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Comparative evaluation of compost humic acids and their effects on the germination of switchgrass (Panicum vigatum L.)

  • IHSS 16: FUNCTIONS OF NATURAL ORGANIC MATTER IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate comparatively the main chemical and physico-chemical properties of the humic acid (HA) fraction of three different composts and to evaluate the bioactive effects of these HAs on the germination and early growth of four populations of switchgrass.

Materials and methods

Three compost HAs isolated from a green compost (HAGC), a mixed compost (HAMC), and a coffee compost (HACC) were characterized for some chemical and physico-chemical properties, such as ash content, elemental composition, total acidity, carboxylic and phenolic OH group contents, E4/E6 ratio, Fourier Transform infrared (FT IR), and fluorescence spectroscopies. In subsequent experiments conducted in vitro in a climatic chamber under controlled conditions, the bioactive effects of the three HAs at concentrations of 10, 50, and 200 mg L−1 were tested on the germination and early growth of four switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) populations, the octaploids Shelter, Shawnee and Dacotah, and the tetraploid Alamo.

Results and discussion

The ash content and the E4/E6 ratio were, respectively, much higher or slightly higher for HACC than for the other two HAs. HAMC showed the lowest C and H contents and the highest O content, whereas HAGC had the highest N content. The total acidity and phenolic OH group content followed the order: HAMC > HACC > HAGC. The fluorescence analysis of the three HAs evidenced a common fluorophore unit possibly associated to simple aromatic structures, such as phenolic-like, hydroxy-substituted benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives. The FT IR spectra of all HA samples indicated the presence of aromatic phenolic structures. Significant beneficial effects were produced by any HA on switchgrass germination and early growth as a function of the population tested and the HA dose.

Conclusions

Results of this study demonstrated that the addition of compost HAs to the germination medium of four switchgrass populations positively influenced the germination process and the growth of primary root and shoot. Significant correlations were found between HA bioactivity and some HA properties. These results suggest a possible use of compost as soil amendment in areas where switchgrass grows naturally or is cultivated.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Research Contract No. W911NF-08-1-0076 of the U.S. Army RDECOM ACQ CTR—W911NF, Durham NC, USA. Project title: Effects of quality composts and other organic amendments and their humic and fulvic acid fractions on the germination and early growth of slickspot Peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) and switchgrass in various experimental conditions, funded by the Airspace, Ranges, and Airfield Operations Division, HQ Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, VA. The opinions and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Air Force, United States Army, or the Federal government.

The authors wish to thank the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari of CIHEAM for kind supplying of the coffee compost.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126, Bari, Italy

    Andreina Traversa, Elisabetta Loffredo, Concetta E. Gattullo & Nicola Senesi

  2. ERDC-CRREL, Hanover, NH, 03755-1290, USA

    Antonio J. Palazzo

  3. HQ ACC/A3A, Airspace, Ranges, Airfield Operations Division, Langley AFB, Hampton, VA, USA

    Terry L. Bashore

Authors
  1. Andreina Traversa
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  2. Elisabetta Loffredo
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  3. Concetta E. Gattullo
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  4. Antonio J. Palazzo
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  5. Terry L. Bashore
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  6. Nicola Senesi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elisabetta Loffredo.

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Responsible editor: Jianming Xu

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Traversa, A., Loffredo, E., Gattullo, C.E. et al. Comparative evaluation of compost humic acids and their effects on the germination of switchgrass (Panicum vigatum L.). J Soils Sediments 14, 432–440 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-013-0653-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-013-0653-y

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