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Beesigamukama D, Tanga CM, Sevgan S, Ekesi S, Kelemu S. Waste to value: Global perspective on the impact of entomocomposting on environmental health, greenhouse gas mitigation and soil bioremediation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166067. [PMID: 37544444 PMCID: PMC10594063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The innovative use of insects to recycle low-value organic waste into value-added products such as food, feed and other products with a low ecological footprint has attracted rapid attention globally. The insect frass (a combination unconsumed substrate, faeces, and exuviae) contains substantial amounts of nutrients and beneficial microbes that could utilised as fertilizer. We analyse research trends and report on the production, nutrient quality, maturity and hygiene status of insect-composted organic fertilizer (ICOF) generated from different organic wastes, and their influence on soil fertility, pest and pathogen suppression, and crop productivity. Lastly, we discuss the impact of entomocomposting on greenhouse gas mitigation and provide critical analysis on the regulatory aspects of entomocomposting, and utilization and commercialisation ICOF products. This information should be critical to inform research and policy decisions aimed at developing and promoting appropriate standards and guidelines for quality production, sustainable utilization, and successful integration of entomocompost into existing fertilizer supply chains and cropping systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Beesigamukama
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Chrysantus M Tanga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Subramanian Sevgan
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sunday Ekesi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Segenet Kelemu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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Marchuk S, Tait S, Sinha P, Harris P, Antille DL, McCabe BK. Biosolids-derived fertilisers: A review of challenges and opportunities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162555. [PMID: 36889394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soil application of biosolids as an organic fertiliser continues to be a cost-effective way to beneficially utilise its carbon and nutrient contents to maintain soil fertility. However, ongoing concerns over microplastics and persistent organic contaminants means that land-application of biosolids has come under increased scrutiny. To identify a way forward for the ongoing future use of biosolids-derived fertilisers in agriculture, the current work presents a critical review of: (1) contaminants of concern in biosolids and how regulatory approaches can address these to enable on-going beneficial reuse, (2) nutrient contents and bioavailability in biosolids to understand agronomic potential, (3) developments in extractive technologies to preserve and recover nutrients from biosolids before destructive dissipation when the biosolids are thermally processed to deal with persistent contaminants of concern (e.g. microplastics), and (4) use of the recovered nutrients, and the biochar produced by thermal processing, in novel organomineral fertilisers that match specific equipment, crop and soil requirements of broad-acre cropping. Several challenges were identified and recommendations for prioritisation of future research and development are provided to enable safe beneficial reuse of biosolids-derived fertilisers. Opportunities include more efficient technologies to preserve, extract and reuse nutrients from sewage sludge and biosolids, and the production of organomineral fertiliser products with characteristics that enable reliable widespread use across broad-acre agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhiy Marchuk
- Centre for Agricultural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Stephan Tait
- Centre for Agricultural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Payel Sinha
- Centre for Agricultural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Peter Harris
- Centre for Agricultural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Diogenes L Antille
- Centre for Agricultural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia; CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Bernadette K McCabe
- Centre for Agricultural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia.
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Shi W, Healy MG, Ashekuzzaman SM, Daly K, Fenton O. Mineral fertiliser equivalent value of dairy processing sludge and derived biochar using ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and spring wheat (Triticumaestivum). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:116012. [PMID: 35998535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As supply chains of chemical fertilisers become more precarious, raw or derived bio-based fertilisers (herein referred to as bio-fertilisers) from the dairy processing industry could be good alternatives. However, their agronomic performance is relatively unknown, and where documented, the method to estimate this value is rarely presented. This pot study investigated aluminium-precipitated and calcium-precipitated dairy processing sludges (Al and Ca-DPS) and DPS-derived biochar as potential bio-fertilisers to grow ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum). The study aims were to examine how (1) application rate (optimal versus high) and (2) calculation methods (with and without chemical fertiliser response curves) can affect estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus mineral fertiliser equivalence value (N- and P-MFE) and associated agronomic advice. The results from both crops showed that for nitrogen application rates (125 or 160 kg ha-1 for ryegrass and 160 or 240 kg ha-1 for spring wheat) estimates of N-MFE increased for both Al-DPS and Ca-DPS as application rate increased. Dry matter yield response curves produced the highest % N-MFE results (e.g., ryegrass ∼50% and 70% for Al-DPS and Ca-DPS) with other calculation methods producing all similar results (e.g., ryegrass ∼20% for Al-DPS and Ca-DPS). For phosphorus application rates (40 or 80 kg ha-1 for ryegrass and 50 or 80 kg ha-1 for spring wheat), estimates of P-MFE did not increase with application rate. Negative P-MFE values obtained for Ca-DPS and DPS-biochar when growing ryegrass and spring wheat grain, respectively, indicated low plant available phosphorus. Overall, Al-DPS had better performance as a bio-fertiliser when compared to the other products tested. There was no significant difference between the two calculation methods of MFE, which suggests that the determination of MFE could be simplified by using one application as opposed to numerous application rates of fertilisers. Future work should focus on elucidating the N- and P-MFE of a wider range of DPS and STRUBIAS bio-fertilisers, and alternative methods should be investigated that enable a comparison across all bio-fertiliser types.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Shi
- Environment Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Co. Wexford, Ireland; Civil Engineering and Ryan Institute, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - M G Healy
- Civil Engineering and Ryan Institute, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - S M Ashekuzzaman
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, And Sustainable Infrastructure Research & Innovation Group, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| | - K Daly
- Environment Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Co. Wexford, Ireland
| | - O Fenton
- Environment Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Co. Wexford, Ireland
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Hu Y, Khomenko O, Shi W, Velasco-Sánchez Á, Ashekuzzaman SM, Bennegadi-Laurent N, Daly K, Fenton O, Healy MG, Leahy JJ, Sørensen P, Sommer SG, Taghizadeh-Toosi A, Trinsoutrot-Gattin I. Systematic Review of Dairy Processing Sludge and Secondary STRUBIAS Products Used in Agriculture. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.763020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide dairy processing plants produce high volumes of dairy processing sludge (DPS), which can be converted into secondary derivatives such as struvite, biochar and ash (collectively termed STRUBIAS). All of these products have high fertilizer equivalent values (FEV), but future certification as phosphorus (P)-fertilizers in the European Union will mean they need to adhere to new technical regulations for fertilizing materials i.e., content limits pertaining to heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn), synthetic organic compounds and pathogens. This systematic review presents the current state of knowledge about these bio-based fertilizers and identifies knowledge gaps. In addition, a review and calculation of greenhouse gas emissions from a range of concept dairy sludge management and production systems for STRUBIAS products [i.e., biochar from pyrolysis and hydrochar from hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)] is presented. Results from the initial review showed that DPS composition depends on product type and treatment processes at a given processing plant, which leads to varied nutrient, heavy metal and carbon contents. These products are all typically high in nutrients and carbon, but low in heavy metals. Further work needs to concentrate on examining their pathogenic microorganism and emerging contaminant contents, in addition to conducting an economic assessment of production and end-user costs related to chemical fertilizer equivalents. With respect to STRUBIAS products, contaminants not present in the raw DPS may need further treatment before being land applied in agriculture e.g., heated producing ashes, hydrochar, or biochar. An examination of these products from an environmental perspective shows that their water quality footprint could be minimized using application rates based on P incorporation of these products into nutrient management planning and application by incorporation into the soil. Results from the concept system showed that elimination of methane emissions was possible, along with a reduction in nitrous oxide. Less carbon (C) is transferred to agricultural fields where DPS is processed into biochar and hydrochar, but due to high recalcitrance, the C in this form is retained much longer in the soil, and therefore STRUBIAS products represent a more stable and long-term option to increase soil C stocks and sequestration.
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Beesigamukama D, Mochoge B, Korir NK, Fiaboe KKM, Nakimbugwe D, Khamis FM, Subramanian S, Dubois T, Musyoka MW, Ekesi S, Kelemu S, Tanga CM. Exploring Black Soldier Fly Frass as Novel Fertilizer for Improved Growth, Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Maize Under Field Conditions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:574592. [PMID: 33072150 PMCID: PMC7539147 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.574592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is increasingly gaining momentum worldwide as organic fertilizer. However, research on its performance on crop production remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluate the comparative performance of BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) on maize (H513) production. Both fertilizers were applied at the rates of 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t ha-1, and 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg nitrogen (N) ha-1. Mineral fertilizer (urea) was also applied at 0, 30, 60 and 100 kg N ha-1 to establish the N fertilizer equivalence (NFE) of the organic fertilizers. Maize grown in plots treated with BSFFF had the tallest plants and highest chlorophyll concentrations. Plots treated with 7.5 t ha-1 of BSFFF had 14% higher grain yields than plots treated with a similar rate of SAFI. There was a 27% and 7% increase in grain yields in plots treated with 100 kg N ha-1 of BSFFF compared to those treated with equivalent rates of SAFI and urea fertilizers, respectively. Application of BSFFF at 7.5 t ha-1 significantly increased N uptake by up to 23% compared to the equivalent rate of SAFI. Likewise, application of BSFFF at 100 kg N ha-1 increased maize N uptake by 76% and 29% compared to SAFI and urea, respectively. Maize treated with BSFFF at 2.5 t ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 had higher nitrogen recovery efficiencies compared to equivalent rates of SAFI. The agronomic N use efficiency (AEN) of maize treated with 2.5 t ha-1 of BSFFF was 2.4 times higher than the value achieved using an equivalent rate of SAFI. Also, the AEN of maize grown using 30 kg N ha-1 was 27% and 116% higher than the values obtained using equivalent rates of SAFI and urea fertilizers, respectively. The NFE of BSFFF (108%) was 2.5 times higher than that of SAFI. Application rates of 2.5 t ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 of BSFFF were found to be effective in improving maize yield, while double rates of SAFI were required. Our findings demonstrate that BSFFF is a promising and sustainable alternative to commercial fertilizers for increased maize production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Beesigamukama
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Crop Production and Management, Busitema University, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Benson Mochoge
- Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nicholas K. Korir
- Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Komi K. M. Fiaboe
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Dorothy Nakimbugwe
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Food Technology, Nutrition & Bioengineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fathiya M. Khamis
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Thomas Dubois
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Martha W. Musyoka
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sunday Ekesi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Segenet Kelemu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer and Synchrony of Nitrogen Mineralization for Maize Production. AGRONOMY-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/agronomy10091395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is being promoted globally. However, information on nitrogen (N) fertilizer equivalence (NFE) value and synchrony of N mineralization for crop production remains largely unknown. Comparative studies between BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) were undertaken under field conditions to determine synchrony of N release for maize uptake. The BSFFF, SAFI, and urea fertilizers were applied at the rates of 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg N ha−1. The yield data from urea treated plots were used to determine the NFE of both organic inputs. Results showed that maize from BSFFF treated plots had higher N uptake than that from SAFI treated plots. High N immobilization was observed throughout the active growth stages of maize grown in soil amended with BSFFF, whereas soil treated with SAFI achieved net N release at the silking stage. Up to three times higher negative N fluxes were observed in SAFI amended soils as compared with BSFFF treated plots at the tasseling stage. The BSFFF applied at 30 and 60 kg N ha−1 achieved significantly higher NFE than all SAFI treatments. Our findings revealed that BSFFF is a promising and sustainable alternative to SAFI or urea for enhanced maize production.
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Štýbnarová M, Látal O, Hladký J, Hradilová M, Skládanka J, Bilošová H, Brtnický M. Changes in Grassland Chemical Soil Parameters Four Years after Cessation of Different Fertilisation with Compost and Slurry. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2018. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun201866010211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Maguire RO, Kleinman PJA, Beegle DB. Novel manure management technologies in no-till and forage introduction to the special series. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2011; 40:287-291. [PMID: 21520734 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2010.0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Surface application of manures leaves nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) susceptible to being lost in runoff, and N can also be lost to the atmosphere through ammonia (IH3) volatilization. Tillage immediately after surface application of manure moves manure nutrients under the soil surface, where they are less vulnerable to runoff and volatilization loss. Tillage, however, destroys soil structure, can lead to soil erosion, and is incompatible with forage and no-till systems. A variety of technologies are now available to place manure nutrients under the soil surface, but these are not widely used as surface broadcasting is cheap and long established as the standard method for land application of manure. This collection of papers includes agronomic, environmental, and economic assessments of subsurface manure application technologies, many of which clearly show benefits when comparedwith surface broadcasting. However, there remain significant gaps in our current knowledge, some related to the site-specific nature of technological performance, others related to the nascent and incomplete nature of the assessment process. Thus, while we know that we can improve land application of manure and the sustainability of farming systems with alternatives to surface broadcasting, many questions remain concerning which technologies work best for particular soils, manure types, and farming and cropping systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory O Maguire
- Dep. Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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