A Novel Technology for Processing Urban Waste Compost as a Fast-Releasing Nitrogen Source to Improve Soil Properties and Broccoli and Lettuce Production

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated nitrogen (N) mineralization dynamics in three soils after the addition of heattreated urban waste amendments or urban waste compost (UWC). The effects of UWC and urea on soil properties and broccoli and lettuce production were compared. Methods: The rst N mineralization experiment was conducted in a factorial arrangement (4 × 3), as a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates. Four UWC doses: 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50.0 mg dm -3 were applied to three soils: sandy Ustoxic Quartzipsamment (QS), intermediate-texture red Ultisol (US), and clayey red Oxisol (OS), during eight incubation periods (0 , 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 days). In the second experiment, the effects of UWC and urea fertilizer on soil properties were compared. The growth of broccoli and lettuce plants was evaluated (experiments 3 and 4). The treatments (Experiments 2-4) followed a factorial arrangement (4 × 2; RCBD; three replicates), using OS soil. Four N doses (as for experiment 1) were combined with two N sources (UWC and urea).Results: The processed UWC application proportionally increased the N mineralization rate by 72% in QS, 54% in US, and 66% in OS. Furthermore, UWC application enhanced soil properties (pH and nutrient availability), compared with urea fertilizer, and improved N uptake, resulting in higher fresh biomass production in broccoli and lettuce plants (50.0 and 37.5 mg dm -3 , respectively).Conclusions: Our ndings suggest that heat-treated UWC is an economical, viable, and e cient fertilizer to improve soil properties and short-cycle vegetable crop productivity. Statement Of NoveltyPopulation growth and intensive urbanization are the leading causes of the production and accumulation of urban waste. Processing urban waste into urban waste compost (UWC) is an innovative way of recycling organic waste from cities. This study's importance, both nationally and internationally, relates to the use of novel technology to eliminate sources of soil-and water-polluting organic waste that can harm animal and human health. It also contributes to the potential reduction of the use of inorganic N sources such as urea, a nonrenewable and nite resource, the production of which depends on natural gas. This study suggests that heattreated UWC is an economical, viable, and e cient fertilizer to increase the productivity of short-cycle vegetable crops.

Interactive Role of Silicon on Attenuating Aluminum Toxicity in Sugarcane by Modifying Growth, Root Morphoanatomy, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Gas Exchange Parameters

“…The data of the variables described above were submitted to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance by the Shapiro-Wilk and Levenne tests, respectively. A Person's correlation analysis, to verify the relationship between Si and Al concentrations were submitted 59 . Additionality, a multivariate analysis (two-way ANOVA) with Al and Si factors, as well as their interactions (Al × Si) were submitted.…”

Silicon attenuates aluminum toxicity in sugarcane plants by modifying growth, roots morphoanatomy, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange parameters

“…The data of the variables described above were submitted to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance by the Shapiro–Wilk and Levenne tests, respectively. A Person’s correlation analysis, to verify the relationship between Si and Al concentrations were submitted 62 . Additionality, a multivariate analysis (two-way ANOVA) with Al and Si factors, as well as their interactions (Al × Si) were submitted.…”

Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi May Improve Soil Fertility and the Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Physiological Performance of Batavia Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) Plants

“…Apart from AMF and PGPR, the organic production of lettuce has relied on the application of organic materials, such as manures, humus-rich composts, and seaweed extracts (in foliar applications), in order to boost plant growth and yield, increase nutrient uptake and mycorrhizal colonization, and improve the antioxidant responses of L. sativa [23][24][25]. In addition, urban waste compost application improved soil properties and increased lettuce production [26]. In another comparative study, organic amendments applied to lettuce and orchardgrass were shown to supply adequate levels of N while resulting in good productivity [27].…”