Comparison of diethyl ether and ethyl acetate as extracting agents for recovery of Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. eggs

Ethyl acetate and diethyl ether were compared for their ability to recover Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. eggs from seeded milorganite, liquid sludge, and cabbage. Concentrations of 10, 100, and 1000 eggs/10 g test sample were prepared for 20 replicates of each product. The use of diethyl ether yielded fewer eggs/10 g than did ethyl acetate in 5 of 6 sets of data. For Ascaris spp., recovery from cabbage was 10 times higher with ethyl acetate at the higher concentration than with diethyl ether. For Trichuris spp., recovery from liquid sludge was slightly higher with diethyl ether for all egg concentrations. The other results ranged from 0 to 23% difference in recovery for the 2 agents. Depending on the parasites in question and the products to be screened, the substitution of ethyl acetate for diethyl ether may be significant.     

Tomato waste compost as an alternative substrate to peat moss for the production of vegetable seedlings

Different proportions of tomato waste compost (TWC) were combined with peat moss and vermiculite as growth substrates used to evaluate the quality of seedlings of economic vegetables, including tomato, hot pepper, cucumber and summer squash. The seeding substrates used were: (T0), vermiculite: peat moss: TWC (4: 1: 0, by weight), 0% TWC; (T1), vermiculite: peat: TWC (4: 0.75: 0.25), 5% TWC; (T2), vermiculite: peat: TWC (4: 0.5: 0.5), 10% TWC; (T3), vermiculite: peat: TWC (4: 0.25: 0.75), 15% TWC; and (T4), vermiculite: peat: TWC (4: 0: 1), 20% TWC. The best seedling response was recorded in substrate mixtures supplemented with 5% and 10% TWC, which hastened seed germination and improved seedling morphology. Since vegetable seedlings produced with TWC-amended substrate were of higher quality, compared to those produced exclusively on peat substrate, we suggest that TWC may be used to replace partially peat-based substrate used for vegetable transplants production in nurseries.     

Ridging in autumn as an alternative to mouldboard ploughing in a humid-temperate region

In the original ridge tillage system as practiced in the US Corn Belt, ridges are formed during the growing season. Several studies have documented that this can reduce leaching of nutrients and improve fertilizer efficiency. This study was conducted to determine whether ridges formed in autumn can be used as an alternative to ploughing to reduce N leaching during autumn and winter, and thereby increase growth and N uptake of a subsequent unfertilized crop. A factorial field experiment with tillage and residues as factors was conducted during 1998–2000. Tillage treatments were autumn ridging and ploughing. Residue treatments were stubble, stubble + straw and stubble + liquid manure in order to create a gradient of C/N ratios. From the time of harvest until planting of a subsequent barley crop (Hordeum vulgare L.), inorganic N was determined 11 times in 1998–1999 and 10 times in 1999–2000 in the 0–10, 10–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm soil layers. Growth and N uptake of barley was quantified nine times in both 1999 and 2000. Barley grain and straw yields were determined. Ridging resulted in lower levels of inorganic N in the 30–90 cm soil layer in November and a significantly higher level of inorganic N in the 0–30 cm soil layer in late April, indicating reduced leaching and increased N availability for the subsequent crop. Ridging significantly increased growth, yield and N uptake of barley whereas incorporation of straw generally reduced growth, yield and N uptake. It is concluded that ridging in autumn has a N conserving effect, and it is suggested that the potential of ridging in autumn as an alternative to ploughing is further investigated in detailed studies of solute movement, N immobilization/mineralization and crop performance.     

Regression analysis of use-dilution disinfectant test data as an alternative to current registration practices

The historical application of probit analysis applied to the use-dilution disinfectant test is discussed. Attention is focused on earlier work which either deleted or incompletely applied confidence limits leading to much current controversy in disinfectant test interpretation. It is proposed that the probit analysis approach applied to disinfectants is indeed feasible and that a more complete application of confidence limits to the assay will yield more reliable data than those currently required for disinfectant product registration with the Environmental Protection Agency. A suggested modified registration protocol using probit analysis is offered as an alternative to the current registration guidelines.     

Applicability of near infrared spectroscopy as an alternative to acid detergent analysis for cattle and swine manure compost

Recently, acid detergent analysis has been reported to provide valid data to evaluate decomposition properties and to determine the available nitrogen (AVN) of organic materials, such as compost. However, this methodology requires complex procedures and creates considerable costs. As an alternative, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as a simple method to determine acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and acid-detergent-soluble organic matter (ADSOM), in order to evaluate the decomposition properties of cattle and swine manure compost. To establish an easy and accurate method of estimating AVN in cattle and swine manure compost, the accuracies of direct estimations of AVN by NIRS in incubation experiments and indirect estimations by NIRS based on acid-detergent-soluble nitrogen (ADSN) or total nitrogen (TN) were examined. The reflectance spectra of freeze-dried and milled compost samples were determined using a scanning monochromator. Second derivative spectra and multiple regression analysis were used to develop calibration equations for each constituent. The calibration equations for ADF, ADL and ADSOM were "successful" according to commonly applied criteria. Acid-detergent-soluble nitrogen was found to be more suitable than TN for estimating AVN in cattle and swine manure compost. As the accuracies of the estimations of ADSN and TN by NIRS were comparable, the estimation of AVN based on ADSN as determined by NIRS was more accurate than that based on TN determined by NIRS. The direct prediction of AVN through NIRS was not as accurate as the estimation of AVN based on ADSN determined by NIRS. We conclude that NIRS is a practicable alternative to the time-consuming acid detergent analysis of cattle and swine compost, and that ADSN as determined by NIRS is useful for estimating AVN in the compost.     

Applicability of near infrared spectroscopy as an alternative to acid detergent analysis for cattle and swine manure compost

Abstract

Recently, acid detergent analysis has been reported to provide valid data to evaluate decomposition properties and to determine the available nitrogen (AVN) of organic materials, such as compost. However, this methodology requires complex procedures and creates considerable costs. As an alternative, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as a simple method to determine acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and acid-detergent-soluble organic matter (ADSOM), in order to evaluate the decomposition properties of cattle and swine manure compost. To establish an easy and accurate method of estimating AVN in cattle and swine manure compost, the accuracies of direct estimations of AVN by NIRS in incubation experiments and indirect estimations by NIRS based on acid-detergent-soluble nitrogen (ADSN) or total nitrogen (TN) were examined. The reflectance spectra of freeze-dried and milled compost samples were determined using a scanning monochromator. Second derivative spectra and multiple regression analysis were used to develop calibration equations for each constituent. The calibration equations for ADF, ADL and ADSOM were “successful” according to commonly applied criteria. Acid-detergent-soluble nitrogen was found to be more suitable than TN for estimating AVN in cattle and swine manure compost. As the accuracies of the estimations of ADSN and TN by NIRS were comparable, the estimation of AVN based on ADSN as determined by NIRS was more accurate than that based on TN determined by NIRS. The direct prediction of AVN through NIRS was not as accurate as the estimation of AVN based on ADSN determined by NIRS. We conclude that NIRS is a practicable alternative to the time-consuming acid detergent analysis of cattle and swine compost, and that ADSN as determined by NIRS is useful for estimating AVN in the compost.     

Mole drainage as an alternative to sand slitting in natural turf sports surfaces on clays

The drainage of sports surfaces of natural turf is essential for increasing access to sports facilities and to increase participation. Commonly, these surfaces are situated on soils of low hydraulic conductivity, which require the installation of remedial drainage to bypass the flow of water from the surface to an outfall. This is usually achieved with sand slit drainage, which is costly. A number of these soils are suitable for mole drainage at a much lower cost. Using an actual football pitch in a field‐scale experiment on a smectitic, calcareous clay, this study determined that mole drainage was effective in reducing soil moisture content at 100‐mm depth, but the reduction was not as great as sand slit drainage in the first year after installation. Despite peak soil moisture deficits of 101 and 157 mm in 2005 and 2006, mole leg‐slots did not re‐open in the 2 years following installation. There was significant slumping of the sand slits, however, because of soil shrinkage. This prevented play on the sand slit area to safeguard players.     

Use of digestate as an alternative to mineral fertilizer: effects on growth and crop quality

Nowadays, the recycling of organic wastes represents a key factor for improving soil and crop quality with socio-economic and environmental benefits. In recent years, the production of digestate significantly increased with a crescent need to be sustainable disposal. The use of digestate as soil amendment has been widely studied but few researches evaluated the digestate effects on crop quality. Since it has been proven that digestate increased soil fertility, we hypothesized that it could increase crop quality as organic fertilizers do. To verify this hypothesis, we analyzed the effects of two digestates on Cucumber quality. Cucumber was chosen because it is an important old crop used worldwide as fresh food, and in cosmetic and pharmaceutic industries. Results showed that digestates increased its content of phenols and flavonoids with antioxidant activity. Neohesperidine and hesperitin with well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties as well as naringin and narirutin with the power of reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications were manifested only in digestate amended cucumbers. These results highlighted the potentiality of digestates not only as crop growth promoter but also as phytochemical inducers representing a good option for the production of high-quality food with reduced chemical mineral fertilizer inputs.     

Dynamics of residue decomposition and N2 fixation of grain legumes upon sugarcane residue retention as an alternative to burning

Burning of sugarcane residues contributes to air pollution and sugarcane producers have been forced to abandon it. The change from burning to residue retention is likely to alter the cycling of nutrients. Additionally, there is often a time gap of 6–8 months between two different sugarcane cycles during which legumes could be planted. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of burning, mulching or incorporation of sugarcane residues on residue decomposition and N mineralization (sugarcane residue management period) and subsequently upon ploughing (legume period) on N dynamics, N₂ fixation, development and nutrient yields of groundnut and soybean grown between two sugarcane cycles on a sandy soil in Northeast Thailand.

Soil microbial biomass N increased when sugarcane residues were incorporated instead of burned or surface applied at 14 days after initiation of cane residue management. Thereafter, high net N mineralization was accompanied by a reduction in microbial biomass N, indicating that mineralized N was derived from microbial N turnover. However, upon ploughing after 96 days the different previous sugarcane residue management strategies had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on net mineral N and microbial biomass N during the subsequent legume period. Although, ¹⁵N enrichment in control reference plants and plant N uptake indicated significant N immobilization effects persisting into the legume crop phase, the proportion of N derived from N₂ fixation (%Ndfa) or amount of N₂ fixed were not significantly different between sugarcane residue management treatments. Soybean fixed more N₂ (78%Ndfa, 234 kg N fixed ha⁻¹) than groundnut (67%Ndfa, 170 kg N fixed ha⁻¹) due to its larger N demand and a poorer utilization of soil N (64 kg N ha⁻¹ vs. 85 kg N ha⁻¹). Groundnut led to a positive soil N balance while that of soybean was negative due to its high nitrogen harvest index. Legume residues returned 61 and 146 kg N ha⁻¹ to the soil for soybean and groundnut, respectively, compared to only 34–39 kg N ha⁻¹ by fallow weeds. Sugarcane residue retention improved soil organic carbon and N content. The results suggested that although a change from burning to sugarcane residues retention led to alterations in N cycling and improved soil organic matter it did not significantly affect N₂ fixation due to the uniforming action of ploughing and the extended time gap between sugarcane residue incorporation and legume planting.     

Remote-sensing data as an alternative input for the ‘STREAM’ runoff model

Water erosion of cropland constitutes an issue for natural environments along runoff flowpaths due to property damage by soil-laden water and the associated transfer of nutrients and pesticides. In the Pays de Caux region of northwestern France, the silty soils with crusting properties induce a high risk of runoff and erosion. Changes in agricultural practices, land use and landscape patterns appear to have increased the occurrence of erosion and mud flows over the past few decades.A runoff and erosion model called STREAM, applicable to single rainfall events at catchment scale, has been developed to simulate the impacts of land-use modifications. The model takes into account processes that degrade surface states when calculating infiltration rates, as well as agricultural aspects when computing the runoff circulation network. STREAM is based on an expert-system approach that focuses on the dominant processes whilst having only a few input parameters: three of these are used to determine the runoff circulation network, and the other four to calculate infiltration rates. Input nevertheless requires field observations, which restricts application of the model to small catchments.Satellite data covering large areas is considered as an alternative input for such a model, the main objectives being to adapt STREAM accordingly, and to compare the obtained results with field data. In view of previous work involving the extraction and validation of roughness indices using RADARSAT data, this study is based on RADARSAT and LANDSAT TM data collected during the winter of 1998.After adaptation to receive remote-sensing data, the resulting STREAM-TED model requires less input, namely (1) slope and orientation, (2) land-use classification from optical remote-sensing data, (3) roughness indices from radar remote-sensing data, and (4) previous rainfall.Runoff volumes at a gauged catchment outlet (Bourville in Upper Normandy, France) are simulated by four successive versions of the model ranging from the original STREAM to the adapted STREAM-TED. Predictions of the four versions are compared, and performance of the successive simulations is assessed in relation to measured values and according to five statistical indices.Predictions of runoff volume at the catchment outlet using STREAM-TED are similar to those using the original STREAM model, but with a tendency towards overestimation. The final STREAM-TED version is capable of identifying areas sensitive to runoff within a group of catchments and could be used as a planning decision tool in the implementation of conservation practices.     

Biochar derived from dairy cattle carcasses as an alternative source of phosphorus and amendment for soil acidity

Two pot experiments were conducted to evaluate biochar derived from dead dairy cattle as a mineral fertilizer, especially phosphorus (P) fertilizer, and to clarify the effect of particle size of biochar on plant growth (Zea mays L.) and P uptake. To produce the biochar, body parts of dead cattle were placed in a charring chamber and allowed to char at 450°C for 4 h. The biochar was of high pH and rich in major plant nutrients, especially P. Application of fine biochar (< 1 mm) increased P uptake by the corn plants grown in soil of low available P status. As a result, plant growth was improved following biochar application and dry matter production was also increased. The effect of the biochar application on the P uptake and plant growth was promoted by the application of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Soil analysis after harvest indicated that the biochar application increased soil pH, available P and exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) compared with the soil before seeding, while soil available N and exchangeable potassium (K) were considerably decreased. The decrease in the soil available N was incomprehensible, because the result of the mass balance given by the difference between input as the applied N from the biochar and fertilizer N and output as the N uptake by the plants was positive. We observed a similar result in the mass balance of K to the case of N. The medium (2–4 mm) and coarse (> 4 mm) grade biochar did not significantly affect plant growth, because P uptake was not, or was only slightly, increased by the application of these biochars. Dissolution of P from the coarser biochars was probably slower than that of the fine biochar. The lower dissolution of P from the medium and coarse biochars was supported by the lower P absorption efficiency of these biochars compared with that of the fine biochar and superphosphate. The effect of fine biochar on plant growth and P uptake was similar to that of superphosphate. We can therefore conclude that fine biochar derived from cattle carcasses is an effective source of P fertilizer and amendment for soil acidity. The N and K contents in the biochar, although relatively high, cannot be relied upon as a mineral fertilizer. Further studies are needed to assess whether the N and K contents of the biochar indicate it can be regarded as a useful fertilizer.     

Coffee waste as an alternative fertilizer with soil improving properties for sandy soils in humid tropical environments

Arenosols cover extensive areas in coffee producing, humid tropical countries of Sub‐Sahara Africa (Angola, DR Congo) and Southern America (Brazil). A laboratory experiment was undertaken to examine the potential of using coffee waste to improve the physico‐chemical properties of an Arenosol from DR Congo. The amendment was applied at three rates to the topsoil and incubated in soil columns at field moisture capacity for 24 months. A control without any amendment was integral to the completely randomized experimental design involving three replicates. The soil columns were watered weekly with an amount of distilled water approximating to 87% of the average rainfall. Every 3 months, the soil chemical properties and the fraction of leached water and cations were measured. All application rates raised soil pH above 5.5 within 3 months. Exchangeable Ca, Mg and K showed respectively, 5 to 7‐, 2 to 3‐ and 7 to 14‐fold increases with increasing application rates. Organic C and total N significantly increased within 6 months to ca. 1.5 and 0.12% respectively, inducing a decrease in the C/N ratio from 17 to 13. The combined action of increasing soil pH and organic C contributed to a significant increase in cation exchange capacity. Increases in available P were significant, but temporary, with maximum values attained at 9 months. Coffee waste application significantly increased the fraction of retained soil water from 53% to 60%. It promoted the retention of basic cations, immobilized Mn, but increased the mobility of Fe. Coffee waste has the potential to be used as a liming material, an NPK fertilizer and has the benefits also of increasing water and nutrient retention.     

Use of sensor data for turbidity,pH and conductivity as an alternative to conventional water quality monitoring in four Norwegian case studies

Sensor technology represents a relatively novel opportunity for water quality monitoring, and some of its many potential uses have been explored and assessed in this paper. Four Norwegian case studies with sensor recordings of turbidity, pH, conductivity and water level have been used for this assessment. The cases have included rivers, creeks and storm water overflow systems, with both point- and non-point sources of pollution from different types of land use including agriculture, road construction works, road salt application and acidic bedrocks. The results indicated that: (1) good correlations were found between sensor-based turbidity data and concentrations of both suspended particulate matter and phosphorus in grab samples from a small agricultural stream; (2) sensor recordings of turbidity proved superior to both fortnightly grab sampling and time-integrated composite sampling in terms of detecting high values of suspended sediments from both diffuse and point sources. However, the calculation of average concentrations based on fortnightly grab samples and sensor data gave almost similar results; (3) at a road construction site, the use of equipment with multiple sensors revealed that anticipated cause and effect relationships between fish deaths and high sediment loads could not be detected, but episodes of low pH of 5–5.5 did occur during rainstorms, probably as a result of weathering of acidic bedrock; and (4) in an urban road system subject to salt application in the wintertime, sensor technology revealed short-term peaks of salinity, on occasions as high as for sea water. Overall, these findings have demonstrated the usefulness of sensor data compared to traditional methods, in particular due to the possibility of high-frequency recordings of several parameters in systems with rapid changes in water quality.     

Managing root-knot nematodes and weeds with 1,3-dichloropropene as an alternative to methyl bromide in cucumber crops in China

1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) was evaluated as a potential alternative for the widely used soil fumigant methyl bromide (MeBr) in cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linn.) crops in China. Six treatments were replicated five times in a randomized complete block design: fumigation with MeBr (400 kg·ha(-1)), three 1,3-D doses (90, 120, and 180 L·ha(-1)), an avermectin dose (7.5 L·ha(-1)), and a nontreated control. Results consistently indicated that MeBr was generally superior to the treatments involving all 1,3-D and avermectin, which in turn were superior to the control, for improving cucumber yield and to control nematode and weed. In two successive seasons, 1,3-D at a dose of 180 L·ha(-1) was as effective as MeBr in increasing plant height, vigor, and yield, as well as showed excellent nematode control efficiency, but it had relatively poor potency to control weeds. The present data support the conclusion that 1,3-D is a promising MeBr alternative for managing nematodes and weeds in cucumber crops and can be used in integrated pest management programs.     

Post-harvest residues of field pea/oat mixtures as a source of biological nitrogen for hybrid winter rye

ABSTRACT

The conducted studies show post-harvest residues of sowing/pea mixtures limit leaching of mineral nitrogen deeper into the soil profile compared to post-harvest residues of sowing peas, as they affect the yield and amount of nitrogen accumulated in hybrid winter rye grain. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the post-harvest residue biomass of field pea, oat and their mixtures on yielding and quantity of nitrogen accumulated in hybrid winter rye grain. Two factors were examined: factor I ? post-harvest residues of field pea 100% ? pure stand, oat 100% ? pure stand, field pea 75%?+?oat 25%, field pea 50%?+?oat 50%, field pea 25%?+?oat 75%; factor II ? forecrop harvest date: the stage of field pea flowering, the stage of field pea flat green pod. The obtained results demonstrated that the lowest mineral nitrogen content in two soil layers was recorded following oat harvested at the stage of field pea flat green pod. The research revealed that hybrid winter rye cultivated after the mixture consisting of 50% field pea and 50% oat should be recommended for wide agricultural application in order to obtain high grain yield.     

Analysis of mixtures of drugs/chemicals along a fixed-ratio ray without single-chemical data to support an additivity model

This article presents and illustrates an approach to designing and analyzing studies involving mixtures/combinations of drugs or chemicals along fixed-ratio rays of the drugs or chemicals for generalized linear models. When interest can be restricted to a specific ray, we consider fixed-ratio ray designs to reduce the amount of experimental effort. When a ray design is used, we have shown that the hypothesis of additivity can be rejected when higher order polynomial terms are required in the total dose-response model. Thus, it is important that we have precise parameter estimates for these higher order polynomial terms in the linear predictor. We have developed methodology for finding a D _s -optimal design based on this subset of the terms in the linear predictor.     

Willow stands as an alternative method for the reduction of leachate at contaminated sites — numerical investigations

The commonly used multiple‐liner‐system of modern top sealings of contaminated sites is expensive and in many cases (minor hazardousness of pollutants), not necessary. As an alternative, we investigated the performance of willow stands as the only measure to reduce percolating soil water and therewith pollutant transport to underlying ground water resources. It is well accepted that willows have a high water demand and may considerably reduce percolation. On the basis of experimentally determined soil physical properties of a landfill site, we performed water balance calculations with the physically based HYDRUS‐code and a simple bucket approach. The 20 yr annual leachate rate for bare soil was calculated to vary from 336 (HYDRUS) to 451 mm yr^—1 (bucket‐model). Willows were able to reduce the annual leachate to 146 (HYDRUS) and 186 mm yr^—1 (bucket‐model), indicating their great performance compared to a grass‐ or beechwood cover. However, legal regulations (TASi) in Germany cannot be met with the proposed method. In minor hazardous cases, official authorities may accept willow stands as an alternative system for protection.     

Development of an alternative to the Olsen bicarbonate-extraction test for determining plant-available phosphorus in basaltic soils

Abstract. Recent work has demonstrated that the Olsen test for phosphorus (P) is an unreliable predictor of plant-available P in soils derived from basalt parent material in Northern Ireland. The present study was conducted to develop a more reliable soil-P test for these soils by regressing P fractions removed from soil by various chemical extractants against herbage P indices calculated from plant tissue test data using a diagnosis and recommendation integrated system. The degree of P saturation of the soil P sorption capacity, based on ammonium oxalate extractable P, Al and Fe, provided a better prediction of P available to swards on basaltic soils than either the Olsen test or a number of other well-known soil-P test procedures. The superiority of the degree of P saturation test on basaltic soils was attributed to the fact that it simultaneously takes account of both P quantity and P buffering capacity factors in predicting P availability. The Olsen-P test, which accounts for the P quantity factor alone, was only reliable for non-basaltic soils. Re-classifying the P fertility status of basaltic soils according to the degree of P saturation test could result in considerably less P being recommended for these soils with possible consequential benefits to water quality.