ABSTRACT The application of organic composts derived from animal husbandry or agro-industry is a promising option to improve nutrient cycling and supply of soils and, consequently, forage production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the soil chemical properties and the nutritional state of elephant grass in response to rates of organic fertilizer composted from the waste of small ruminant production and slaughter systems. The experiment was conducted on a Fluvisol of a forage field with elephant grass var. […]

ABSTRACT The agricultural use of sewage sludge and derivatives is to be carried out according to requirements established by Brazilian federal legislation and by legislation of the State of São Paulo, which requires that these organic materials must have at least 30 % of the total organic carbon degraded when incorporated in agricultural soils. To observe the degradation rates of sewage sludge and of organic compost produced from the same sewage sludge mixed with ground material from tree pruning, we […]

ABSTRACT Production of Conilon coffee under organic management systems has increased in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil. However, information is lacking in regard to the impact of these management practices on soil carbon and nitrogen stocks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization on C and N stocks and soil bulk density (Bd) in a Conilon coffee agrosystem. A field experiment was carried out in Linhares, ES, in a randomized block design in […]

The determination of the nitrogen (N) mineralization rate in waste-treated soils is important to calculate the residue rates to be applied, supplying plants with mineral N to at the appropriate time, without leaching losses. Most studies on residue-treated soils use the technique without leaching of mineral forms and the volumetric determination method. The repeatability of the test is however poor and the sensitivity of the determination method low, especially in soils amended with sewage sludge and organic compost. In this […]

Tannery wastes generation is increasing every year and a suitable method for tannery sludge management is necessary in order to decrease this environmental problem. The composting is recognized as a suitable method for sludge recycling.. The effect of tannery sludge compost (TSC) rates on growth, nodulation and N fixation of cowpea was investigated. Sandy and clayey soils were amended with TSC at rates of 0, 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 t ha-1. The shoot dry weight of cowpea plants 45 […]