Abstract
Keratin-rich materials, such as waste sheep wool, possess a rich mineral element composition but exhibit challenges in natural decomposition. Consequently, most of these waste materials are either incinerated or disposed of in landfills, leading to environmental concerns. However, these wastes have the potential to serve as effective fertilizers and soil conditioners. They can be utilized directly or undergo various processes for application in agricultural production. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of waste sheep wool and its alkaline hydrolysate on the growth of sugar beet shoots and roots, nutrient concentrations, and sugar quality parameters. Shoot and root samples were collected at two-week intervals throughout the root development stage until harvest. Temporal changes in leaf mineral element concentrations and sugar quality parameters of the sugar beet roots were determined. Waste sheep wool treatment significantly increased the shoot and root yield of sugar beet. Compared to control, nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in the leaves were increased in the fourth sampling. However, the treatments resulted in a significant reduction in iron concentrations in the leaves, as well as sugar content and white sugar content in the roots, particularly towards the harvest period. However, the significant increase in shoot and root growth, nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium in leaves showed that these wastes will provide fertilizer economy in sugar beet production. It would be beneficial to reconfirm the results of this study on different sugarbeet varieties and in field conditions with decreasing standard chemical fertilizer doses.
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Akca, H., Taskin, M.B., Tugrul, M. et al. Waste Sheep Wool and Its Hydrolysate as a Nutritional Support for Sugar Beet. Sugar Tech 25, 1566–1577 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-023-01298-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-023-01298-5