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Lake-dredged material (LDM) in pedotechnique for the restoration of Mediterranean soils affected by erosion/entisolization processes

  • SOILS, SEC 2 • GLOBAL CHANGE, ENVIRON RISK ASSESS, SUSTAINABLE LAND USE • RESEARCH ARTICLE
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Abstract

Purpose

Anthropic-accelerated erosion processes have led to an increase in reported loss of soil surface horizons worldwide. Lake-dredged materials (LDMs) have often been considered suitable for upland disposal. This study aimed to assess the potential beneficial use of LDMs in soil rebuilding strategies for Mediterranean soils affected by the loss of surface horizons with consequent erosion/entisolization processes.

Materials and methods

Different model proto-horizons (MPHs) were assembled by means of the co-utilization of LDMs, other mineral matrices, organic amendment, and mineral fertilizer for the growth of a pasture grass under controlled (pot) conditions. The evolution of nine different MPHs was monitored by means of an evaluation/comparison of several physical–chemical parameters (texture, pH, electrical conductivity, N, P, K, and cation-exchange capacity) and the stability-modification of organic matter (OM) quality in relation to plant development (dry matter production, agronomic efficiency, and plant cover).

Results and discussion

The addition of LDM resulted in statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement to both plant performance and several soil physical–chemical properties. Compared with the reference soil (degraded soil without any additional treatment), the model proto-horizons treated with the highest LDM content (50 % w LDM without any additional treatment) showed the largest total dry matter production, the highest agronomic efficiency, and a quali-quantitative increase in plant cover. A more balanced texture (loamy) and a generalized increase in total organic carbon, cation-exchange capacity, N, and K were also detected with particular reference to models treated with the higher LDM content. Humic substances greatly increased in the treatment with the higher LDM amounts showing a generalized soil organic matter equilibrium, i.e., no mineralization or humification process prevalence.

Conclusions

This study showed that there is indeed the possibility of turning what is currently an awkward refuse material into a commodity that can be properly and advantageously used in pedotechniques for soil rebuilding and land recovery and protection. From this standpoint, LDM would appear to be apt for inclusion on a possible list of useful pedotechnomaterials.

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Acknowledgments

In memory of Ester Mura, whose love and passion inspired this research.

This research was a part of the research project CUP J71J10000590002 founded by the Sardinian Region (Italian Regional Law No. 7 of 7 August 2007).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Colombo no. 1, 08100, Nuoro, Italy

    Gian Franco Capra, Sergio Vacca & Maria Giustina Duras

  2. Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Vivaldi no. 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy

    Eleonora Grilli

  3. Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Moruzzi no. 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy

    Cristina Macci, Grazia Masciandaro, Brunello Ceccanti & Giulia Bondi

  4. Servizio Qualità Acqua Erogata, Ente Acque della Sardegna, Via Mameli no. 88, 09123, Cagliari, Italy

    Maria Antonietta Dessena & Gabriele Marras

  5. Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Trentino no. 51, 09127, Cagliari, Italy

    Carla Gaviano

  6. Dipartimento di Architettura e Disegno Industriale “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Abazia San Lorenzo ad Septimum, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Borgo San Lorenzo, 81031, Aversa, CE, Italy

    Andrea Buondonno

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  1. Gian Franco Capra
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  2. Eleonora Grilli
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  3. Cristina Macci
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  4. Sergio Vacca
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  5. Grazia Masciandaro
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  6. Brunello Ceccanti
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  7. Giulia Bondi
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  8. Maria Giustina Duras
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  9. Maria Antonietta Dessena
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  11. Carla Gaviano
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  12. Andrea Buondonno
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Correspondence to Gian Franco Capra.

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Responsible editor: Ying Ouyang

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Capra, G.F., Grilli, E., Macci, C. et al. Lake-dredged material (LDM) in pedotechnique for the restoration of Mediterranean soils affected by erosion/entisolization processes. J Soils Sediments 15, 32–46 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-014-0950-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-014-0950-0

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