Soil C Storage Potential of Exogenous Organic Matter at Regional Level (Italy) Under Climate Change Simulated by RothC Model Modified for Amended Soils

Soil amendment with exogenous organic matter (EOM) represents an effective option for sustainable management of organic residues and enhancement of soil organic C (SOC) content. Optimization of soil amendment is hampered by the high variability in EOM quality and pedoclimatic conditions. A possible solution to this problem could be represented by spatially explicit soil C modeling. The aim of this study was the evaluation at regional level of the long term C storage potential of EOM added to the soil under climate change by using a modified version of the RothC specifically developed for C simulation in amended soil. To achieve this goal a spatially explicit version of the modified RothC model was deployed to assess at a national scale the potential for C storage of agricultural soils amended with different EOMs. Long term model simulations of continuous amendment (100 years) indicated that EOMs greatly differ for their soil C sequestration potential (range 0.110–0.385 t C ha−1 y−1), mainly depending to their degree of stabilization. Spatial explicit modeling of amended soil, taking into account the different combinations of EOMs and application sites, indicated a high variability in the potential of SOC accumulation at the national level (range: 0.06–0.62 t C ha−1 y−1). EOM quality showed a larger impact on long term SOC accumulation than variability in pedoclimatic conditions. Model simulations predicted that the contribution of soil amendment in tackling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is limited: soil C sequestration potential of compost applied to all Italian agricultural land corresponded to 5.3% of the total annual GHG emissions in Italy. Large scale modeling enables areas with the largest potential for EOM accumulation to be identified, therefore suggesting ways for optimizing resources. The spatially explicit version of the modified RothC model improves the predictive power of SOC modeling at regional scale in amended soils, because it takes into account, besides variability in pedoclimatic conditions, the large differences in EOMs quality

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Soil C Storage Potential of Exogenous Organic Matter at Regional Level (Italy) Under Climate Change Simulated by RothC Model Modified for Amended Soils

Soil amendment with exogenous organic matter (EOM) represents an effective option for sustainable management of organic residues and enhancement of soil organic C (SOC) content. Optimization of soil amendment is hampered by the high variability in EOM quality and pedoclimatic conditions. A possible solution to this problem could be represented by spatially explicit soil C modeling. The aim of this study was the evaluation at regional level of the long term C storage potential of EOM added to the soil under climate change by using a modified version of the RothC specifically developed for C simulation in amended soil. To achieve this goal a spatially explicit version of the modified RothC model was deployed to assess at a national scale the potential for C storage of agricultural soils amended with different EOMs. Long term model simulations of continuous amendment (100 years) indicated that EOMs greatly differ for their soil C sequestration potential (range 0.110¿0.385 t C ha¿1 y¿1), mainly depending to their degree of stabilization. Spatial explicit modeling of amended soil, taking into account the different combinations of EOMs and application sites, indicated a high variability in the potential of SOC accumulation at the national level (range: 0.06¿0.62 t C ha¿1 y¿1). EOM quality showed a larger impact on long term SOC accumulation than variability in pedoclimatic conditions. Model simulations predicted that the contribution of soil amendment in tackling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is limited: soil C sequestration potential of compost applied to all Italian agricultural land corresponded to 5.3% of the total annual GHG emissions in Italy. Large scale modeling enables areas with the largest potential for EOM accumulation to be identified, therefore suggesting ways for optimizing resources. The spatially explicit version of the modified RothC model improves the predictive power of SOC modeling at regional scale in amended soils, because it takes into account, besides variability in pedoclimatic conditions, the large differences in EOMs quality.This study was performed under the framework of the EU project FP7 KBBE.2011.1.2-02 FERTIPLUS “Reducing mineral fertilizers and agro-chemicals by recycling treated organic waste as compost and bio-char” (EC Grant Agreement n. 289853) co-funded by the European Commission, Directorate General for Research & Innovation, within the 7th Framework Programme of RTD, Theme 2 - Biotechnologies, Agriculture & Food. This publication reflects the author's views, findings and conclusions and the European Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. MC is supported by a Ramón y Cajal research contract from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness

Electricity from landfill leachate using microbial fuel cells: comparison with a biological aerated filter

Four experimental columns were employed in this study to investigate their performance under wastewater treatment conditions. One column was set-up as a biological aerated filter and the remaining three were set-up as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), two of which were connected to an external load whereas the third was left open circuit. The performance of the columns under several flow rates and leachate strengths was studied in terms of BOD5 removal efficiencies and electricity generation, when a fixed resistive load was connected. Results obtained demonstrated that it is possible to generate electricity and simultaneously treat landfill leachate in MFC columns. Energy generation in MFC columns improved with increasing flow rates from 24 to 192 mL/h, while BOD5 removal efficiency levels reached a maximum at 48 mL/h and dropped to relatively low values at higher flow rates. The maximum removal efficiencies were obtained at a loading rate of 0.81 kg BOD5/m3 d for columns C1, C2 and C4 and 1.81 kg BOD5/m3 d for column C3. Electrical output levels and BOD5 concentrations at the MFC columns showed a linear relationship, which allows the system to be used as a BOD5 sensor. Part of the BOD removal was not associated with power generation and was attributed to the presence of alternative end terminal electron acceptors and volatilisation. The MFC columns could reach the same or even higher removal efficiencies than those from the biological aerated filter with the advantage of producing energy and saving cost of aeration. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that compares the MFC technology with other conventional treatment systems for removing pollutants from wastewater

Solubilization of animal bonechar by a filamentous fungus employed in solid state fermentation

Abstract Experts are concerned by the scarcity of rock phosphate and the vulnerability of the modern agricultural systems which is highly dependent on the existing fertilizer industry based exclusively of this natural, finite, non-renewable resource. In this work, the filamentous fungus Aspergillus terreus, which produce itaconic acid, was used to solubilize animal bonechar (HABO, a derivate from meat industry) in conditions of solid-state fermentation. By-products of the sugar and olive oil production industry (sugar beet press-mud and dry olive residues) containing lignocellulosic mass were used as substrates. The effect of humidity, inoculum size, nitrogen source, and phosphate on itaconic acid production and HABO solubilization was studied at optimal other conditions. Results showed that 70% humidity, 1.5 g meat and bone meal, 1 ml initial inoculum size, and 20 g HABO kg−1 dry substrate remarkably enhanced the itaconic acid production which reached 44.0 g/kg dry substrate. At these conditions, the amount of soluble P in the medium reached 30.9 mg/flask which corresponded to 50% yield of soluble P vs. total P in the supplied insoluble phosphate. Glycerol was applied in the medium for inoculum production and further in the solid-state fermentation process it was introduced as a part of the medium and as a moistening agent. The results reported here should be evaluated bearing in mind the problem of phosphate fertilizers, P plant nutrition, and existing phosphate bearing resources. On the other hand, due to the fact that solid (waste) particles serve simultaneously as a support and source of nutrients for cell growth, this laboratory scheme can be used in processes of production and formulation of soil microbial inoculants

USE OF ORGANIC RESIDUES FOR THE RECOVERY OF SOIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of different organic residues on soil fertility and climate change, through the evaluation of soil organic matter mineralisation, greenhouse gas emission, nutrient availability and soil microbial biomass content and activity. A degraded agricultural soil was amended with three different organic residues (pig slurry digestate, rapeseed meal, and compost) at three different doses (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5% w/w) and incubated for 30 days at 20 ºC. During incubation, soil CO2 and N2O emissions, K2SO4 extractable organic C, N, NH4+, NO3- and P, soil microbial biomass and some enzymatic activities were determined. Results obtained showed that rapeseed meal and pig slurry are best suited to improve soil chemical and biological fertility, while compost is more appropriate for the enhancement of soil organic matter content and to promote soil C sequestration

UTILIZZO DI RESIDUI DA PROCESSI BIOENERGETICI COME AMMENDANTI: IMPLICAZIONI SULLA FERTILITÀ DEL SUOLO ED IL SEQUESTRO DEL CARBONIO

The increasing use of renewable energy sources as substitutes to fossil fuels has provoked an increase in the production of bioenergy residues. These residues could be effectively used for the recovery and conservation of soil fertility. However, the effect of the organic residues on the soil ecosystem is different depending on their physico-chemical characteristics and, particularly, the knowledge of the impact of bioenergy residues on soil quality is still limited. The aim of this work is to study the effects of different bioenergy residues on C and N mineralization and soil microbial content and activity. A degraded soil (clay 49.7%, pH 7, OC 0.37%) from Southern Spain was amended (0.5% w/w) with four different bioenergy residues (anaerobic digestate, rapeseed meal from biodiesel production, bioethanol residue and biochar) and three other organic residues commonly used as organic amendments (wastewater sludge and two composts). The amended soil was then incubated for 30 days at 20 ºC. During incubation soil CO2 evolution was measured every 4 hours by means of an automatic chromatographic system. After 2, 7 and 30 days of incubation the following parameters were also analysed: K2SO4-extractable C, N, NO3 -, NH4 + and P, microbial biomass C and some enzymatic activities involved in the cycle of the main nutritive elements (β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, esterase, alkaline and acid phosphatase and leucine aminopeptidase). Soil addition of the different residues led to a general increase in C and N mineralization, in the availability of nutrients and in the microbial content and activity, but with remarkable different values and dynamics. The only exception was represented by biochar that did not cause any significant variations of the measured parameters with respect to the control. The obtained results demonstrate that bioenergy residues may represent an effective alternative to usual amendments for the recovery and conservation of soil quality. The different physico-chemical characteristics of the residues suggest different uses. Rapeseed meal, bioethanol residue and anaerobic digestate are more suited to improve soil biological fertility, while biochar is more appropriated for the enhancement of soil organic matter content and to promote soil C sequestration.L’augmentation de l’utilisation d’énergies renouvelables comme substituts des combustibles fossiles a provoqué une nette augmentation de la production de résidus bioénergétiques. De tels déchets peuvent être utilisés pour le rétablissement et la conservation de la fertilité des sols. Pourtant, l’effet des résidus organiques sur l’écosystème du sol est différent selon ses caractéristiques physico-chimiques. En particulier, les connaissances concernant l’impact des résidus bioénergétiques sur la qualité du sol sont encore limitées. Nous avons étudié les effets de résidus de différents processus bioénergétiques sur la minéralisation de C et N ainsi que sur le contenu et l’activité des microorganismes. Un sol dégradé (argile 49.7 %, pH 7, CO 0.37 %) provenant de l’Espagne méridionale a été amendé (0.5 % m/m) avec quatre différents résidus bioénergétiques (déchets de la digestion anaérobique, farine de colza de la production de biodiesel, résidus de la production de bioéthanol et de charbon de bois) et trois résidus organiques habituellement utilisés comme amendements (boue de dépurateur et deux types de compost). Le sol, après amendement, a été incubé 30 jours à 20 ºC. Au cours de l’incubation, l’évolution de CO2 a été mesurée à intervalles de quatre heures par chromatographie. Après 2, 7 et 30 jours les paramètres suivant ont été analysés: C, N, NO3 -, NH4 + et P extractible par K2SO4, C de la biomasse microbienne et certaines activités enzymatiques impliquées dans le cycle des principaux éléments nutritifs (β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, estérase, phosphatase alcaline et acide ainsi que leucylaminopeptidase). L’addition de divers résidus au sol a provoqué en générale une augmentation de la minéralisation de C et N, de la disponibilité des nutriments et du contenu et activité des microorganismes ; tout ceci avec de significatives différences aussi bien en terme de quantité que de dynamique. L’addition de résidus de la production de charbon de bois n’a pas provoqué de variation significative des paramètres mesurés par rapport au témoin. Les résultats obtenus démontrent que les résidus bioénergétiques peuvent représenter une alternative efficace aux amendements habituels pour le rétablissement et la conservation de la qualité du sol. Les différentes caractéristiques physico-chimiques des résidus suggèrent diverses modalités d’utilisation. La farine de colza, le résidu de la production de bioéthanol et les produits de la digestion anaérobique sont plus indiqués pour améliorer la fertilité biologique du sol alors que le charbon de bois est plus approprié pour augmenter le contenu en matière organique et favoriser la capture de C.L’aumento dell’utilizzo di energie rinnovabili come sostituti dei combustibili fossili ha provocato un consistente incremento nella produzione di residui bioenergetici. Tali residui possono essere convenientemente utilizzati per il recupero ed il mantenimento della fertilità dei suoli. Tuttavia, l’effetto dei residui organici sull’ecosistema del suolo è diverso a seconda delle sue caratteristiche fisico-chimiche. In particolare le conoscenze sull’impatto dei residui dei processi bioenergetici sulla qualità del suolo sono ancora limitate. Lo scopo di questo lavoro era pertanto lo studio degli effetti di residui da diversi processi bioenergetici sulla mineralizzazione di C e N ed il contenuto ed attività dei microorganismi del suolo. Un suolo degradato (argilla 49.7%, pH 7, CO 0.37%) proveniente dalla Spagna meridionale è stato ammendato (0.5% p/p) con quattro diversi residui da processi bionergetici (residuo della digestione anaerobica, farina di colza dalla produzione di biodiesel, residuo della produzione di bioetanolo e biocarbone) e tre residui organici comunemente usati come ammendanti (fango di depurazione e due tipi di compost). Il suolo ammendato è stato poi incubato per 30 giorni a 20 ºC. Durante l’incubazione è stata misurata l’evoluzione della CO2 ogni 4 ore mediante un sistema cromatografico automatizzato. Dopo 2, 7 e 30 giorni di incubazione sono stati analizzati i seguenti parametri: C, N, NO3 -, NH4 + e P estraibili con K2SO4, C della biomassa microbica e alcune attività enzimatiche implicate nel ciclo dei principali elementi nutritivi (β-glucosidasi, arilsulfatasi, esterasi, fosfatasi acida e alcalina e leucina aminopeptidasi). L’aggiunta dei diversi residui al suolo ha provocato in generale un aumento nella mineralizzazione di C e N, nella disponibilità di nutrienti e nel contenuto ed attività dei microorganismi, ma con significative differenze nella quantità e dinamica. L’unica eccezione è stata costituita dal biocarbone che non ha causato variazioni significative dei parametri misurati rispetto al ontrollo. I risultati ottenuti dimostrano che i residui bionergetici possono rappresentare un’alternativa efficace ai comuni ammendanti per il recupero ed il mantenimento della qualità del suolo. Tuttavia le diverse caratteristiche chimico-fisiche dei residui suggeriscono differenti modalità di utilizzo. La farina di colza, il residuo della produzione di bioetanolo ed il digestato sono più indicati per migliorare la fertilità biologica del suolo, mentre il biocarbone è più appropriato per aumentare il contenuto di materia organica del suolo e favorire il sequestro del C

Nutritional composition, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) of different colours

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been nutritionally highlighted when compared to other grains. In recent years the research on this pseudocereal has increased. In this work, six quinoa samples were studied: three from Peru, one from Brazil and two commercial samples. The samples were physically and physicochemically characterized, including macro- and micronutrient analysis, phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity. Black, red and white samples showed as main difference the size, weight, ashes and dietary fibre content. Black samples were the smallest and lightest and had the lowest starch content but presented the highest levels of ashes and dietary fibre. The protein content (16.9 %) in the white Brazilian variety was higher than the others. Red and black samples had the highest levels of most minerals analysed. The antioxidant capacity measured by the DPPH method was higher for black and red samples in comparison with the white ones. However, the white Brazilian variety showed a significantly higher antioxidant capacity measured by the ABTS assay. With regard to the phenolic content, a difference was found between the samples which ranged from 55.5 to 95.5 g GAE 100 g−1. The colour of the grain was found as not related to a higher content of phenolic compounds. Because their compositions are generally similar to light-coloured grains, and in some parameters such as dietary fibre and content of some micronutrients are superior, the grains of dark-coloured quinoa varieties (RPP, BCP) would have to be explored to develop foods that take advantage of this colour diversity

Propuestas para el manejo de la roya de la soja en el noroeste argentino

El panorama sanitario del cultivo de soja en muchas regiones de Argentina se tornó ahora más complejo a partir de la reciente detección de la roya ?asiática? de la soja en numerosas regiones del país.  Esta enfermedad es causada por Phakopsora pachyrhizi, un patógeno que se caracteriza por una alta capacidad de dispersión y un gran poder de destrucción, especialmente del follaje.  En Sudamérica, roya asiática fue primeramente detectada en Paraguay, en Marzo de 2001. También a partir de esa campaña se la detectó en Brasil.  En Argentina se la encontró por primera vez en Marzo de 2002 en la provincia de Misiones y en 2003 también en la provincia de Corrientes.  En Julio de 2003 fue detectada en la zona norte de Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.  Entre Abril y Mayo de 2004 fue detectada por primera vez en otras ocho provincias de Argentina: Formosa, Chaco, Santiago del Estero, Tucumán, Salta, Catamarca, Entre Ríos y Santa Fe.  En todos los casos se comprobó mediante técnicas moleculares que se trataba de Phakopsora pachyrhizi.  Si bien estas detecciones, que ocurrieron hacia finales de la campaña 2003/04, no trajeron consecuencias sobre los rendimientos obtenidos, se puede afirmar que su presencia obligará a extremar medidas en las próximas campañas para evitar los daños que ha provocado en otras regiones del mundo.  En el presente trabajo se presentan algunas consideraciones sobre la epidemiología de la roya de la soja y se analizan las principales estrategias disponibles para su control.  Sobre la base de estos antecedentes, se proponen alternativas para un manejo eficiente de la enfermedad en el noroeste argentino (NOA), región integrada por las provincias de Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca y el oeste de Santiago del Estero.Fil: Ploper, Leonardo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Devani, Mario Rodolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Galvez, M. Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Ledesma, Fernando Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez, Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Zamorano, María Antonia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Lenis, Julián M.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; Argentin