The potential of biosolids and flyash mixtures for soil remediation for revegetation of degraded land. Revegetation of land that has been subjected to land clearing or mining is often limited by the poor quality or lack of topsoil. It may prove possible to remediate these areas of land by incorporating a mixture of two waste products, biosolids and flyash. The aim in this project is to determine the usefulness of this method of land remediation by investigating the nutrient levels and fate of co ....The potential of biosolids and flyash mixtures for soil remediation for revegetation of degraded land. Revegetation of land that has been subjected to land clearing or mining is often limited by the poor quality or lack of topsoil. It may prove possible to remediate these areas of land by incorporating a mixture of two waste products, biosolids and flyash. The aim in this project is to determine the usefulness of this method of land remediation by investigating the nutrient levels and fate of contaminants in various mixtures of biosolids and flyash materials, in the absence and presence of soil minerals, and soil ameliorants such as fertilizers and gypsum.Read moreRead less
How are microorganisms and nutrient cycling in saline soils affected by soil matric potential? Dryland agriculture is threatened by salinity and drought, and it is well-known that individually, both can decrease not only crop growth but also microbial activity and nutrient cycling which are critical for sustainability. As our climate becomes drier, it is necessary to understand how microbial activity and nutrient cycling in saline soils will be affected by drought and sporadic summer rainfall ev ....How are microorganisms and nutrient cycling in saline soils affected by soil matric potential? Dryland agriculture is threatened by salinity and drought, and it is well-known that individually, both can decrease not only crop growth but also microbial activity and nutrient cycling which are critical for sustainability. As our climate becomes drier, it is necessary to understand how microbial activity and nutrient cycling in saline soils will be affected by drought and sporadic summer rainfall events. As an international team of soil biologists, we will investigate the interactions between salinity and soil moisture on microbial activity and nutrient cycling. The results will provide insights into nutrient cycling in saline soils now and in the future and the benefit of amelioration strategies.Read moreRead less