174 results for group: agrogeology-2

Factors influencing the release of plant nutrient elements from silicate rock powders: a geochemical overview

A.D. Harley & R.J. Gilkes Abstract Rock-forming minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks contain most of the nutrients required by higher plants for growth and development. Ground rock fertilisers may provide a source of nutrients to depleted topsoils where bulk soil solutions are not in equilibrium with fresh primary minerals. Slow dissolution rates of silicate minerals may inhibit the use of rock powders in agriculture unless suitable soils are identified and optimum rock powder properties developed. This review identifies previous research where the agronomic effectiveness of ground rock fertilisers has been evaluated. There are many ...

Silicate rock powder: effect on selected chemical properties of a range of soils from Western Australia and on plant growth as assessed in a glasshouse experiment

P. Hinsinger, M. D. A. Bolland, R. J. Gilkes Abstract Soil samples were collected from 20 locations from the south western part of Western Australia and incubated at 25 °C for 60 days without or with finely ground granite powder at a rate of 20 g kg−1 soil, equivalent to about 20 t ha−1. Electrical conductivity and exchangeable Na, Ca and Mg were not significantly affected by granite application for most soils. Conversely, among the 20 soils studied, nine exhibited a significant increase in exchangeable K (atp

Possibilities of using silicate rock powder: An overview

Claudete GindriRamos, James C.Hower, Erika Blanco, Marcos Leandro Silva Oliveira, Suzi Huff Theodoro Abstract This study evaluates the on use of crushed rocks (remineralizers) to increase soil fertility levels and which contributed to increase agricultural productivity, recovery of degraded areas, decontamination of water, and carbon sequestration. The use of these geological materials is part of the assumptions of rock technology and, indirectly, facilitates the achievement of sustainable development goals related to soil management, climate change, and the preservation of water resources. Research over the past 50 years on silicate rocks ...

Effects of mineralogy, chemistry and physical properties of basalts on carbon capture potential and plant-nutrient element release via enhanced weathering

Amy L.Lewis, Binoy Sarkar, Peter Wadea, Simon J.Kemp, Mark E.Hodson, Lyla L.Taylor, Kok Loong Yeong, Kalu Davies, Paul N.Nelson, Michael I.Bird, Ilsa B.Kantola, Michael D.Masters, Evan DeLucia, Jonathan R.Leake, Steven A.Banwart, David J.Beerling Abstract Mafic igneous rocks, such as basalt, are composed of abundant calcium- and magnesium-rich silicate minerals widely proposed to be suitable for scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) by enhanced rock weathering (ERW). Here, we report a detailed characterization of the mineralogy, chemistry, particle size and surface area of six mined basalts being used in large-scale ERW field trials. We use 1-D ...

The usefulness of the rock dust for the remediation of soils contaminated with nickel

Marek Jakubowski, Ewa Stanisławska-Glubiak, Bernard Gałka Abstract The purpose of this research was to examine whether the addi-tion of waste rock dust to light soil contaminated with nickel will increase the yields of cultivated plants and reduce their excessive nickel content. The research was conducted in concrete microplots of 1 m2 dimension in the complete randomisation system, as a two-factor experiment in four replications. The first factor was the level of soil contamination: (1) Ni0 – soil with natural Ni content; (2) Ni1 – 100; (3) Ni2 – 150 and (4) Ni3 – 270 mg • kg-1 of the soil. The second factor was the level of ...

Application of andesite rock as a clean source of fertilizer for eucalyptus crop: Evidence of sustainability

Adilson Celimar Dalmora, Claudete Gindri Ramos, Marcos Leandro Silva Oliveir, Luis Felipe Silva Oliveir, Ivo André Homrich Schneider, Rubens MullerKautzmann Abstract Global demineralization of agricultural soils due to unsustainable use of highly soluble fertilizers and intensive exploitation is an issue of increasing concern. Methods of remineralization include the application of volcanic rock by-product, such as vesicular andesite on mineral-deficient fields. The present work analyzed the petrography, mineralogy, and chemistry of volcanic rock by-product (vesicular andesite rock), as well as on-field experiment with eucalyptus. The petrogra...

Evaluation of Soil Re-mineralizer from By-Product of Volcanic Rock Mining: Experimental Proof Using Black Oats and Maize Crops

Claudete Gindri Ramos, Diego dos Santos de Medeiros, Leandro Gomez, Luis Felipe Silva Oliveira, Ivo André Homrich Schneider, Rubens Muller Kautzmann Abstract This study was focused on physical, petrographical, mineralogical, and chemical characterization of a volcanic-rock mining by-product (dacite rock), as well as on greenhouse experiment with black oats and maize crops to evaluate the potential use of the by-product as soil re-mineralizer. The by-product sample was obtained from a quarry in the Nova Prata mining district in southern Brazil. The particle size distribution of the by-product and soil was determined by sieving. Dacite rock ...

The potential of rock dust nanoparticles to improve seed germination and seedling vigor of native species: A review

Annabel Arnott, Lakshman Galagedara, Raymond Thomas, Mumtaz Cheema, Jean-Marie Sobzeb Abstract Land degradation as a result of unregulated mineral exploration and mining, negatively impacts local communities and vulnerable ecosystems. Phytoremediation is used as a progressive rehabilitation strategy to stabilize tailings sites, reduce soil erosion and immobilize heavy metal contaminants. However, in order to develop successful and sustainable phytoremediation methods, native plants must overcome several abiotic stressors. This review examines publicly available literature to determine the potential of repurposed tailings materials, in the form ...

Rapid Removal of Atmospheric CO2 by Urban Soils

Carla-Leanne Washbourne, Elisa Lopez-Capel, Phil Renforth, Philippa L. Ascough, and David A. C. Manning Abstract The measured calcium carbonate content of soils to a depth of 100 mm at a large urban development site has increased over 18 months at a rate that corresponds to the sequestration of 85 t of CO2/ha (8.5 kg of CO2 m–2) annually. This is a consequence of rapid weathering of calcium silicate and hydroxide minerals derived from the demolition of concrete structures, which releases Ca that combines with CO2 ultimately derived from the atmosphere, precipitating as calcite. Stable isotope data confirm an atmospheric origin for carbonate ...

Soil remineralization and recovery of degraded areas: An experience in the tropical region

Suzi Huff Theodoro, Fernandade Paula Medeiros, Marco Ianniruberto, Tamiel Khan Baiocchi Jacobson Abstract Many activities related to the expansion of food supply, energy and infrastructure result in great environmental impacts, whose most visible features are observed in the degradation of large areas. The present study demonstrates how the combined use of stonemeal technology and agroforestry systems can help to reverse such impacts, allying the recovery of degraded areas with agricultural and forest production. The study area is located in a hydroelectric reservoir affected by the siltation process and soil erosion in the hydrographic basin of ...