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Application of biosolids as an alternative source of Nitrogen (N) is becoming a common silviculture practices on loblolly pine forest. However, little is known about how biosolids type, application rate, and timing affect forest floor and soil N availability in pine plantations. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of different types, rates, and season of application of biosolids on forest floor and soil N. The study was established in a 17-year-old loblolly pine plantation in Amelia County, VA. Anaerobically digested (AD225), lime stabilized (LS225), and pelletized (Pellet225) biosolids and a conventional inorganic urea plus diammonium phosphate fertilizer (U+DAP225) were surface applied at a rate of 225 kg ha-1 based on Plant Available Nitrogen (PAN) between March 5th and 10th, 2006. Anaerobically digested biosolids were also surface applied at the rates of 900 kg PAN ha-1 and 1800 kg PAN ha<sup>-</sup¹ (AD900 and AD1800). Anaerobically digested biosolids at the rate of 900 kg PAN ha⁻¹ were also applied on November 5th, 2005 (AD900F). Surface application of different type of biosolids in a loblolly pine plantation increased soil N availability and mineralization when biosolids were applied at the permitted rate of 225 kg PAN ha⁻¹. Surface soil NH₄-N and NO₃-N availability and N mineralization was significantly different among biosolids type over time. N release from different type of biosolids depends on the initial inorganic N content, and N mineralization in biosolids. The average soil N availability and mineralization was significantly greater in the Pellet225 treatments than in all the other treatments. Soil N availability decreased in winter in all the treatments but remained generally higher than the control until the end of the second growing season. Nitrate-N concentrations in lysimeters were below water quality standard limits in all the treatments applied at the rate of 225 kg PAN ha⁻¹. Accumulation of N, C, and Ca in the forest floor was well correlated with the amount of biosolids applied on each treatment. The surface application of different type of biosolids had minimal impact upon total N and C in the mineral soil. Increasing application rates of anaerobically digested biosolids directly increased soil N availability and mineralization. Nitrate-N concentrations in lysimeters were above water quality standards limits during several months in the AD900 and AD1800 treatments. Significant differences in the forest floor total N, C and Ca were observed with increasing application rates of biosolids. Total C accumulation was significantly higher in the forest floor in the AD1800 treatment. However, we observed no effect on soil total C with increasing application rates of biosolids. We found that biosolids application during spring significantly increased soil extractable N, N mineralization, NO₃-N leaching, and total C in the mineral soil in comparison to the fall application. Fall application significantly increased NH₄-N leaching and soil extractable Ca. We observed no significant effect on ion exchangeable N measured on membranes, total N, C, Ca, and pH measured in the forest floor, and soil total N and pH in the mineral soil. Our results demonstrated that permitted surface application of biosolids at the rate of 225 kg PAN ha⁻¹ in a loblolly pine plantation increased surface soil N availability without increasing the potential for NO₃-N groundwater pollution. / Ph. D.

Water stress is the most critical environmental factor limiting crop production in the US Piedmont. The presence of humic substances in composted organic amendments may increase crop tolerance to water stress through their hormone-like effects on plant metabolism. The objectives of this study were to calculate N mineralization rates of composted and non-composted organic materials used in this long-term field study, and to determine differences in soil physiochemical properties, corn and soybean leaf physical and biochemical properties yield and seed quality between organically amended and inorganically fertilized treatments. Nitrogen mineralization rates were greatest in the poultry litter (21%) and Panorama yard waste compost (4.5%) amended plots. Nitrogen uptake (120 mg/pot, 133 mg/pot, respectively) in these treatments were greater than that in the control (0N) (91.3 mg/pot) treatment. Wolf Creek biosolids compost and Huck's Hen Blend yard waste compost induced N immobilization (-5.0% and 0.18%, respectively), and had N uptake values similar to the control (92.6 mg/pot and 95.7 mg/pot). Rivanna biosolids compost immobilized N (-14.8%) but N uptake (136 mg/pot) was greater than that in the control due to the relatively high inorganic N content in the amendment. The total N concentration and C:N values were less reliable variables in predicting N mineralization when a significant portion of the total N was in the inorganic form. The annual application of poultry litter, Rivanna biosolids compost, and Panorama yard waste compost at 100% agronomic nitrogen and 30 % agronomic nitrogen rates in the field study improved soil fertility and increased total organic and humified carbon contents relative to the inorganically fertilized and control treatments. The amended treatments had slightly greater plant available water contents (average 10.0 cm/15 cm) than the control (8.38 cm/15 cm). Leaf water potential measurements revealed that neither crop experienced water stress during the sampling season. Treatment differences in leaf antioxidant activity were only observed in corn. All corn plants that were fertilized with amendments supplying the crop's nitrogen needs, regardless of the source, had greater leaf nitrogen (+29%), chlorophyll (+33%), and protein contents (+37%), lower superoxide dismutase (-29%) and ascorbate peroxidase (-17%) activities, and lower malondialdehyde (-33%) contents relative to the control and low nitrogen treatments. There were no observed differences in catalase activity, which was likely due to the evolutionary advantage of C4 metabolism. Yield was strongly related to midseason leaf nitrogen contents (R2=0.87, p<0.0001) and not soil humified carbon (R2=0.02, p=0.0543). There were no observed treatment differences in soybean leaf physiology and metabolism. Differences, however, were observed over time. As the leaves senesced, leaf chlorophyll, protein, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased, and the malondialdehyde content increased. Ascorbate peroxidase activity slightly increased with time. Catalase activity in soybean was primarily driven by the oxidation of glycolate, a product of photorespiration, and not the formation of reactive oxygen species in the chloroplasts. The organically amended treatments had higher yields (9-21% increase), greater protein contents (4-9% increase), and seed weights (5-14% increase) relative to the fertilizer and control treatments. It was concluded that differences in soybean yield and seed quality were due to non-nutritive benefits of the organic amendments and not available water or plant nutrition. / Master of Science

Climate change resulting from emissions of fossil fuel combustion has sparked considerable interest in renewable energy and fuel production research, particularly energy derived from cellulosic ethanol, which is derived from biomass such as wood and grass. Cellulosic ethanol demonstrates a more promising future as a global energy source than corn-derived ethanol because it does not displace food crops, irrigation is not required, and chemical application rates are much lower than for annual crops, such as corn. Growing cellulosic biomass for energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions via carbon (C) sequestration and by reducing demand for fossil fuel production. The objective of this study was to investigate how land use change affects soil properties and selected soil C and nitrogen (N) dynamics among alternative cellulosic biofuel treatments at the Weyerhaeuser Alabama Cellulosic Biofuel Research site in west-central Alabama. Composite soils for characterization, along with forest floor, were collected at year 1 and year 2 after treatment establishment at 0-15cm and 15-30cm depths at six locations along three hillslope-riparian transects in five experimental watershed treatments. Decomposition of loblolly pine needles was assessed in each watershed using an in situ litter bag method. Seasonal in situ net nitrogen mineralization was measured using a sequential core method, and an anaerobic incubation for N mineralization potential of composite soils was performed in the laboratory. Results revealed high variability of soil properties and processes within these watersheds, along with no consistent treatment effects. This study provides baseline data for these watershed treatments for future studies. / Master of Science

Biosolids have been used as soil conditioners and fertilizers in agriculture and mine land reclamation, but application of Exceptional Quality (EQ) biosolids to rehabilitate anthropogenic soils for urban agriculture is recent and requires greater study to ensure their appropriate use. The objectives were: 1) to quantify plant available nitrogen (PAN) of new EQ biosolids in a greenhouse bioassay; 2) to quantify PAN of EQ biosolids applied to an urban degraded subsoil via tall fescue N fertilizer equivalency, and compare field results to laboratory tests; 3) to investigate EQ biosolids and inorganic fertilizer effects on urban soil properties, vegetable yields, and potential N and phosphorus (P) loss. Biosolids evaluated were products of thermal hydrolysis plus anaerobic digestion (BLOOM), blending with woody mulch (BM) and sand/sawdust (BSS), composting (LBC), and heat-drying (OCB). Organic N mineralization of new blended biosolids products ranged between 20-25% in the greenhouse bioassay. Products BLOOM, BM, and OCB had the highest organic N mineralization as estimated by the 7-day anaerobic incubation, and this test and soil nitrate-N had the highest correlations with tall fescue N uptake (r=0.49 and r=0.505, respectively). We conducted a two-year field study with four growing seasons (fall 2016-2017 and summer 2017-2018) in an urban disturbed subsoil where EQ biosolids were applied seasonally at agronomic N rates, and yearly at reclamation rates (5x agronomic N). Cabbage yields were greater with reclamation rates (~3.0 kg m-2) and bell pepper yields were greater with BLOOM reclamation rate (~1.0 kg m-2) than with the inorganic fertilizer (1.0 kg m-2 and 0.2 kg m-2, respectively) during second year growing seasons. Soil carbon (C) accumulation (%C remaining in the soil) two years after biosolids additions ranged between 37 to 84%. Soil N availability and mineralization were limited most likely due to lack of residual soil C and N, and high clay content. Nitrogen leaching losses from reclamation rates were not greater than agronomic N rates. Leachate P was below detection during most of the experiment. Despite limiting soil conditions, biosolids amendment at reclamation rates showed greatest potential to increase vegetable yield and improve soil properties after two years of application, while not impairing water quality. / Doctor of Philosophy / Exceptional Quality (EQ) biosolids are by-products of wastewater treatment plants that have been processed to destroy pathogens, reduce attraction by disease-spreading organisms (e.g. flies, mosquitoes, rodents, etc.), and limit heavy metal concentrations. These characteristics make EQ biosolids safe for use by home gardeners for growing food crops. There is limited information on optimal recommended rates at which these products should be applied to urban gardens. The purpose of our research was to determine optimum application rates of EQ biosolids to urban gardens based on their essential plant nutrient (esp., nitrogen and phosphorus) availability. We learned that the EQ biosolids we studied are less concentrated in plant available nitrogen and phosphorus than biosolids applied to conventional agricultural fields. This is because we diluted our biosolids with sawdust, sand, and woody mulch to facilitate their storage, handling, and ease of application. We learned that high EQ biosolids application rates reduce soil compaction and increase essential plant nutrient availability and crop yields for agriculture practiced in urban soils. The high application rates of EQ biosolids accomplished such soil-improving and yield-increasing benefits without impairing local water quality.

O composto de lodo de esgoto, classificado como fertilizante orgânico Classe D (MAPA, 2009) é um material rico em nutrientes, especialmente nitrogênio (N) e fósforo (P), e possui elevado conteúdo de matéria orgânica. Contudo, ainda não há relatos na literatura brasileira sobre o uso do composto de lodo de esgoto na cultura da cana-de-açúcar. Assim como, faltam pesquisas para adequar as doses de adubos nitrogenado e fosfatado a serem aplicadas em área agrícola tratada com composto. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de aplicação e reaplicação de doses de composto de lodo de esgoto e de adubos minerais nitrogenado e fosfatado sobre as propriedades químicas do solo e a produtividade, características tecnológicas e os teores de N e P na folha, caldo e colmo da cana-soca de segundo e terceiro corte. Na aplicação do composto, segunda soca, foram aplicadas quatro doses de composto de lodo de esgoto (0; 27; 54 e 82 t ha-1, base seca), quatro de N (0; 32,3; 64,7 e 98 kg ha-1) e duas de P2O5 (0 e 30 kg ha-1) e na reaplicação, terceira soca, foram aplicadas quatro doses decrescentes do composto (0; 7,8; 15,5 e 23,3 t ha-1, base seca), quatro de N (0; 44,6; 89 e 135 kg ha-1) e duas de P2O5, (0 e 54 kg ha-1) em delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial, com três repetições. Na aplicação do composto, segunda soca, cujo requerimento de N foi considerado como 98 kg ha-1, a produtividade de colmos (TCH) aumentou de 77 a 104 t ha-1 em função das doses do composto. A aplicação do composto pelo critério do nitrogênio promoveu valores de TCH, produtividade de açúcar (TAH), açúcares redutores (AR), açúcar total recuperável (ATR) e açúcares redutores totais (ART) semelhantes aos do tratamento com adubo mineral convencional. Na reaplicação do composto, terceira soca, cujo requerimento de N foi considerado como 135 kg ha-1, a TCH aumentou de 59 a 80 t ha-1 em função das doses do composto. Porém, a maior dose do composto, cuja taxa de mineralização do N foi considerado de 30%, deve ser complementada com 89 kg ha-1 de N mineral para produzir valores de TCH, TAH, AR e ATR semelhantes aos do tratamento com adubo mineral. As doses do composto de lodo de esgoto resultou em incrementos nos teores de N total, C-orgânico, P, pH, Ca, K, soma de bases e capacidade de troca catiônica do solo, em relação ao controle absoluto. Quanto aos teores de N e P nas soqueiras, de modo geral, não houve efeito dos tratamentos, exceto quanto ao teor de N na terceira soca que foi crescente em função das doses de N mineral. Conclui-se, com base no estudo de superfície de resposta, que: 1) a aplicação do composto de lodo de esgoto no cultivo da cana-soca, considerando taxa de mineralização do N de 10% e o requerimento agronômico de N, pode substituir de forma adequada a aplicação dos adubos minerais nitrogenado e fosfatado, e 2) o uso de dose de composto inferior a da dose estabelecida pelo critério do N deve ser proporcionalmente complementada com nitrogênio mineral, seja em condições da primeira e, ou, da segunda aplicação sucessiva / The sewage sludge compost classified as an organic fertilizer Class D (MAPA, 2009) is a material rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and have high content of organic matter. However, there is a lack of research in the Brazilian literature about the use of the sewage sludge compost on the sugar cane crop. There is also a lack of research to adequate the nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer doses to be applied in agricultural fields treated with compost. The objective of this study was to evaluated effect of levels of sewage sludge compost and mineral sources of nitrogen and phosphorus on the soil chemical proprieties, productivity and technological characteristics and the content of N and P on leaves, juice and stalks of the second and third ratoon cane. On the first application of compost, second ratoon cane, were applied four doses of sewage sludge compost (0; 27; 54 and 81.7 t ha-1, dry base), four of N (0; 32.3; 64.7 and 98 kg ha-1) and two of P2O5 (0 and 30 kg ha-1) and in the reapplication of the compost, third ratoon, the compost was applied in decreased levels 0; 7,8; 15,5 e 23,3 t ha-1, dry base, four of N (0; 44,6; 89 and 135 kg ha-1) and four of P2O5, (0 and 54 kg ha-1) in randomized block design, in factorial design, with three replications. In the first application, second ratoon, which N requirement was considered as 98 kg ha-1, the stalk productivity (TSS) increased from 77 to 104 t ha-1 in function of sewage sludge compost rate. The sewage sludge compost application rate established by nitrogen criteria promoted values of promoted values of stalk productivity (TSS), sugar productivity (TSH), reducing sugars (RS), total recoverable sugars (TRS) and total reducing sugars (TRS) similar to the treatment with mineral fertilizer. In reapplication of compost, whose N request was considered 135 kg ha-1, the TSS increased from 59 to 80 t ha-1 in function of compost application rate and the highest mineralization rate was 30%, should be complemented with 89 kg ha-1 of mineral N to produce values of TSS, TSH, AR, Pol cane, Pol juice and similar to conventional mineral fertilizer. The sewage sludge compost application rate increased N total, organic carbon, P, pH, Ca, K, bases sum and cation exchange capacity soil contents in relation to the control treatment. As for the contents of N and P in the ratoon, in general, there was no effect on the treatments, except for the N content in the third ratoon that increased in function of N fertilizer. Concludes, based on the response surface study that: 1) the application of sewage sludge compost in cultivation of ratoon cane, whereas N mineralization rate of 10% and the agronomic application of N, can replace the adequately the application of nitrogen and phosphorus mineral fertilizer; 2) the use of lower dose of sewage sludge compost established by nitrogen criteria should be proportionally supplemented with mineral nitrogen, either in terms of first and second successive application

O composto de lodo de esgoto, classificado como fertilizante orgânico Classe D (MAPA, 2009) é um material rico em nutrientes, especialmente nitrogênio (N) e fósforo (P), e possui elevado conteúdo de matéria orgânica. Contudo, ainda não há relatos na literatura brasileira sobre o uso do composto de lodo de esgoto na cultura da cana-de-açúcar. Assim como, faltam pesquisas para adequar as doses de adubos nitrogenado e fosfatado a serem aplicadas em área agrícola tratada com composto. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de aplicação e reaplicação de doses de composto de lodo de esgoto e de adubos minerais nitrogenado e fosfatado sobre as propriedades químicas do solo e a produtividade, características tecnológicas e os teores de N e P na folha, caldo e colmo da cana-soca de segundo e terceiro corte. Na aplicação do composto, segunda soca, foram aplicadas quatro doses de composto de lodo de esgoto (0; 27; 54 e 82 t ha-1, base seca), quatro de N (0; 32,3; 64,7 e 98 kg ha-1) e duas de P2O5 (0 e 30 kg ha-1) e na reaplicação, terceira soca, foram aplicadas quatro doses decrescentes do composto (0; 7,8; 15,5 e 23,3 t ha-1, base seca), quatro de N (0; 44,6; 89 e 135 kg ha-1) e duas de P2O5, (0 e 54 kg ha-1) em delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial, com três repetições. Na aplicação do composto, segunda soca, cujo requerimento de N foi considerado como 98 kg ha-1, a produtividade de colmos (TCH) aumentou de 77 a 104 t ha-1 em função das doses do composto. A aplicação do composto pelo critério do nitrogênio promoveu valores de TCH, produtividade de açúcar (TAH), açúcares redutores (AR), açúcar total recuperável (ATR) e açúcares redutores totais (ART) semelhantes aos do tratamento com adubo mineral convencional. Na reaplicação do composto, terceira soca, cujo requerimento de N foi considerado como 135 kg ha-1, a TCH aumentou de 59 a 80 t ha-1 em função das doses do composto. Porém, a maior dose do composto, cuja taxa de mineralização do N foi considerado de 30%, deve ser complementada com 89 kg ha-1 de N mineral para produzir valores de TCH, TAH, AR e ATR semelhantes aos do tratamento com adubo mineral. As doses do composto de lodo de esgoto resultou em incrementos nos teores de N total, C-orgânico, P, pH, Ca, K, soma de bases e capacidade de troca catiônica do solo, em relação ao controle absoluto. Quanto aos teores de N e P nas soqueiras, de modo geral, não houve efeito dos tratamentos, exceto quanto ao teor de N na terceira soca que foi crescente em função das doses de N mineral. Conclui-se, com base no estudo de superfície de resposta, que: 1) a aplicação do composto de lodo de esgoto no cultivo da cana-soca, considerando taxa de mineralização do N de 10% e o requerimento agronômico de N, pode substituir de forma adequada a aplicação dos adubos minerais nitrogenado e fosfatado, e 2) o uso de dose de composto inferior a da dose estabelecida pelo critério do N deve ser proporcionalmente complementada com nitrogênio mineral, seja em condições da primeira e, ou, da segunda aplicação sucessiva / The sewage sludge compost classified as an organic fertilizer Class D (MAPA, 2009) is a material rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and have high content of organic matter. However, there is a lack of research in the Brazilian literature about the use of the sewage sludge compost on the sugar cane crop. There is also a lack of research to adequate the nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer doses to be applied in agricultural fields treated with compost. The objective of this study was to evaluated effect of levels of sewage sludge compost and mineral sources of nitrogen and phosphorus on the soil chemical proprieties, productivity and technological characteristics and the content of N and P on leaves, juice and stalks of the second and third ratoon cane. On the first application of compost, second ratoon cane, were applied four doses of sewage sludge compost (0; 27; 54 and 81.7 t ha-1, dry base), four of N (0; 32.3; 64.7 and 98 kg ha-1) and two of P2O5 (0 and 30 kg ha-1) and in the reapplication of the compost, third ratoon, the compost was applied in decreased levels 0; 7,8; 15,5 e 23,3 t ha-1, dry base, four of N (0; 44,6; 89 and 135 kg ha-1) and four of P2O5, (0 and 54 kg ha-1) in randomized block design, in factorial design, with three replications. In the first application, second ratoon, which N requirement was considered as 98 kg ha-1, the stalk productivity (TSS) increased from 77 to 104 t ha-1 in function of sewage sludge compost rate. The sewage sludge compost application rate established by nitrogen criteria promoted values of promoted values of stalk productivity (TSS), sugar productivity (TSH), reducing sugars (RS), total recoverable sugars (TRS) and total reducing sugars (TRS) similar to the treatment with mineral fertilizer. In reapplication of compost, whose N request was considered 135 kg ha-1, the TSS increased from 59 to 80 t ha-1 in function of compost application rate and the highest mineralization rate was 30%, should be complemented with 89 kg ha-1 of mineral N to produce values of TSS, TSH, AR, Pol cane, Pol juice and similar to conventional mineral fertilizer. The sewage sludge compost application rate increased N total, organic carbon, P, pH, Ca, K, bases sum and cation exchange capacity soil contents in relation to the control treatment. As for the contents of N and P in the ratoon, in general, there was no effect on the treatments, except for the N content in the third ratoon that increased in function of N fertilizer. Concludes, based on the response surface study that: 1) the application of sewage sludge compost in cultivation of ratoon cane, whereas N mineralization rate of 10% and the agronomic application of N, can replace the adequately the application of nitrogen and phosphorus mineral fertilizer; 2) the use of lower dose of sewage sludge compost established by nitrogen criteria should be proportionally supplemented with mineral nitrogen, either in terms of first and second successive application

abstract: This thesis explores the independent effects of the manipulation of rocks into alignments, prehistoric farming, and season on soil properties in two areas with a history of prehistoric agriculture in central Arizona, Pueblo la Plata within the Agua Fria National Monument (AFNM), and an archaeological site north of the Phoenix basin along Cave Creek (CC). Soil properties, annual herbaceous biomass and the physical properties of alignments and surface soils were measured and compared across the landscape, specifically on: 1) agricultural rock alignments that were near the archaeological site 2) geologically formed rock alignments that were located 0.5-1 km away from settlements; and 3) areas both near and far from settlements where rock alignments were absent. At AFNM, relatively well-built rock alignments have altered soil properties and processes while less-intact alignments at CC have left few legacies. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Biology 2011

The ecological significance of coarse woody debris (CWD) is usually highlighted in forests where CWD constitutes much of an ecosystem's carbon (C) source and stores. However, a unique addition of CWD is occurring in semi-deserts for which there is no ecological analog. To stem catastrophic wildfires and create firebreaks, whole Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) and Pinus edulis (Engelm.) trees are being mechanically shredded into CWD fragments and deposited on soils previously exposed to decades of tree-induced changes that encourage "tree islands of fertility." To investigate consequences of CWD on C and nitrogen (N) cycling, we evaluated microbial metabolic activity and N transformation rates in Juniperus and Pinus surface and subsurface soils that were either shredded or left untreated. We sampled three categories of tree cover on over 40 tree cover encroachment sites. Tree cover categories (LOW = 0-15%, MID ≥ 15-45%, HIGH ≥ 45%) were used to indicate tree island development at time of treatment. In conjunction with our microbial measurements, we evaluated the frequency of three exotic grasses, and thirty-five native perennial grasses to identify links between belowground and aboveground processes. The addition of CWD increased microbial biomass by almost two-fold and increased microbial efficiency, measured as the microbial quotient, at LOW Juniperus cover. C mineralization was enhanced by CWD only in Pinus soils at the edge of tree canopies. The addition of CWD had little impact on microbial activity in subsurface soils. CWD enhanced the availability of dissolved organic C (DOC) and phosphorus (P) but tended to decrease the overall quality of labile DOC, measured as the ratio of soil microbial biomass to DOC. This suggested that the increase in DOC alone or other environmental factors novel to CWD additions lead to the increase in biomass and efficiency. P concentrations were consistently higher following CWD additions for all encroachment levels. The CWD additions decreased N mineralization and nitrification in Juniperus and Pinus soils at LOW and MID tree cover but only in surface soils, suggesting that less inorganic N was available to establishing or residual plants. The frequency of native perennial grasses, especially Elymus elymoides (Raf.), was at least 65% higher under CWD additions for all categories of tree cover, while the frequencies of exotic annual and perennial grasses were not impacted by CWD. The frequency of all perennial grasses ranged from 10-27%. Our results suggest that CWD enhanced microbial activity even when the quality of C substrates declined requiring microbes to immobilize more N. The reduction in inorganic N may promote the establishment and growth of native perennial grasses. Ultimately, the addition of CWD improved soil conditions for microbes in tree islands of fertility.

Loss of nitrogen (N) from dairy manure during storage is an issue of economic, environmental, and social concern for farming communities. The lost N 1) decreases the value of manure as a fertilizer and is an economic loss because supplemental inorganic N fertilizer is purchased to meet N needs on farms; 2) produces the potential pollution for water and air systems, thereby damaging the associated ecosystems; 3) causes challenges to human health. Thus, it is vital to manage and use N in an efficient and eco-friendly manner. N mineralization is a pathway in the N cycle, which converts organic N to inorganic N that is more susceptible to loss. The objective of this study was to conduct lab-scale experiments to assess the effects of temperature, manure solids content, using manure seed and autoclave sterilization operation at the start of storage, and storage time on the N mineralization and the associated microbial community during the storage of liquid dairy manure. Manure scrapped from the barn floor of a commercial dairy farm and diluted to make experimental stocks with high (46 to 78 g/L) and low (19 to 36 g/L) total solids (TS), to simulate what is typically transported to the manure storage pit was used. The manure was incubated in the laboratory at three temperatures (10, 20, and 30°C) for two storage periods (60 and 180 days). Manure samples were taken at different storage time for analyses. The results showed that temperature and using sterilization operation at the start of storage had significant effects on N mineralization for both storage periods (p < 0.05). The highest N mineralization rate occurred at 30℃, which rate constant (k) was 0.096 week-1. While, the lowest N mineralization occurred at 10℃, and its corresponding k was 0.013 week-1. The concentrations of mineralized N (Nm) with non-sterilized (R) manure were significantly higher than that with sterilized (R0) manure (p < 0.05). Compared to that with high TS (H) manure, the concentrations of Nm were significantly higher with low TS (L) manure after 180-d storage (p < 0.05). Raw manure augmented with manure seed (MS) had significantly higher Nm than the manure seed only (SO) (p < 0.05). In order to investigate the changes of microbial community in manure, samples were collected on days 0, 30, 90, and 180 for the 180-d storage experiment, and days 0, 30, and 60 for the 60-d storage experiment, and then manure DNA under different condition was successfully extracted from collected samples and used for 16S rRNA sequencing. This study provided a more comprehensive understanding of the impact factors for manure storage, and was expected to clarify the relationship between N mineralization and the associated microbial community. / Master of Science / Loss of nitrogen (N) from dairy manure during storage is rooted in the process of degradation via microbial activities. During storage of dairy manure, up to 60% of N can be lost to the environment (the air, rivers, groundwater, etc.), causing damages such as global warming and water pollution. However, it is challenging to manage and reduce the N lost during manure storage because of lack of comprehensive knowledge of the complex microbial activities in manure storage structures. Thus, the long-term goal of this study is to discern the interactions of the physical, chemical, and microbial processes that affect the N transformation. The generated information will help to mitigate/minimize the loss of nitrogenous gases during storage of dairy manure. The specific objectives included: 1) to evaluate the effects of selected factors (including storage time, temperature, manure solids content, using manure seed and sterilization operation at the beginning of storage) on N mineralization during storage of liquid dairy manure and determine the associated N mineralization rate; 2) to reveal the microbial communities in stored liquid dairy manure under different conditions (listed above). The outcome of this study could be used to refine N mineralization input parameter of manure storage submodules of the process-based models such as Manure DeNitrification-DeComposition model (Manure-DNDC) and Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) with the goal to improve their accuracy of estimating or accounting for the fate or cycling of N in dairy manure during storage.