Substituting organic manure for compound fertilizer increases yield and decreases NH3 and N2O emissions in an intensive vegetable production systems.

Substituting organic manure for compound fertilizer may play an important role in regulating the nitrogen (N) cycle and consequently affecting crop yield in agroecosystems. However, how substituting different organic manures for compound fertilizer affects crop yield and ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the vegetable system during the life-cycle production (including storage and field application) remains poorly elucidated. Thus, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effects of substituting organic manure species, i.e., stored swine manure fertilizer (SS), swine manure covered by straw (CS), stored swine fertilizer mixed with biochar (BS), and stored swine manure fertilizer with void expansion (OS) for compound fertilizer (FC) on rapeseed yield and NH3 and N2O emissions in a rapeseed-cropping system in China. The results showed that the total gaseous N losses (NH3 and N2O) were 1.6, 1.4 and 1.1 times higher in SS, CS and OS than FC, respectively. However, total gaseous N losses in BS was 0.9 times less than FC. Compared with FC, rapeseed yield and N uptake in SS and CS were decreased by 17.2-20.2% and 16.0%-28.1%, respectively, but which were increased by 7.3% and 54.1% in BS, respectively. In addition, OS decreased rapeseed yield by 17.2%, but increased N uptake by 8.5%. Therefore, the effects of substituting organic manure for compound fertilizer on rapeseed yield, N uptake, NH3 and N2O varied regarding different organic manure species. Adopting stored swine fertilizer mixed with biochar might be a sound management practice to reduce gaseous N losses and enhance N uptake and yield in intensive vegetable production systems.

Adsorption characteristics of methylene blue by biochar prepared using sheep, rabbit and pig manure.

Sheep manure biochar (SMB500), rabbit faeces biochar (RFB500) and pig manure biochar (PMB500) prepared by controlled thermal decomposition at 500 °C were used to adsorb methylene blue (MB) in water. Elemental analysis, BET and SEM results showed that the specific surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter of SMB500 were 7.59, 4.20 and 1.16 times greater than those of RFB500, which were also 12.02, 6.88 and 1.37 times greater than those of PMB500, respectively. SMB500 had stronger stability and aromaticity. When the initial concentration of MB was 50 mg L-1 and pH was 11, adsorption achieved equilibrium at approximately 210 min. The adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 > 0.96), indicating that liquid film diffusion, surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion all contributed to the adsorption rate. The results of isothermal adsorption showed that the adsorption performance of SMB500 was more consistent with a Freundlich model, whereas the performance of RFB500 and PMB500 was more consistent with a Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 53.68 to 238.31 mg g-1. Thermodynamic and FTIR studies showed that the adsorption of MB on SMB500, RFB500 and PMB500 was spontaneous and endothermic, and hydrogen bonds and π-π bonds were closely related to the adsorption process. The results of regeneration show that the optimal number of cycles for SMB500, RFB500 and PMB500 are 8, 5 and 3, respectively.

Larval Development of Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Mud Supplemented With Manure of Various Farm Animals.

Understanding factors that affect Culicoides larval development is critical in suppressing adult midge populations that transmit economically important pathogens to ruminants such as bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus. In this study, development of Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) was investigated in sterilized mud mixed with varying concentrations (3.2, 6.4, 12.6, 25.0, 50.0, and 100.0%) of dairy cattle and white tailed deer manures. In addition, C. sonorensis development was also evaluated in manure (25.0% concentration) of six other farm animals (beef cattle, sheep, goat, pig, horse, and chicken). First instar larvae (~100/treatment) were added to each substrate, and adult emergence and development times were monitored for 90 d. In substrates with dairy cattle manure, significantly more adults emerged (≥76.7%) and development time was shorter (≤25.5 d) from 25.0% manure substrate than from lower or higher manure concentrations (≤41.3% emerged; ≥31.2 d). Comparatively, white-tailed deer and chicken manures supported C. sonorensis development poorly with low emergence rates (deer ≤ 13.0%; chicken = 0%) and longer development time (deer ≥ 29.0 d). Mud enriched with manure of beef cattle, sheep, goat, pig, and horse generally supported C. sonorensis development, although adult emergence and development times varied widely between species. These results suggest that manure of several farm animals, except for white-tailed deer and chicken, can contribute substantially to C. sonorensis development in the field. Therefore, the potential of animals other than cattle in sustaining local populations of C. sonorensis cannot be overlooked when designing management strategies.

Total biomass and essential oil composition of Ocimum gratissimum L. in response to broiler litter and phosphorus / Produção de biomassa e composição do óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum L. cultivado em solo com cama-de-frango e fósforo

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the biomass yield and chemical composition of the essential oil of clove basil in response to doses of broiler litter (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1) added in presence of triple superphosphate (200 kg ha-1) or without it. Before the first harvest, the height of the plants increased significantly (34.42 cm) when 15 tonnes ha-1 broiler litter were added to the soil. However, after resprouting, the plant heights ranged only as a function of the vegetative cycle, with maximum height (76.0 cm) observed at 60 days. Phosphate fertilization also significantly influenced the leaf area (1.771 cm2 plant-1) during the first harvest. The fresh weight of leaves increased linearly in response to the addition of broiler litter (20 ton ha-1) with maximum yields of 1,709 and 7,140 kg ha-1 during the first harvest and regrowth, respectively. On average, the oil content of the leaves was 0.7%, with maximum performance (3.8 L ha-1) when 20 tonnes ha-1 of broiler litter were added on the soil. Eugenol was found to be the major compound of the essential oil (71.65%).

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa e a composição do óleo essencial da alfavaca-cravo cultivada com adição ao solo de cama-de-frango de corte, na ausência ou presença de fósforo. Foram estudadas cinco doses de cama-de-frango semi-decomposta (0, 5, 10, 15 e 20 t ha-1), na ausência ou presença de fósforo (200 kg ha-1), na forma de superfosfato triplo. A altura das plantas na primeira colheita foi maior sob a dose de 15 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango (34,42 cm), ou sem o uso de fósforo (32,4 cm); na rebrota, a altura variou apenas em função do ciclo, sendo máxima (76,0 cm) aos 60 dias após a rebrota. A adubação fosfatada influenciou significativamente a área foliar da primeira colheita, que foi maior com fósforo (1.771 cm2 planta-1). As produções de massas frescas de folhas cresceram linearmente com as doses de cama-de-frango, com máximas de 1.709 e 7.140 kg ha-1 na primeira colheita e na rebrota, respectivamente, sob 20 t ha -1. O teor de óleo essencial foi em média de 0,7% e o rendimento máximo de 3,8 L ha-1 sob a dose de 20 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango; o principal constituinte foi o eugenol, com teor médio de 71,65%.

Reduction of volatile fatty acids and odor offensiveness by anaerobic digestion and solid separation of dairy manure during manure storage.

Volatile fatty acids (VFA) play an important role in the biodegradation of organic wastes and production of bioenergy under anaerobic digestion, and are related to malodors. However, little is known about the dynamics of VFA during dairy manure storage. This study evaluated the characteristics of VFA in dairy manure before and after anaerobic co-digestion in a laboratory experiment using eight lab-scale reactors. The reactors were loaded with four different types of dairy manure: (1) liquid dairy manure from a freestall barn, (2) mixture of dairy manure and co-digestion food processing wastes at the inlet of an anaerobic digester, (3) effluent from the digester outlet, and (4) the liquid fraction of effluent from a solid separator. Four VFA (acetic, propionic, butyric, and 2-methylbutyric acids) were identified and quantified in weekly manure samples from all reactors. Results showed that the dominant VFA was acetic acid in all four manure sources. The off-farm co-digestion wastes significantly increased the total VFA concentrations and the proportions of individual VFA in the influent. The dairy manure under storage demonstrated high temporal and spatial variations in pH and VFA concentrations. Anaerobic digestion reduced the total VFA by 86%-96%; but solid-liquid separation did not demonstrate a significant reduction in total VFA in this study. Using VFA as an indicator, anaerobic digestion exhibited an effective reduction of dairy manure odor offensiveness.

Adubação foliar no desenvolvimento e produção de óleo essencial de manjericão / Foliar fertilization in the development and production of essential basil oil

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e a produção de óleo essencial de manjericão com a aplicação de adubo foliar em Londrina-PR. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com três doses de adubo foliar (0, 2 e 4 L.ha-1) e sete repetições. Foram realizadas três colheitas durante o desenvolvimento do experimento. Os cortes ocorreram no início do florescimento, a altura do oitavo nó aos 40, 80 e 120 dias após o transplantio. Avaliou-se a altura, área foliar, produção de massa seca de folhas e rendimento de óleo essencial. A aplicação de 4 L ha-1 do adubo foliar proporcionou os maiores acréscimos na produção de massa seca de folhas e no rendimento de óleo essencial até o segundo corte das plantas de manjericão. A renovação da cultura se faz necessária a partir do terceiro corte.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the development and production of basil essential oil with the application of foliar fertilizer in Londrina-PR. The experimental design was a randomized block with three doses of foliar fertilizer (0, 2 and 4 L.ha-1) and seven replications. Three harvests were made during the development of the trial. The cuts occurred at flowering, at the height of the eighth node and at 40, 80 and 120 days after the transplanting. We evaluated the height, leaf area, dry matter production of leaves and essential oil yield. The application of 4 L ha-1 foliar fertilizer provided greater rise in production of dry matter of leaves and essential oil yield until the second harvest of basil plants. The renewal of the cultivation is needed from the third cut.

Produção de biomassa aérea, teor e rendimento de extrato das folhas de crajiru [ Arrabidaea chica (Bonpl. ) B. Verl. ] em função de adubação orgânica em Manaus, estado do Amazonas, Brasil / Aerial biomass production, content and yield of crajiru leaf extract [Arrabidaea chica (Bonpl. ) B. Verl. ] as a function of organic fertilizer in Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil

RESUMO A espécie Arrabidaea chica pertencente à família Bignoniaceae é também conhecida popularmente como crajiru. É Utilizada tradicionalmente no tratamento de enfermidades da pele, inflamações, infecções, dentre outros. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa aérea, teor e rendimento de extrato de crajiru em função de diferentes fontes de adubo orgânico em Manaus, AM. As mudas foram formadas através de estacas e mantidas por 60 dias em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 5x3 com delineamento em blocos casualizados onde os níveis dos fatores foram as diferentes fontes de adubo orgânico: composto (5,0 kg/m2), esterco de aves (3,0 kg/m2), casca de guaraná (4,0 kg/m2), esterco de gado (4,0 kg/m2) e controle (ausência), e os três morfotipos de crajiru. Obedeceu-se o espaçamento de 1,0x1,0 m entre planta e 2,0 m entre blocos. Após 240 dias foram avaliadas a produção de folhas e caules, relação folha/caule, teor de extratos hexânico concentrado em evaporador rotativo obtido pela fórmula: (massa do extrato/massa da amostra total)x100; e o rendimento de extrato estimado pela equação: (%extrato x massa seca total das folhas)/100. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias ao Teste de Tukey (p<0,05). As fontes de adubo orgânico promoveram melhor desenvolvimento das plantas de, exceto para o morfotipo 1. O esterco de aves proporcionou maior produção de biomassa, teor e rendimento de extratos. Dessa forma, sugere-se que a adubação orgânica propicia maior produção de biomassa, teor e rendimento de extratos de A. chica.

ABSTRACT The Arrabidaea chicaspecies belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and is also popularly known as crajiru. It is traditionally used to treat skin diseases, inflammations and infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass production, the content and the yield of crajiru extract in face of different sources of organic fertilizer in Manaus, AM. The seedlings were formed by cuttings and kept for 60 days in a greenhouse. The trial was conducted in a 5x3 factorial design with randomized block organization where the factor levels were different sources of organic fertilizer: compound (5.0 kg / m 2), chicken manure (3.0 kg / m 2), bark guarana (4.0 kg / m2), cattle manure (4.0 kg / m 2) and control (absence), and the three morphotypes of crajiru. It was obeyed the spacing between the plants (1,0 x1,0m) and the blocks (2,0m) . After 240 days it were evaluated the production of leaves and stems, the leaf / stem ratio, and the content of hexane extracts concentrated by rotary evaporation obtained by the following formula: (mass of extract / mass of total sample) x100; and the yield estimated by the equation extract: (% extract x total dry mass of leaves) / 100. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and means to the Tukey"s test (p <0.05). The sources of organic fertilizer promoted better development of plants, except for the morphotype 1. The poultry manure provided higher biomass, content and yield of extracts. Thus, it is suggested that the organic fertilizer provides greater biomass production, content and yield of A. chica extracts.

Manure composting reduces house fly population.

Three experiments were conducted in a University of Jordan field in the Al-Jubeiha area, to evaluate the effect of manure composting for 0, 2, 4, or 6 weeks prior to planting on the house fly (Musca domestica L.) population. The obtained results indicated that the housefly prefers broiler and layer manures over other tested materials for breeding. Composting can reduce house fly populations, especially with longer composting periods. Reduction in house fly numbers was linearly correlated with composting period. Even though organic manures composted for longer periods reduce house fly populations, broiler and layer manures were still favored.

Characteristics of dairy manure composting with rice straw.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of aeration rate, aeration method, moisture content, and manure age on the characteristics of dairy manure composting with rice straw in terms of composting temperature, oxygen consumption rate, emission of odorous gases, and final compost property. It was found that the aeration rate of 0.25 L/min-kg VS was capable of achieving the highest composting temperature, longest retention time of high temperature, and less emission of odor gases. Except for the composting temperature reached, there was no significant difference between bottom-forced and top-diffusion aerations in terms of final compost property. The higher initial moisture content (65%) was more favorable for its higher temperature, longer retention time of high temperature, and more stable end compost obtained. Fresh manure showed better composting performance than the aged manure for its higher temperature reached in less time and less ammonia emission. Oxygen consumption rates were basically similar to those of temperatures. Most emissions of the odorous gases occurred during the first week of composting, therefore, special attention should be paid to this period of time for effective odor control.

Exhaustive extraction of sulfonamide antibiotics from aged agricultural soils using pressurized liquid extraction.

A pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method was developed for the quantification of five sulfonamide antibiotics (sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfathiazole) in aged soil samples. To account for sequestration effects the extraction was optimized using a composite grassland soil sample collected 11 days after the application of manure containing these substances. The optimized method uses a mixture of buffered water (pH 8.8) and acetonitrile (85:15) as solvent for the extraction at 200 degrees C and 100 bar during five min. The most important parameter for the extraction efficiency was temperature whereas the pH of the extraction solvent did hardly influence extraction efficiency between pH 4.1 and 8.8. A temperature increase from 100 to 200 degrees C improved the extraction efficiency up to a factor of six for aged residues in soils. In contrast, no temperature dependence was observed during short-term spike experiment. After 90 min exposure in these spike experiments we recovered 62-93% of the sulfonamides, except for sulfamethoxazole with only 41%. These percentages decreased substantially after a contact time of 6 and 17 days. The reasons for this decline remained unknown. Inter-day precision of the method was very satisfactory: relative standard deviations from the average were below 10%. Limits of detection for the extraction procedure were lower than 15 microg/kg. The performance of the developed extraction method was demonstrated by measuring the decrease of sulfonamide concentration in a top soil after manure application. Within 3 months the concentration of sulfadiazine dropped from 450 to 150 microg/kg.

Studies into using manure in a biorefinery concept.

Animal manure is an underutilized biomass resource containing a large amount of organic carbon that is often wasted with the existing manure disposal practices. A research project funded by the US Department of Energy explored the feasibility of using manure via the sugar platform in a biorefinery, converting the carbon from fiber to biochemicals. The results showed that (1) fiber was the major component of manure dry material making up approx 50%, 40%, and 36% of the dry dairy, swine, and poultry manure material, respectively; within dairy manure, more than 56% of the dry matter was in particles larger than 1.680 mm; (2) in addition to being a carbon source, manure could provide a variety of nutrient for fungi T. reesei and A. phoenicis to produce cellulase; (3) the hemicellulose component in the manure fiber could be readily converted to sugar through acid hydrolysis; while concentrated acid decrystallization treatment was most effective in manure cellulose hydrolysis; (4) purification and separation was necessary for further chemical conversion of the manure hydrolysate to polyols through hydrogenation; and (5) the manure utilization strategy studied in this work is currently not profitable.

[Effects of various organic fertilizers on growth and mineral nutrient absorption of Morindar officinalis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of various organic fertilizers on the growth and the mineral nutrient absorption of Morindar officinalis. METHOD: The growing character and the mineral nutrition contents were determined with conventional assay methods. RESULT: The influences of four kinds of fertilizers on the bionomics and nutrient absorption of M. officinalis successively were: biotic organic fertilizer A > biotic organic fertilizer C > biotic organic fertilizer B > farm manure. CONCLUSION: Different kinds of organic fertilizers could facilitate the growth and the mineral nutrient absorption of M. officinalis. Increasing the fertilizer amount of germ manure could promote the absorption of mineral nutrients and the accumulation of dry matters in plants.

Efecto de los abonos orgánicos sobre la abundancia de Artrópodos en un suelo de sabana / Effect of organic fertilization on arthropods abundance in a savanna soil

En un suelo arenoso de sabana, al sureste del estado Guárico, se realizó un experimento de parcelas divididas en el cual se evaluó la acción de la agregación de compost o fertilizante, en combinación con el cultivo o no de una leguminosa, en la abundancia de los artrópodos del suelo extraídos con embudos Tullgren. Se consiguió que la aplicación del compost incrementó significativamente la abundancia de los Collembola y de los ácaros (Oribatei, gamasina) en relación al resto de los tratamientos. Los grupos señalados acumulan un IVI de 179 de un máximo de 200. El cultivo no tuvo un efecto significativo en la abundancia de artrópodos. Los organismos estudiados mostraron sensibilidad de respuesta a los tratamientos, aunque se estima que un nivel taxonómico más bajo puede ser más eficiente en explicar los cambios que se originan por el manejo de los suelos. Los artrópodos del suelo se muestran como valiosos indicadores de la sostenibilidad de las actividades agrícolas que dependen de las propiedades biológicas de los agroecosistemas, en especial ante el manejo de la materia orgánica para cultivo