Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Comparison of water and soil quality from locally-available soil amendments to biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Auteur : Klasky, Wes

Université de soutenance : ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Grade : Master of Science (MS) 2010

Résumé
It is important to feed and fuel our growing population in sustainable ways that maximize available resources and minimize negative environmental impacts. Locally-available soil amendments including municipal biosolids, food industry effluent, and pelletized poultry litter were evaluated in this study to measure potential soil and water quality effects. A greenhouse microcosm study involving a potential biofuel crop, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, was conducted using these soil amendments. Leachate from the microcosms was analyzed for nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate. Soils from the microcosms were analyzed for carbon, nitrogen, active carbon, and soil organic matter. Plant biomass was also measured. Behavioral response of earthworms to application of locally-available soil amendments was also studied by performing an earthworm preference/avoidance test. Results from the greenhouse study measured no significant difference in the water quality variables. Results from the earthworm study indicated preference for soils with the locally-available soil amendments compared to no treatment.

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