Work

Effect of Almond Residue Soil Amendments and Irrigation Regiment on Organic Acid Development and Transport in Soil

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Preplant soil disinfestation often relies on harmful soil fumigants; however, the efficacy of sustainable alternatives using biomass amendment fermentation is limited to tillage depths (0–15 cm). This soil column study evaluated whether increasing the irrigation frequency could promote anaerobic pest-suppressive conditions in deeper soils by leaching biocidal fermentation products (organic acids) from surface-applied amendments. Columns received either singular (standard) or weekly irrigation. Almond hulls, an agricultural byproduct, were either incorporated 0–15 cm into soil or applied as a surface mulch. Oxygen and organic acids were measured at 4–50 cm over 21 days, and the experiment was conducted in triplicate. Anaerobic conditions (3% O 2 ) were achieved after 5 days, corresponding to acetic acid accumulation below amended layers: maximum concentrations ranged from 42 to 93 mM at 19–50 cm depths. Additional irrigation further increased concentrations in the deepest layer (50 cm) by almost 50%, demonstrating that water management can enable strategies for depth-dependent soil pest control. This may be particularly valuable for soil disinfestation ahead of the establishment of deep-rooted crops.

Source: ACS Agricultural Science & Technology

DOI: 10.1021/acsagscitech.4c00133

Authors: Emily Shea, Jesus Fernandez-Bayo, Christopher Simmons

Institution: University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Plant Disease Management Techniques

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500