replace time-consuming analytical analyses.
Purpose: There is an increasing trend of using sewage sludge co-composting to produce bio-fertili... more Purpose: There is an increasing trend of using sewage sludge co-composting to produce bio-fertilizers for use in agriculture. However, existing studies on the quality of the produced compost came out with contradicting results, which hinder its sustainable utilization. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the quality of sludge based compost for agricultural use. Method: Four treatments, T1 (70% sludge, 15.3% wheat straw and 14.7% cattle manure), T2 (50% sludge, 14.8% wheat straw and 35.2% cattle manure), T3 (30% sludge, 20% wheat straw and 50% cattle manure) and T4 (20% sludge, 14.2% wheat straw and 65.8% cattle manure) having three replications were arranged in a randomized complete design. Matured compost samples, composted for 90 days, were analyzed for nutrient contents, pathogens and heavy metals concentration. Results: The nitrogen content of the produced compost was in the range of 1.74-2.0%, which is higher than the recommended 0.3%. It was significantly higher in the T1 treatment, a 0.24% increase compared to the T4 treatment. However, the phosphorous (202 − 222 ppm) and potassium (1801 − 2357 ppm) contents were classified into the very low category. Both elements were higher in the T4 treatment, a 9.9% and 31% increase, respectively as compared to that of T1. Furthermore, all treatments were free of the major disease causing bacteria and characterized by a very low heavy metal concentration. Conclusion: Overall, municipal sludge co-composting has yielded a bio-fertilizer with both pathogen-free and safe levels of heavy metal concentrations. However, further research is required to enhance the poor phosphorous and potassium contents.
Purpose: It is known that the combination of bioprocesses can contribute to obtaining better resu... more Purpose: It is known that the combination of bioprocesses can contribute to obtaining better results compared to those achieved by applying each process individually. Solid state fermentation of Vitis labrusca grape pomace was carried out using different saprotrophic fungi following a vermicomposting process. Method: A palatability test was performed to evaluate the permanence of Eisenia foetida adults on pomace transformed by fungi. Subsequently, pomace treated with Ulocladium botrytis LPSc 813 was vermicomposted for 90 days to evaluate comparatively the earthworm population dynamics and different physio-chemical and biological parameters with respect to control treatment. Results: The pomace treated with Coriolopsis rigida LPSc 232 and U. botrytis showed a 100% permanence of the earthworms, though only this last fungus was able to modify the acidity of the parent grape pomace (pH 7.66 ± 0.84) without increasing its salinity. The combination of U. botrytis-vermicomposting showed a reduction in the adult and juvenile earthworm number at 60 days and presented a higher germination index compared to the control. Conclusion: Results suggest that grape pomace pretreated with U. botrytis could be an optimal starting substrate for vermicomposting, obtaining an organic fertilizer in a short period.
Purpose: Co-composting of mango by-products and biogas solid residue eliminates some shortcomings... more Purpose: Co-composting of mango by-products and biogas solid residue eliminates some shortcomings of composting
these wastes separately. Specifically, co-composing solves the problem of the low pH values in mango by-products while
enhances biodegradable organic matter of biogas solid residues. However, no research report is available on co-composting
of mango by-products (MB) and biogas solid residue (BR).
Method: This study established three in-vessel lab-scale composting bins with 3 different C/N ratios, including Bin 1:
27.4/1 (156 kg MB + 144 kg BR); Bin 2: 30.23/1 (193 kg MB + 107 kg BR); and Bin 3: 37.7/1 (224 kg MB + 76 kg
BR). The raw compost materials underwent 57 days of incubation, including 36 days of raw incubation and 21 days of
mineralization.
Results: Bin 3 containing larger amounts of mango by-products and less amounts of biogas residue showed a higher
percentage of remaining carbon in the final products (17.97%), lower nitrogen loss (17%), and showed 0.5% increase in
available P2O5 content, compared to the other bins. From 300 kg of initial raw material, the final compost mass in Bin 1,
Bin 2, and Bin 3 were 26.2 kg, 32.7 kg, and 88.1 kg, respectively.
Conclusion: Resultantly, an initial C/N ratio of 37.7/1 could be suggested in the aerobic co-composting of biogas residue
with mango by-products
Purpose: Exploring alternatives to mitigate soil degradation has been gaining importance in recen... more Purpose: Exploring alternatives to mitigate soil degradation has been gaining importance in recent years. Biochar promises to improve properties such as soil fertility and soil conditioning. This research involved an experiment with different levels of biochar in associating it with some chemical properties and the wood yield of A. mangium. Method: We used a design including nine treatments and three repetitions of each treatment, employing two materials: biochar from Acacia mangium W. (BAM) and synthetic fertilizer (SF). We used a Bayesian principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality, and the two extracted dimensions were labeled by treatment to visualize their grouping. We validated the grouping using cluster analysis algorithms. Volume in wood was used as the response, and the same soil variables were used to run a regression by partial least squares where the explanatory variables were characterized by relative importance. Result: We found an increase in the different chemical variables of the soil analyzed in treatments with BAM and BAM + SF and an increase in the volume of the stem of the trees in treatments with BAM + SF. The analysis by partial least squares showed how the EC and SOC variables were the most important in explaining the volume of wood. Conclusion: Responses of the different variables analyzed increased with the addition of biochar, either alone or mixed with synthetic fertilizer. It was also possible to determine that the volume of A. mangium wood was inuenced by soil chemical variables.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vermicompost leachate on the growth and w... more Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vermicompost leachate on the growth and water use of tomatoes in an unequal distribution of salinity in a hydroponic system. Method: Roots of tomato seedlings were separated into approximately two equal parts, each half was grown in a media culture part containing a 3-liter perlite and cocopeat mixture of a separated two-part box. The nutrient solution, irrigation water, and vermicompost leachate were applied for the irrigation of treatments according to the statistical design. Results: The results showed that the treatment in which the nutrient solution was used for one side of root media culture and the leachate with the salinity of 4 dS/m on the other side had an acceptable amount of dry and fresh weight and increased crop per drop. Conclusion: The results showed that the unequal distribution of salinity in the root media culture is an applicable technique for using vermicompost leachate although the success of this system is strongly dependent on the leachate correction.
Purpose: The current study aimed to gure out the types and dosages of bio-composts supplied with... more Purpose: The current study aimed to gure out the types and dosages of bio-composts supplied with cellulose degrading Trichoderma strains for ameliorating soil properties, and the growth and yield of pineapple. Method: The experiment with two factors followed a completely randomized block design, including 20 treatments (4 replications). The rst factor (A) was the types of bio-composts inoculated with different Trichoderma spp., which were (i) the bio-compost supplied with the commercial Trichoderma (the Trichoderma of Can Tho University) as the positive control treatment, and the bio-compost supplied with Trichoderma strains of (ii) TC1 (TC1 bio-compost), (iii) TC2 (TC2 bio-compost), (iv) TC3 (TC3 bio-compost), and (v) TC1, TC2, and TC3 (TC123 bio-compost). The second factor (B) was rates of bio-compost used (t ha −1) as follows: (i) 1, (ii) 2, (iii) 3, and (iv) 4. Results: The application of TC123 bio-compost at 4 t ha −1 contributed to the greatest available N, soluble P, concentrations, and N, P, and K uptake values. The treatments with the TC123 bio-compost correspondingly increased plant height, leaf number, D-leaf length, peduncle height, fruit length, and fruit width by 1.9, 31.8, 16.7, 5.4, 7.8, and 12.1%, in comparison with the treatments with the positive control. The TC123 bio-compost fertilization increased fruit size, resulting in enhanced pineapple yield by 9.80% in comparison with the commercial bio-compost fertilization. Conclusion: The TC123 bio-compost surpassed the commercial one in enhancing the characteristics of pineapples (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr). At 4 t.ha −1 , this bio-compost performed the greatest.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential of actinomycetes in mitigating the environ... more Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential of actinomycetes in mitigating the environmental impact of olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) on plant-soil system. The objectives were to investigate the impacts of varying doses of OMWW on soil microora, and to analyze the enzymatic prole of a selected group of isolated actinomycetes. Method: A physico-chemical characterization of soil parameters and OMWW was conducted. Microbiological analysis of OMWW was carried out to determine the presence of total aerobic mesophilic ora (FMAT), yeasts, and molds. An interaction study between different doses of OMWW and three varieties of mint (Mentha aquatica, Mentha piperita, and Mentha pulegium) was conducted over a 120-day period. Results: Analysis revealed that OMWW contained high levels of organic matter and mineral salts, resulting in elevated chemical oxygen demand and salinity. Application of OMWW at a dose of 5 L/m 2 enhanced soil microora, but this effect diminished beyond this dose, except for actinomycetes, which remained resilient even at 10 L/m 2. Enzymatic prole analysis of isolated actinomycetes indicated that the most competent strains were present in plots irrigated with 5 L/m 2 and 10 L/m 2 of OMWW, in combination with Mentha piperita and Mentha pulegium cultivation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of actinomycetes in addressing to meet the challenges inicted by OMWW. Optimizing OMWW dosage can positively inuence soil microora, where actinomycetes exhibiting remarkable resilience at higher doses. These results contribute to understanding the use of microorganisms for olive oil industry waste management, in order to offer practical solutions to mitigate OMWW environmental impact.
Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustaina... more Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustainable nutrient input for crop Production. Method: Two pot experiments were set up in a controlled environment room to examine biomass yields of ryegrass (Lolium perenne AberMagic), grain yields of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum KWS Cochise), and their micro and macronutrient uptakes, respectively, in an abattoir waste organomineral fertilizer amended soil compared to those treated with inorganic NPK fertilizer.
Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustaina... more Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustainable nutrient input for crop Production. Method: Two pot experiments were set up in a controlled environment room to examine biomass yields of ryegrass (Lolium perenne AberMagic), grain yields of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum KWS Cochise), and their micro and macronutrient uptakes, respectively, in an abattoir waste organomineral fertilizer amended soil compared to those treated with inorganic NPK fertilizer.
Purpose: Vermicomposting of phenolics-rich lignocellulosic materials takes a long time to reach m... more Purpose: Vermicomposting of phenolics-rich lignocellulosic materials takes a long time to reach maturity, while worm mortality and weight loss are often encountered. Phenolic compounds have antimicrobial properties which may affect the vermicomposting process. The present study aims at investigating the effect of the initial total phenolic content (TPC) on coir pith vermicomposting. Method: The earthworm activities and performance during vermicomposting of coir pith and cow manure containing 4.8 (T 0), 6.4 (T 1), 7.2 (T 2), 8.8 (T 3), 10.3 (T 4) and 12.7 (T 5) mg initial TPC g −1 substrate using Eudrilus eugeniae were investigated. Results: Total carbon loss increased as initial TPC increased and only T 0 and T 1 reached maturity. Earthworm mortality and weight loss increased as initial TPC of materials increased in a concentration dependent manner. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that the total numbers of water-soluble phenolics of coir pith and cow manure were, respectively, 17 and 16 out of which 5 and 4 were unique to coir pith and cow manure, respectively. By the end of vermicomposting, almost all of phenolics present in cow manure disappeared while those in coir pith remained intact, albeit, reduced in concentrations. 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected in all treatments. Disappearance of 4.90 and 6.35 minute-peaks was observed with T 0 , T 1 and T 2 whilst a new phenolic (5.30 minute-peak) was detected only in T 1 indicating the better degradation of phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Results indicated a signicant role of initial TPC on earthworm activities during coir pith vermicomposting.
Purpose: In the current study, the effects of compost, natural, and synthetic superabsorbent amen... more Purpose: In the current study, the effects of compost, natural, and synthetic superabsorbent amendments on soil water retention curve (WRC) were assessed by applying RETC software in a laboratory trial. Moreover, the effects of the mentioned materials on vegetation growth indices of four plants in three different soil textures of urban green space were evaluated. Method: Using the randomized complete blocks-based split-plot design, the eld experiment was conducted for a two-year period. The three soil textures were combined with 4 & 6 gr/kg hydrogel, as well as pumice, compost, manure, and perlite at 40 & 60 gr/kg levels. Results: According to WRC ndings, there was more efciency associated with hydrogel in sandy loam and loam soils compared to clay soil. Moreover, increased permanent wilting point water content (θ pwp), saturated water content (θ S), as well as available water (AW) were observed. Statistical analyses indicated a considerable difference in growth indices using perlite+compost in clay soil. Compared with the control soil, a 2.4-time enhancement of AW was observed in loam soil using Pumice+ Hydrogel. A signicant growth indices difference was also found for loam soil using pumice+hydrogel. According to WRC results, the highest treatment rate was attributed to compost+hydrogel in sandy loam soils, which led to a 3.3-time enhancement of AW. Conclusion: Statistical analyses revealed that compost+hydrogel could lead to the best treatment on growth indices in sandy loam textures.
Purpose: The study presents how to develop and optimize a spectral measurement methodology for mo... more Purpose: The study presents how to develop and optimize a spectral measurement methodology for monitoring the composting process of broiler and hen manure using zeolite. Models were set up to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC, dS m −1), and moisture content (MC, w/w%) from reflectance data using spectral indices to establish a rapid, noninvasive, non-destructive method for the monitoring of the composting process. Method: An open composting experiment was set up, in which a mixture of broiler and hen manure was composted with a zeolite additive (1 w/w%) for 62 days. During the experiment, samples were taken to determine MC, pH, and EC measured from a 10% distilled water extract. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed for the indices to determine the wavelength ranges that could be used to test the material quality of the compost. Results: Spectral index-based monitoring methods were developed. The λ 2115 /λ 1993 index-based estimation model with good performance (RMSE 2.42 m/m%) is suggested to measure the moisture content in composts. The electrical conductivity (RMSE 1.38 dS m −1) and pH (RMSE 0.28 pH) are recommended to monitor with the λ 812 /λ 941 index-based models. Conclusion: Based on the results, identified indices are suitable for determining the physico-chemical parameters of compost, which is of great importance for intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive composting plants, as spectral analyses can replace time-consuming analytical analyses.
Purpose: There is an increasing trend of using sewage sludge co-composting to produce bio-fertili... more Purpose: There is an increasing trend of using sewage sludge co-composting to produce bio-fertilizers for use in agriculture. However, existing studies on the quality of the produced compost came out with contradicting results, which hinder its sustainable utilization. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the quality of sludge based compost for agricultural use. Method: Four treatments, T1 (70% sludge, 15.3% wheat straw and 14.7% cattle manure), T2 (50% sludge, 14.8% wheat straw and 35.2% cattle manure), T3 (30% sludge, 20% wheat straw and 50% cattle manure) and T4 (20% sludge, 14.2% wheat straw and 65.8% cattle manure) having three replications were arranged in a randomized complete design. Matured compost samples, composted for 90 days, were analyzed for nutrient contents, pathogens and heavy metals concentration. Results: The nitrogen content of the produced compost was in the range of 1.74-2.0%, which is higher than the recommended 0.3%. It was significantly higher in the T1 treatment, a 0.24% increase compared to the T4 treatment. However, the phosphorous (202 − 222 ppm) and potassium (1801 − 2357 ppm) contents were classified into the very low category. Both elements were higher in the T4 treatment, a 9.9% and 31% increase, respectively as compared to that of T1. Furthermore, all treatments were free of the major disease causing bacteria and characterized by a very low heavy metal concentration. Conclusion: Overall, municipal sludge co-composting has yielded a bio-fertilizer with both pathogen-free and safe levels of heavy metal concentrations. However, further research is required to enhance the poor phosphorous and potassium contents.
Purpose: It is known that the combination of bioprocesses can contribute to obtaining better resu... more Purpose: It is known that the combination of bioprocesses can contribute to obtaining better results compared to those achieved by applying each process individually. Solid state fermentation of Vitis labrusca grape pomace was carried out using different saprotrophic fungi following a vermicomposting process. Method: A palatability test was performed to evaluate the permanence of Eisenia foetida adults on pomace transformed by fungi. Subsequently, pomace treated with Ulocladium botrytis LPSc 813 was vermicomposted for 90 days to evaluate comparatively the earthworm population dynamics and different physio-chemical and biological parameters with respect to control treatment. Results: The pomace treated with Coriolopsis rigida LPSc 232 and U. botrytis showed a 100% permanence of the earthworms, though only this last fungus was able to modify the acidity of the parent grape pomace (pH 7.66 ± 0.84) without increasing its salinity. The combination of U. botrytis-vermicomposting showed a reduction in the adult and juvenile earthworm number at 60 days and presented a higher germination index compared to the control. Conclusion: Results suggest that grape pomace pretreated with U. botrytis could be an optimal starting substrate for vermicomposting, obtaining an organic fertilizer in a short period.
Purpose: Co-composting of mango by-products and biogas solid residue eliminates some shortcomings... more Purpose: Co-composting of mango by-products and biogas solid residue eliminates some shortcomings of composting
these wastes separately. Specifically, co-composing solves the problem of the low pH values in mango by-products while
enhances biodegradable organic matter of biogas solid residues. However, no research report is available on co-composting
of mango by-products (MB) and biogas solid residue (BR).
Method: This study established three in-vessel lab-scale composting bins with 3 different C/N ratios, including Bin 1:
27.4/1 (156 kg MB + 144 kg BR); Bin 2: 30.23/1 (193 kg MB + 107 kg BR); and Bin 3: 37.7/1 (224 kg MB + 76 kg
BR). The raw compost materials underwent 57 days of incubation, including 36 days of raw incubation and 21 days of
mineralization.
Results: Bin 3 containing larger amounts of mango by-products and less amounts of biogas residue showed a higher
percentage of remaining carbon in the final products (17.97%), lower nitrogen loss (17%), and showed 0.5% increase in
available P2O5 content, compared to the other bins. From 300 kg of initial raw material, the final compost mass in Bin 1,
Bin 2, and Bin 3 were 26.2 kg, 32.7 kg, and 88.1 kg, respectively.
Conclusion: Resultantly, an initial C/N ratio of 37.7/1 could be suggested in the aerobic co-composting of biogas residue
with mango by-products
Purpose: Exploring alternatives to mitigate soil degradation has been gaining importance in recen... more Purpose: Exploring alternatives to mitigate soil degradation has been gaining importance in recent years. Biochar promises to improve properties such as soil fertility and soil conditioning. This research involved an experiment with different levels of biochar in associating it with some chemical properties and the wood yield of A. mangium. Method: We used a design including nine treatments and three repetitions of each treatment, employing two materials: biochar from Acacia mangium W. (BAM) and synthetic fertilizer (SF). We used a Bayesian principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality, and the two extracted dimensions were labeled by treatment to visualize their grouping. We validated the grouping using cluster analysis algorithms. Volume in wood was used as the response, and the same soil variables were used to run a regression by partial least squares where the explanatory variables were characterized by relative importance. Result: We found an increase in the different chemical variables of the soil analyzed in treatments with BAM and BAM + SF and an increase in the volume of the stem of the trees in treatments with BAM + SF. The analysis by partial least squares showed how the EC and SOC variables were the most important in explaining the volume of wood. Conclusion: Responses of the different variables analyzed increased with the addition of biochar, either alone or mixed with synthetic fertilizer. It was also possible to determine that the volume of A. mangium wood was inuenced by soil chemical variables.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vermicompost leachate on the growth and w... more Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vermicompost leachate on the growth and water use of tomatoes in an unequal distribution of salinity in a hydroponic system. Method: Roots of tomato seedlings were separated into approximately two equal parts, each half was grown in a media culture part containing a 3-liter perlite and cocopeat mixture of a separated two-part box. The nutrient solution, irrigation water, and vermicompost leachate were applied for the irrigation of treatments according to the statistical design. Results: The results showed that the treatment in which the nutrient solution was used for one side of root media culture and the leachate with the salinity of 4 dS/m on the other side had an acceptable amount of dry and fresh weight and increased crop per drop. Conclusion: The results showed that the unequal distribution of salinity in the root media culture is an applicable technique for using vermicompost leachate although the success of this system is strongly dependent on the leachate correction.
Purpose: The current study aimed to gure out the types and dosages of bio-composts supplied with... more Purpose: The current study aimed to gure out the types and dosages of bio-composts supplied with cellulose degrading Trichoderma strains for ameliorating soil properties, and the growth and yield of pineapple. Method: The experiment with two factors followed a completely randomized block design, including 20 treatments (4 replications). The rst factor (A) was the types of bio-composts inoculated with different Trichoderma spp., which were (i) the bio-compost supplied with the commercial Trichoderma (the Trichoderma of Can Tho University) as the positive control treatment, and the bio-compost supplied with Trichoderma strains of (ii) TC1 (TC1 bio-compost), (iii) TC2 (TC2 bio-compost), (iv) TC3 (TC3 bio-compost), and (v) TC1, TC2, and TC3 (TC123 bio-compost). The second factor (B) was rates of bio-compost used (t ha −1) as follows: (i) 1, (ii) 2, (iii) 3, and (iv) 4. Results: The application of TC123 bio-compost at 4 t ha −1 contributed to the greatest available N, soluble P, concentrations, and N, P, and K uptake values. The treatments with the TC123 bio-compost correspondingly increased plant height, leaf number, D-leaf length, peduncle height, fruit length, and fruit width by 1.9, 31.8, 16.7, 5.4, 7.8, and 12.1%, in comparison with the treatments with the positive control. The TC123 bio-compost fertilization increased fruit size, resulting in enhanced pineapple yield by 9.80% in comparison with the commercial bio-compost fertilization. Conclusion: The TC123 bio-compost surpassed the commercial one in enhancing the characteristics of pineapples (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr). At 4 t.ha −1 , this bio-compost performed the greatest.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential of actinomycetes in mitigating the environ... more Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential of actinomycetes in mitigating the environmental impact of olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) on plant-soil system. The objectives were to investigate the impacts of varying doses of OMWW on soil microora, and to analyze the enzymatic prole of a selected group of isolated actinomycetes. Method: A physico-chemical characterization of soil parameters and OMWW was conducted. Microbiological analysis of OMWW was carried out to determine the presence of total aerobic mesophilic ora (FMAT), yeasts, and molds. An interaction study between different doses of OMWW and three varieties of mint (Mentha aquatica, Mentha piperita, and Mentha pulegium) was conducted over a 120-day period. Results: Analysis revealed that OMWW contained high levels of organic matter and mineral salts, resulting in elevated chemical oxygen demand and salinity. Application of OMWW at a dose of 5 L/m 2 enhanced soil microora, but this effect diminished beyond this dose, except for actinomycetes, which remained resilient even at 10 L/m 2. Enzymatic prole analysis of isolated actinomycetes indicated that the most competent strains were present in plots irrigated with 5 L/m 2 and 10 L/m 2 of OMWW, in combination with Mentha piperita and Mentha pulegium cultivation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of actinomycetes in addressing to meet the challenges inicted by OMWW. Optimizing OMWW dosage can positively inuence soil microora, where actinomycetes exhibiting remarkable resilience at higher doses. These results contribute to understanding the use of microorganisms for olive oil industry waste management, in order to offer practical solutions to mitigate OMWW environmental impact.
Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustaina... more Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustainable nutrient input for crop Production. Method: Two pot experiments were set up in a controlled environment room to examine biomass yields of ryegrass (Lolium perenne AberMagic), grain yields of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum KWS Cochise), and their micro and macronutrient uptakes, respectively, in an abattoir waste organomineral fertilizer amended soil compared to those treated with inorganic NPK fertilizer.
Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustaina... more Purpose: The study examines the efcacy of using recycled abattoir waste fertilizer as a sustainable nutrient input for crop Production. Method: Two pot experiments were set up in a controlled environment room to examine biomass yields of ryegrass (Lolium perenne AberMagic), grain yields of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum KWS Cochise), and their micro and macronutrient uptakes, respectively, in an abattoir waste organomineral fertilizer amended soil compared to those treated with inorganic NPK fertilizer.
Purpose: Vermicomposting of phenolics-rich lignocellulosic materials takes a long time to reach m... more Purpose: Vermicomposting of phenolics-rich lignocellulosic materials takes a long time to reach maturity, while worm mortality and weight loss are often encountered. Phenolic compounds have antimicrobial properties which may affect the vermicomposting process. The present study aims at investigating the effect of the initial total phenolic content (TPC) on coir pith vermicomposting. Method: The earthworm activities and performance during vermicomposting of coir pith and cow manure containing 4.8 (T 0), 6.4 (T 1), 7.2 (T 2), 8.8 (T 3), 10.3 (T 4) and 12.7 (T 5) mg initial TPC g −1 substrate using Eudrilus eugeniae were investigated. Results: Total carbon loss increased as initial TPC increased and only T 0 and T 1 reached maturity. Earthworm mortality and weight loss increased as initial TPC of materials increased in a concentration dependent manner. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that the total numbers of water-soluble phenolics of coir pith and cow manure were, respectively, 17 and 16 out of which 5 and 4 were unique to coir pith and cow manure, respectively. By the end of vermicomposting, almost all of phenolics present in cow manure disappeared while those in coir pith remained intact, albeit, reduced in concentrations. 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected in all treatments. Disappearance of 4.90 and 6.35 minute-peaks was observed with T 0 , T 1 and T 2 whilst a new phenolic (5.30 minute-peak) was detected only in T 1 indicating the better degradation of phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Results indicated a signicant role of initial TPC on earthworm activities during coir pith vermicomposting.
Purpose: In the current study, the effects of compost, natural, and synthetic superabsorbent amen... more Purpose: In the current study, the effects of compost, natural, and synthetic superabsorbent amendments on soil water retention curve (WRC) were assessed by applying RETC software in a laboratory trial. Moreover, the effects of the mentioned materials on vegetation growth indices of four plants in three different soil textures of urban green space were evaluated. Method: Using the randomized complete blocks-based split-plot design, the eld experiment was conducted for a two-year period. The three soil textures were combined with 4 & 6 gr/kg hydrogel, as well as pumice, compost, manure, and perlite at 40 & 60 gr/kg levels. Results: According to WRC ndings, there was more efciency associated with hydrogel in sandy loam and loam soils compared to clay soil. Moreover, increased permanent wilting point water content (θ pwp), saturated water content (θ S), as well as available water (AW) were observed. Statistical analyses indicated a considerable difference in growth indices using perlite+compost in clay soil. Compared with the control soil, a 2.4-time enhancement of AW was observed in loam soil using Pumice+ Hydrogel. A signicant growth indices difference was also found for loam soil using pumice+hydrogel. According to WRC results, the highest treatment rate was attributed to compost+hydrogel in sandy loam soils, which led to a 3.3-time enhancement of AW. Conclusion: Statistical analyses revealed that compost+hydrogel could lead to the best treatment on growth indices in sandy loam textures.