CELL 272 |
| Soil quality deterioration caused by depletion of organic matter in agricultural land as a result of chemical fertilization, harvesting deprivation, and mechanical manipulation is a worldwide issue. Fertilization of farmland with raw plant debris has failed to persistently elevate and maintain soil organic matter, since the applied raw organic residues are mineralized rapidly in the field. This study explored the feasibility of applying degradation-resistant charcoal derived from organic wastes to cropland for long-term soil quality improvement. A wide range of organic wastes including plant residues and animal wastes were converted into charcoal by smoldering. Soils were amended with organic wastes-derived charcoal and were examined for quality improvements in porosity, water holding capacity, water permeability, nutrient retention, and nutrient availability. Greenhouse potting experiments were conducted to determine practical application rates of charcoal in soil amendment. The results demonstrate that charcoal amendment is a revolutionary approach for long-term soil quality improvement. |
|
Renewable Chemicals from Plant and Animal-Based Agricultural Wastes
12:50 PM-4:45 PM, Thursday, April 10, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. R07, Oral
Division of Cellulose & Renewable Materials |