Abstract. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of agricultural utilization of biodiesel byproducts. The hydrophilous by-products of transesterification, such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, potassium hydroxide used as catalyser and methanol are concentrated in the phase of glycerol during biodiesel production. Agriculture can utilize these components but some effects of glycerol in soil do not serve the needs of plants. Several studies have investigated the different effects of glycerol in soil. The specific focus of our research is to analyse the relationship between seed germination and glycerol content of soil. During this research the inhibitor effect of glycerol, biodiesel by-product, and methanol on seed germination of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus) were investigated. In the case of some treatments, a different percentage of glycerol and methanol was applied, in order to establish the methanol content of soil that can balance the inhibitor effect of glycerol. Based on the obtained information, pot experiment was established with ryegrass to examine the effects on plant growth. Our research has not only studied the impact of biomass production, but variations in the rate of plant growth as an effect of different treatments were observed as well.
The use and quality analysis of household compost have become very important issues in recent years due to the increasing interest in local food production and safe, self-produced food. The phenomenon was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine period, which gave new impetus to the growth of small home gardens. However, the knowledge associated with making high-quality compost is often lacking in home gardeners. Therefore, the objective of this research was to find answers to the following questions: can the quality of backyard compost be considered safe in terms of toxicity and nutrient content? Can weed seed dispersion affect the usability of backyard compost? In general, can the circulation of organic matter be increased with the spread of home composting? In this study, 16 different house composts were analysed for stability, weed seed contamination, toxic elements, and nutrient content using analysis of variance. The results of the research showed that the quality properties of the composts (including their weed seed dispersion effect) were greatly influenced by the different techniques and raw materials used. The toxicity levels, as well as the content of macro and microelements, were within the parameters of safe-quality compost. The specific macronutrient (Ca, Mg) and micronutrient (Fe, Mn) contents of the tested composts have a similar and, in some cases, more favorable nutrient supply capacity in crop production than the frequently-used cow manure-based composts. With a plan of basic education on composting, there is potential to encourage farmyard composting.
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