RECYCLING

Biography

Biography: Muscolo Adele

Abstract

In the ongoing work, we assessed environmentally sound technologies to produce soil improver with balanced level of nutrients, and optimal agronomic characteristics. Sulfur obtained from the residues of the desulfurization of natural gas and oil, was linked with agricultural wastes (orange pulp or olive pomace) or compost from municipal wastes to produce amendments. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Our results showed that the pastilles of sulfur bentonite improved soil quality in respect to control (not amended soil). Pastilles of sulfur bentonite linked with agricultural and/or municipal wastes were more effective than sulfur bentonite itself. They were capable of lowering the pH of soils and positively affect the biological soil properties, increasing significantly the labile fraction of soil organic matter. The greatest increase was observed by using sulfur bentonite mixed with orange pulp or orange pulp and municipal waste. Regarding crop productivity, all the species utilized (red onion: Allium cepa, garlic: Allium sativum) grew better in amended soils. A fertilizer specie-specificity was also demonstrated for the first time. Red onion grew better (leaf and root length, leaf number and fruit size) with sulfur-bentonite pelletized with orange waste, while garlic grew better with sulfur-bentonite tied up with olive pomace. In short, this study demonstrated that recalcitrant agroremainders, municipal bio-wastes and sulfur represent a great resource for producing sustainable organic fertilizers. The effects are strictly dependent on the amount and composition of wastes used, and on the type of crop species. Therefore, this waste management system represents an opportunity for providing valuable products with reduction of environmental pollution.