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Most urban greening interventions involve soil de-sealing and management to enhance fertility. Management typically requires translocating fertile topsoil to the site, which comes at great environmental costs. We hypothesized that de-sealed urban soils would undergo an increase of their fertility without exogenous topsoil application. We assessed experimental plots with de-sealed soil with topsoil, and de-sealed soil without topsoil. Both treatments were vegetated with two ornamental shrub species and irrigated. Soil fertility was analyzed by chemical (total and organic carbon) and biological indicators of soils (biological quality index and microbial activities). Since metal contamination is related to urban de-sealed soil, we also monitored the concentration of Zn, Cu and Pb in soil and detected it in plant leaves. The results demonstrate that de-sealed urban soils rapidly restore their biological quality and fertility. Restoration of de-sealing soils can contribute to the recent growing interest reclamation of urban soils for improving the urban environment quality through the restoration of soil functions and related ecosystem services. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that de-sealed soils can improve their functionality and can contribute to the recent growing interest in reclamation of urban soils for improving the urban environment quality.
Anita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Silvia Baronti; Ilaria Colzi; Laura Giagnoni; Cristina Gonnelli; Giancarlo Renella; Francesca Ugolini; Costanza Calzolari. Biological Restoration of Urban Soils after De-Sealing Interventions. Agriculture 2021, 11, 190 .
AMA StyleAnita Maienza, Fabrizio Ungaro, Silvia Baronti, Ilaria Colzi, Laura Giagnoni, Cristina Gonnelli, Giancarlo Renella, Francesca Ugolini, Costanza Calzolari. Biological Restoration of Urban Soils after De-Sealing Interventions. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (3):190.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Silvia Baronti; Ilaria Colzi; Laura Giagnoni; Cristina Gonnelli; Giancarlo Renella; Francesca Ugolini; Costanza Calzolari. 2021. "Biological Restoration of Urban Soils after De-Sealing Interventions." Agriculture 11, no. 3: 190.
Achieving urban regeneration through the creation of new green areas is a widely promoted strategy to improve the quality of life in densely built neighborhoods. "De-sealing" actions can compensate for the creation of new built-up areas, as demonstrated by the EU-funded Life + project ‘Save our Soils for LIFE’ (SOS4LIFE, LIFE15ENV/IT/000225), in which guidelines for de-sealing have been published. For the generation of new urban greening, it is important to know the characteristics of the soils used in order to better define the most appropriate landscaping decisions and management practices. In this study the physical and chemical characteristics of topsoils and technosols (soils enclosed under sealed surfaces) were assessed in relation to growth and leaf gas exchanges in two ornamental species (V. tinus and E. x ebbingei), in two partner municipalities of the project, Carpi and San Lazzaro di Savena (north-east Italy), during a three-year trial. Results of the study confirmed the dependence of plant growth on the chemical evolution of the soils, and identified the optimal soil moisture range based on soil texture and soil-plant water relationships. In addition, the technosols were found to actually be beneficial for plant growth, due to their high drainage capacity and nutrient content.
Francesca Ugolini; Silvia Baronti; Giuseppe Mario Lanini; Anita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Costanza Calzolari. Assessing the influence of topsoil and technosol characteristics on plant growth for the green regeneration of urban built sites. Journal of Environmental Management 2020, 273, 111168 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Ugolini, Silvia Baronti, Giuseppe Mario Lanini, Anita Maienza, Fabrizio Ungaro, Costanza Calzolari. Assessing the influence of topsoil and technosol characteristics on plant growth for the green regeneration of urban built sites. Journal of Environmental Management. 2020; 273 ():111168.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Ugolini; Silvia Baronti; Giuseppe Mario Lanini; Anita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Costanza Calzolari. 2020. "Assessing the influence of topsoil and technosol characteristics on plant growth for the green regeneration of urban built sites." Journal of Environmental Management 273, no. : 111168.
Light quality and nutrient availability are the primary factors that influence plant growth and development. In a research context of improving indoor plant cultivation while lowering environmental impact practices, we investigated the effect of different light spectra, three provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and one by a fluorescent lamp, on the morpho-physiology of Pisum sativum L. seedlings grown in the presence/absence of biochar. We found that all morpho-physiological traits are sensitive to changes in the red-to-far-red light (R:FR) ratio related to the light spectra used. In particular, seedlings that were grown with a LED type characterized by the lowest R:FR ratio (~2.7; AP67), showed good plant development, both above- and belowground, especially when biochar was present. Biochar alone did not affect the physiological traits, which were influenced by the interplay with lighting type. AP67 LED type had a negative impact only on leaf fluorescence emission in light conditions, which was further exacerbated by the addition of biochar to the growing media. However, we found that the combination of biochar with a specific optimal light spectrum may have a synergetic effect enhancing pea seedling physiological performances and fruit yield and fostering desired traits. This is a promising strategy for indoor plant production while respecting the environment.
Antonella Polzella; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; Silvia Baronti; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante; Antonio Montagnoli. Morpho-Physiological Responses of Pisum sativum L. to Different Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Spectra in Combination with Biochar Amendment. Agronomy 2020, 10, 398 .
AMA StyleAntonella Polzella, Mattia Terzaghi, Dalila Trupiano, Silvia Baronti, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Donato Chiatante, Antonio Montagnoli. Morpho-Physiological Responses of Pisum sativum L. to Different Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Spectra in Combination with Biochar Amendment. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (3):398.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonella Polzella; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; Silvia Baronti; Gabriella Stefania Scippa; Donato Chiatante; Antonio Montagnoli. 2020. "Morpho-Physiological Responses of Pisum sativum L. to Different Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Spectra in Combination with Biochar Amendment." Agronomy 10, no. 3: 398.
Direct and indirect effects of extremely high geogenic CO2 levels, commonly occurring in volcanic and hydrothermal environments, on biogeochemical processes in soil are poorly understood. This study investigated a sinkhole in Italy where long-term emissions of thermometamorphic-derived CO2 are associated with accumulation of carbon in the topsoil and removal of inorganic carbon in low pH environments at the bottom of the sinkhole. The comparison between interstitial soil gasses and those collected in an adjacent bubbling pool and the analysis of the carbon isotopic composition of CO2 and CH4 clearly indicated the occurrence of CH4 oxidation and negligible methanogenesis in soils at the bottom of the sinkhole. Extremely high CO2 concentrations resulted in higher microbial abundance (up to 4 × 109 cell g–1 DW) and a lower microbial diversity by favoring bacteria already reported to be involved in acetogenesis in mofette soils (i.e., Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria). Laboratory incubations to test the acetogenic and methanogenic potential clearly showed that all the mofette soil supplied with hydrogen gas displayed a remarkable CO2 fixation potential, primarily due to the activity of acetogenic microorganisms. By contrast, negligible production of acetate occurred in control tests incubated with the same soils, under identical conditions, without the addition of hydrogen. In this study, we report how changes in diversity and functions of the soil microbial community – induced by high CO2 concentration – create peculiar biogeochemical profile. CO2 emission affects carbon cycling through: (i) inhibition of the decomposition of the organic carbon and (ii) promotion of CO2-fixation via the acetyl-CoA pathway. Sites naturally exposed to extremely high CO2 levels could potentially represent an untapped source of microorganisms with unique capabilities to catalytically convert CO2 into valuable organic chemicals and fuels.
Stefano Fazi; Fabrizio Ungaro; Stefania Venturi; Lara Vimercati; Carolina Cruz Viggi; Silvia Baronti; Francesca Ugolini; Costanza Calzolari; Franco Tassi; Orlando Vaselli; Antonio Raschi; Federico Aulenta. Microbiomes in Soils Exposed to Naturally High Concentrations of CO2 (Bossoleto Mofette Tuscany, Italy). Frontiers in Microbiology 2019, 10, 2238 .
AMA StyleStefano Fazi, Fabrizio Ungaro, Stefania Venturi, Lara Vimercati, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Silvia Baronti, Francesca Ugolini, Costanza Calzolari, Franco Tassi, Orlando Vaselli, Antonio Raschi, Federico Aulenta. Microbiomes in Soils Exposed to Naturally High Concentrations of CO2 (Bossoleto Mofette Tuscany, Italy). Frontiers in Microbiology. 2019; 10 ():2238.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Fazi; Fabrizio Ungaro; Stefania Venturi; Lara Vimercati; Carolina Cruz Viggi; Silvia Baronti; Francesca Ugolini; Costanza Calzolari; Franco Tassi; Orlando Vaselli; Antonio Raschi; Federico Aulenta. 2019. "Microbiomes in Soils Exposed to Naturally High Concentrations of CO2 (Bossoleto Mofette Tuscany, Italy)." Frontiers in Microbiology 10, no. : 2238.
In this study, the results of a continuous monitoring of (i) CO2 fluxes, and (ii) CO2 and CH4 concentrations and carbon isotopic ratios (δ13C-CO2 and δ13C-CH4) in air, carried out from 7 to 21 July 2017 and from October 10 to December 15, 2017 in the city centre of Florence, are presented. The measurements were performed from the roof of the historical building of the Ximenes Observatory. CO2 flux data revealed that the metropolitan area acted as a net source of CO2 during the whole observation period. According to the Keeling plot analysis, anthropogenic contributions to atmospheric CO2 were mainly represented by vehicular traffic (about 30%) and natural gas combustion (about 70%), the latter contributing 7 times more in December than in July. Moreover, the measured CO2 fluxes were about 80% higher in fall than in summer, confirming that domestic heating based on natural gas is the dominant CO2 emitting source in the municipality of Florence. Even though the continuous monitoring revealed a shift in the δ13C-CO2 values related to photosynthetic uptake of atmospheric CO2, the isotopic effect induced by plant activity was restricted to few hours in October and, to a lesser extent, in November. This suggests that urban planning policies should be devoted to massively increase green infrastructures in the metropolitan area in order to counterbalance anthropogenic emissions. During fall, the atmospheric CH4 concentrations were sensibly higher with respect to those recorded in summer, whilst the δ13C-CH4 values shifted towards heavier values. The Keeling plot analysis suggested that urban CH4 emissions were largely related to fugitive emissions from the natural gas distribution pipeline network. On the other hand, δ13C-CH4 monitoring allowed to recognize vehicular traffic as a minor CH4 emitting source.
S. Venturi; F. Tassi; J. Cabassi; B. Gioli; S. Baronti; O. Vaselli; C. Caponi; C. Vagnoli; G. Picchi; A. Zaldei; F. Magi; F. Miglietta; F. Capecchiacci. Seasonal and diurnal variations of greenhouse gases in Florence (Italy): Inferring sources and sinks from carbon isotopic ratios. Science of The Total Environment 2019, 698, 134245 .
AMA StyleS. Venturi, F. Tassi, J. Cabassi, B. Gioli, S. Baronti, O. Vaselli, C. Caponi, C. Vagnoli, G. Picchi, A. Zaldei, F. Magi, F. Miglietta, F. Capecchiacci. Seasonal and diurnal variations of greenhouse gases in Florence (Italy): Inferring sources and sinks from carbon isotopic ratios. Science of The Total Environment. 2019; 698 ():134245.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Venturi; F. Tassi; J. Cabassi; B. Gioli; S. Baronti; O. Vaselli; C. Caponi; C. Vagnoli; G. Picchi; A. Zaldei; F. Magi; F. Miglietta; F. Capecchiacci. 2019. "Seasonal and diurnal variations of greenhouse gases in Florence (Italy): Inferring sources and sinks from carbon isotopic ratios." Science of The Total Environment 698, no. : 134245.
Sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil fertility and increase its capacity for carbon sequestration are increasingly needed. This study evaluates two types of sheep wool residues (SWRs)—carbonized (black wool, BW) and non-carbonized (white wool, WW) to enhance soil fertility and act as a N-source. The two SWRs were tested on two plant species, in two pot experiments: ornamental sunflower on soil mixtures with each of SWR types at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2% w/w), and maize on BW- or WW-soil mixture (1% w/w) and supplementary N fertilization (0, 50, and 100% of recommended N rates). In sunflower, with the exception of WW at 2%, all SWRs-soil mixtures increased plant growth and biomass production. Lower SWRs concentrations enhanced the growth rate at an initial stage, and in general, BW provided optimal biomass, and flower yield. In maize, the SWRs (1%), especially BW, even without N-fertilization, were beneficial for plant physiological behavior and biomass production. High mineral N-fertilization (100% N with BW1%- or WW1%-soil mixture) resulted in lower biomass than the other BW-treatments. The results highlighted the efficacy of BW on biomass production for both species growing in a sandy-loam soil, and for maize, no need for further mineral N-fertilization.
Ahmed M. Abdallah; Francesca Ugolini; Silvia Baronti; Anita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Francesca Camilli. Assessment of Two Sheep Wool Residues from Textile Industry as Organic Fertilizer in Sunflower and Maize Cultivation. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 2019, 19, 793 -807.
AMA StyleAhmed M. Abdallah, Francesca Ugolini, Silvia Baronti, Anita Maienza, Fabrizio Ungaro, Francesca Camilli. Assessment of Two Sheep Wool Residues from Textile Industry as Organic Fertilizer in Sunflower and Maize Cultivation. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2019; 19 (4):793-807.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAhmed M. Abdallah; Francesca Ugolini; Silvia Baronti; Anita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Francesca Camilli. 2019. "Assessment of Two Sheep Wool Residues from Textile Industry as Organic Fertilizer in Sunflower and Maize Cultivation." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 19, no. 4: 793-807.
Climate change and global food demand in coming decades urge effective actions for more efficient uses of water and soil resources. This paper reports the preliminary findings of a study assessing the potential of sheep scoured wool residues (SWRs) as soil amendments to enhance the physical and hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil under rain conditions. Two different SWRs were used: scoured residues (white wool, WW) and carbonized scoured residues (black wool, BW) at different SWRs/soil ratios (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%). Soil bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), aggregates stability, aggregate size distribution, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and water retention properties were determined under rain conditions, in addition to rainwater balance (storage, percolation and runoff). Both WW and BW, particularly at the high wool/soil ratio (2%), significantly reduced soil BD by 11.98% and 9.85%, respectively. Moreover, WW and BW increased TP by 16.45% and 13.57% and available water capacity by 6.5% and 18.1%, respectively. SWRs increased the formation of macro-aggregates and increased aggregate stability. The results of rainwater balance showed higher percolation percentages and less rainwater storage in the wool-treated soil. The increase in water percolation is in line with the increased total porosity and the higher saturated hydraulic conductivity of wool-treated soil. Despite the high capacity of absorbing water, SWRs affected the water movement of the soil more than its water retention.
Ahmed Abdallah; Francesca Ugolini; Silvia Baronti; Anita Maienza; Francesca Camilli; Laura Bonora; Francesca Martelli; Jacopo Primicerio; Fabrizio Ungaro. The potential of recycling wool residues as an amendment for enhancing the physical and hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 2019, 8, 131 -143.
AMA StyleAhmed Abdallah, Francesca Ugolini, Silvia Baronti, Anita Maienza, Francesca Camilli, Laura Bonora, Francesca Martelli, Jacopo Primicerio, Fabrizio Ungaro. The potential of recycling wool residues as an amendment for enhancing the physical and hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture. 2019; 8 (S1):131-143.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAhmed Abdallah; Francesca Ugolini; Silvia Baronti; Anita Maienza; Francesca Camilli; Laura Bonora; Francesca Martelli; Jacopo Primicerio; Fabrizio Ungaro. 2019. "The potential of recycling wool residues as an amendment for enhancing the physical and hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil." International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 8, no. S1: 131-143.
The agronomic management of vineyards, aimed at the maximization of grape yields, is intensive and includes repeated tillage, crop residues removal, strict weed and pest control treatments. In viticulture, healthy soils and a suitable climate are the key factors that influence the quality of the produced wine. Even under intensive agronomic practices, typical of conventional viticulture, the choice of appropriate soil management strategies can preserve soil quality in the long term. The use of biochar as soil amendment has been suggested as a potential practice that allows restoration of the functionality of degraded soils in terms of water retention, chemical and biological fertility. In this paper we report the results of a long field trial on biochar amendment of a vineyard, assessing the impact on soil functionality, VOC emission and fertility. Our results show that biochar effects on soil functions and fertility are maintained in the long term (seven years) after a one-time application.
Laura Giagnoni; Anita Maienza; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio; Cosimo Taiti; Tania Martellini; Roberto Scodellini; Alessandra Cincinelli; Corrado Costa; Stefano Mancuso; Giancarlo Renella. Long-term soil biological fertility, volatile organic compounds and chemical properties in a vineyard soil after biochar amendment. Geoderma 2019, 344, 127 -136.
AMA StyleLaura Giagnoni, Anita Maienza, Silvia Baronti, Francesco Primo Vaccari, Lorenzo Genesio, Cosimo Taiti, Tania Martellini, Roberto Scodellini, Alessandra Cincinelli, Corrado Costa, Stefano Mancuso, Giancarlo Renella. Long-term soil biological fertility, volatile organic compounds and chemical properties in a vineyard soil after biochar amendment. Geoderma. 2019; 344 ():127-136.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Giagnoni; Anita Maienza; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio; Cosimo Taiti; Tania Martellini; Roberto Scodellini; Alessandra Cincinelli; Corrado Costa; Stefano Mancuso; Giancarlo Renella. 2019. "Long-term soil biological fertility, volatile organic compounds and chemical properties in a vineyard soil after biochar amendment." Geoderma 344, no. : 127-136.
The influence of biochar added to an agricultural soil on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels, PAH diagnostic ratios and soil properties was investigated in a five-year field experiment. The experiment was carried out in an Italian vineyard and included two biochar treatments: 16.5 t ha−1 of biochar applied in 2009 (soil B); 16.5 t ha−1 in 2009 and further 16.5 t ha−1 in 2010 (soil BB). A set of 75 samples that included five replicates and a control soil (untreated) was characterized in terms of organic carbon, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), bulk density and concentration of PAHs. Biochar addition to soil caused an increase in organic carbon, pH and CEC, and a decrease of bulk density. After almost two years the first application of biochar, PAH concentrations were higher in soil B (56 ng g−1) and BB (153 ng g−1) in comparison to control soil (24 ng g−1). Thereafter, PAH concentrations decreased significantly, but the original PAHs levels were reached only in soil B after five years. The naphthalene/(naphthalene + phenanthrene) ratios were higher in the treated soils in accordance to the dominance of naphthalene in the original biochar. The cross plots naphthalene/(naphthalene + phenanthrene) vs. fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene) enabled to trace the signature of biochar PAHs up to five years after its first application. Diagnostic ratios can be a useful tool to study the persistence of PAHs introduced in soil by biochar when the pattern of these contaminants in biochar and original soil are different.
Alessandro G. Rombolà; Daniele Fabbri; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio; Franco Miglietta. Changes in the pattern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil treated with biochar from a multiyear field experiment. Chemosphere 2018, 219, 662 -670.
AMA StyleAlessandro G. Rombolà, Daniele Fabbri, Silvia Baronti, Francesco Primo Vaccari, Lorenzo Genesio, Franco Miglietta. Changes in the pattern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil treated with biochar from a multiyear field experiment. Chemosphere. 2018; 219 ():662-670.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandro G. Rombolà; Daniele Fabbri; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio; Franco Miglietta. 2018. "Changes in the pattern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil treated with biochar from a multiyear field experiment." Chemosphere 219, no. : 662-670.
The effectivity of biochar as soil amendment depends on its physical and chemical characteristics, related to the type and features of the thermal production process, such as peak temperature, heating rate, holding time, as well as on the used feedstock. The textural characteristics of biochar in terms of surface area, pore size and pore volume distribution, important for its physicochemical properties, are critically dependent on the feedstock type, the production process, and possible further activation methods. This study was based on a single biochar type, resulting from slow pyrolysis at the working temperature of 550°C of raw material from coppiced woodlands, as well as on a single experiment. For the first time, controlled hydrodynamic cavitation was proven as a fast and effective way to enhance the surface area of biochar by as much as 120%, while preserving or improving the respective chemical composition. The introduced technique, while easily applicable and scalable, showed far higher efficiency than the conventional method of increasing the working temperature of the pyrolysis process, with higher process yields by at least an order of magnitude. Moreover, hydrodynamic cavitation processes could be straightforwardly integrated with other consolidated methods, such as hydrothermal carbonization and chemical activation, possibly leading to effective synergism.
Lorenzo Albanese; Silvia Baronti; Francesca Liguori; Francesco Meneguzzo; Pierluigi Barbaro; Francesco Primo Vaccari. Hydrodynamic cavitation as an energy efficient process to increase biochar surface area and porosity: A case study. Journal of Cleaner Production 2018, 210, 159 -169.
AMA StyleLorenzo Albanese, Silvia Baronti, Francesca Liguori, Francesco Meneguzzo, Pierluigi Barbaro, Francesco Primo Vaccari. Hydrodynamic cavitation as an energy efficient process to increase biochar surface area and porosity: A case study. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018; 210 ():159-169.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Albanese; Silvia Baronti; Francesca Liguori; Francesco Meneguzzo; Pierluigi Barbaro; Francesco Primo Vaccari. 2018. "Hydrodynamic cavitation as an energy efficient process to increase biochar surface area and porosity: A case study." Journal of Cleaner Production 210, no. : 159-169.
The effectivity of biochar as soil amendment is depending by its physical and chemical characteristics that are related to the type and the features of the thermal production process, such as peak temperature, heating rate, holding time, as well as from the used feedstocks. The textural characteristics of biochar in term of surface area, pore size and pore volume distribution, important for the physicochemical properties of the material, are critically dependent on the production process and the feedstock type. In this study, based on a single biochar type and a single experiment, for the first time controlled hydrodynamic cavitation was proven as a fast and effective way to enhance the biochar surface area by as much as 120%, while preserving or improving the respective chemical composition, showing far higher efficiency than the conventional increase of the peak pyrolysis temperature.
Lorenzo Albanese; Silvia Baronti; Francesca Liguori; Francesco Meneguzzo; Pierluigi Barbaro; Francesco Primo Vaccari. Hydrodynamic cavitation as an energy efficient process to increase biochar surface area and porosity: a case study. 2018, 280685 .
AMA StyleLorenzo Albanese, Silvia Baronti, Francesca Liguori, Francesco Meneguzzo, Pierluigi Barbaro, Francesco Primo Vaccari. Hydrodynamic cavitation as an energy efficient process to increase biochar surface area and porosity: a case study. . 2018; ():280685.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Albanese; Silvia Baronti; Francesca Liguori; Francesco Meneguzzo; Pierluigi Barbaro; Francesco Primo Vaccari. 2018. "Hydrodynamic cavitation as an energy efficient process to increase biochar surface area and porosity: a case study." , no. : 280685.
Recent studies have suggested that addition of electrically conductive biochar particles is an effective strategy to improve the methanogenic conversion of waste organic substrates, by promoting syntrophic associations between acetogenic and methanogenic organisms based on interspecies electron transfer processes. However, the underlying fundamentals of the process are still largely speculative and, therefore, a priori identification, screening, and even design of suitable biochar materials for a given biotechnological process are not yet possible. Here, three charcoal-like products (i.e., biochars) obtained from the pyrolysis of different lignocellulosic materials, (i.e., wheat bran pellets, coppiced woodlands, and orchard pruning) were tested for their capacity to enhance methane production from a food waste fermentate. In all biochar-supplemented (25 g/L) batch experiments, the complete methanogenic conversion of fermentate volatile fatty acids proceeded at a rate that was up to 5 times higher than that observed in the unamended (or sand-supplemented) controls. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed an intimate association between archaea and bacteria around the biochar particles and provided a clear indication that biochar also shaped the composition of the microbial consortium. Based on the application of a suite of physico-chemical and electrochemical characterization techniques, we demonstrated that the positive effect of biochar is directly related to the electron-donating capacity (EDC) of the material, but is independent of its bulk electrical conductivity and specific surface area. The latter properties were all previously hypothesized to play a major role in the biochar-mediated interspecies electron transfer process in methanogenic consortia. Collectively, these results of this study suggest that for biochar addition in anaerobic digester operation, the screening and identification of the most suitable biochar material should be based on EDC determination, via simple electrochemical tests.
Carolina Cruz Viggi; Serena Simonetti; Enza Palma; Pamela Pagliaccia; Camilla Braguglia; Stefano Fazi; Silvia Baronti; Maria Assunta Navarra; Ida Pettiti; Christin Koch; Falk Harnisch; Federico Aulenta. Enhancing methane production from food waste fermentate using biochar: the added value of electrochemical testing in pre-selecting the most effective type of biochar. Biotechnology for Biofuels 2017, 10, 1 -13.
AMA StyleCarolina Cruz Viggi, Serena Simonetti, Enza Palma, Pamela Pagliaccia, Camilla Braguglia, Stefano Fazi, Silvia Baronti, Maria Assunta Navarra, Ida Pettiti, Christin Koch, Falk Harnisch, Federico Aulenta. Enhancing methane production from food waste fermentate using biochar: the added value of electrochemical testing in pre-selecting the most effective type of biochar. Biotechnology for Biofuels. 2017; 10 (1):1-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarolina Cruz Viggi; Serena Simonetti; Enza Palma; Pamela Pagliaccia; Camilla Braguglia; Stefano Fazi; Silvia Baronti; Maria Assunta Navarra; Ida Pettiti; Christin Koch; Falk Harnisch; Federico Aulenta. 2017. "Enhancing methane production from food waste fermentate using biochar: the added value of electrochemical testing in pre-selecting the most effective type of biochar." Biotechnology for Biofuels 10, no. 1: 1-13.
Incorporation of biochar into agricultural soils has been repeatedly proposed as an effective strategy to mitigate climate change with beneficial effects on soil properties and crop production. Results from previous field experiments showed that, when applied to vineyards, biochar amendment increased yield without a negative impact on grape quality, decreasing water stress during droughts and improving soil physical and chemical properties. Despite those positive impacts, the long-term effects of biochar treatment on soil fertility and ecological toxicity have seldom been studied at a real farm scale. We investigated the effects of biochar amendment on vineyard soil subjected to a single and a repeated biochar application focusing on total heavy metal concentration and availability, concentration and persistence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), soil toxicity, and soil microbial community structure over a 5-year period. Our results showed that a longer term biochar application in a vineyard has no impact on soil microorganisms and does not retain toxic compounds (PAH and heavy metals). For the first time in biochar research, we investigate the biochar effect on a perennial crop and correlate the PAH retention with soil microbiota. Our research demonstrates that biochar application in a Mediterranean vineyard does not have a negative impact on soil ecology, reinforcing the perception that biochar is a sustainable option at farm scale, meeting the needs of agronomy and climate change mitigation.
Anita Maienza; Silvia Baronti; Alessandra Cincinelli; Tania Martellini; Antonio Grisolia; Franco Miglietta; Giancarlo Renella; Silvia Rita Stazi; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio. Biochar improves the fertility of a Mediterranean vineyard without toxic impact on the microbial community. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 2017, 37, 1 .
AMA StyleAnita Maienza, Silvia Baronti, Alessandra Cincinelli, Tania Martellini, Antonio Grisolia, Franco Miglietta, Giancarlo Renella, Silvia Rita Stazi, Francesco Primo Vaccari, Lorenzo Genesio. Biochar improves the fertility of a Mediterranean vineyard without toxic impact on the microbial community. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. 2017; 37 (5):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnita Maienza; Silvia Baronti; Alessandra Cincinelli; Tania Martellini; Antonio Grisolia; Franco Miglietta; Giancarlo Renella; Silvia Rita Stazi; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio. 2017. "Biochar improves the fertility of a Mediterranean vineyard without toxic impact on the microbial community." Agronomy for Sustainable Development 37, no. 5: 1.
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been proposed as an alternative method to pyrolysis for producing C-rich amendments for soil C sequestration. However, the use of hydrochar (HC) as soil amendment is still controversial due to the limited information on the potential benefits and trade-offs that may follow its application into soil. This study investigated the effects of HC starting from maize silage on plant growth in a 2-year controlled experiment on poplar for bioenergy and evaluated HC stability in soil by periodic soil respiration and isotopic (δ13C) measurements. HC application caused a substantial and significant increase in plant biomass after one and two years after planting, and no evident signs of plant diseases were evident. Isotopic analysis on soil and CO2 efflux showed that slightly less than half of the C applied was re-emitted as CO2 within 12 months. On the contrary, considering that the difference in the amount of N fixed in wood biomass in treated and not-treated poplars was 16.6 ± 4.8 g N m−2 and that the soil N stocks after one year since application did not significantly change, we estimated that approximately 85% of the N applied with HC could have been potentially lost as leachate or volatilized into the atmosphere as N2O, in response to nitrification/denitrification processes in the soil. Thus, the permanence, additionality and leakage of C sequestration strategy using HC are deeply discussed.
Silvia Baronti; Giorgio Alberti; Federica Camin; Irene Criscuoli; Lorenzo Genesio; Robert Mass; Francesco P. Vaccari; Luca Ziller; Franco Miglietta. Hydrochar enhances growth of poplar for bioenergy while marginally contributing to direct soil carbon sequestration. GCB Bioenergy 2017, 9, 1618 -1626.
AMA StyleSilvia Baronti, Giorgio Alberti, Federica Camin, Irene Criscuoli, Lorenzo Genesio, Robert Mass, Francesco P. Vaccari, Luca Ziller, Franco Miglietta. Hydrochar enhances growth of poplar for bioenergy while marginally contributing to direct soil carbon sequestration. GCB Bioenergy. 2017; 9 (11):1618-1626.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia Baronti; Giorgio Alberti; Federica Camin; Irene Criscuoli; Lorenzo Genesio; Robert Mass; Francesco P. Vaccari; Luca Ziller; Franco Miglietta. 2017. "Hydrochar enhances growth of poplar for bioenergy while marginally contributing to direct soil carbon sequestration." GCB Bioenergy 9, no. 11: 1618-1626.
Impacts of biochar application in combination with organic fertilizer, such as compost, are not fully understood. In this study, we tested the effects of biochar amendment, compost addition, and their combination on lettuce plants grown in a soil poor in nutrients; soil microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics were analyzed, together with plant growth and physiology. An initial screening was also done to evaluate the effect of biochar and compost toxicity, using cress plants and earthworms. Results showed that compost amendment had clear and positive effects on plant growth and yield and on soil chemical characteristics. However, we demonstrated that also the biochar alone stimulated lettuce leaves number and total biomass, improving soil total nitrogen and phosphorus contents, as well as total carbon, and enhancing related microbial communities. Nevertheless, combining biochar and compost, no positive synergic and summative effects were observed. Our results thus demonstrate that in a soil poor in nutrients the biochar alone could be effectively used to enhance soil fertility and plant growth and biomass yield. However, we can speculate that the combination of compost and biochar may enhance and sustain soil biophysical and chemical characteristics and improve crop productivity over time.
Dalila Trupiano; Claudia Cocozza; Silvia Baronti; Carla Amendola; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Giuseppe Lustrato; Sara Di Lonardo; Francesca Fantasma; Roberto Tognetti; Gabriella Stefania Scippa. The Effects of Biochar and Its Combination with Compost on Lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.) Growth, Soil Properties, and Soil Microbial Activity and Abundance. International Journal of Agronomy 2017, 2017, 1 -12.
AMA StyleDalila Trupiano, Claudia Cocozza, Silvia Baronti, Carla Amendola, Francesco Primo Vaccari, Giuseppe Lustrato, Sara Di Lonardo, Francesca Fantasma, Roberto Tognetti, Gabriella Stefania Scippa. The Effects of Biochar and Its Combination with Compost on Lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.) Growth, Soil Properties, and Soil Microbial Activity and Abundance. International Journal of Agronomy. 2017; 2017 ():1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDalila Trupiano; Claudia Cocozza; Silvia Baronti; Carla Amendola; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Giuseppe Lustrato; Sara Di Lonardo; Francesca Fantasma; Roberto Tognetti; Gabriella Stefania Scippa. 2017. "The Effects of Biochar and Its Combination with Compost on Lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.) Growth, Soil Properties, and Soil Microbial Activity and Abundance." International Journal of Agronomy 2017, no. : 1-12.
Sara Di Lonardo; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Albanese; Piero Battista; Franco Miglietta; Laura Bacci. Biochar-based nursery substrates: The effect of peat substitution on reduced salinity. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 2017, 23, 27 -34.
AMA StyleSara Di Lonardo, Silvia Baronti, Francesco Primo Vaccari, Lorenzo Albanese, Piero Battista, Franco Miglietta, Laura Bacci. Biochar-based nursery substrates: The effect of peat substitution on reduced salinity. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 2017; 23 ():27-34.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Di Lonardo; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Albanese; Piero Battista; Franco Miglietta; Laura Bacci. 2017. "Biochar-based nursery substrates: The effect of peat substitution on reduced salinity." Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 23, no. : 27-34.
Application of biochar to the soil is globally recognised as a means to improve soil structure and fertility, increase carbon sequestration, enhance crop production and mitigate climate change. However, although the fine root system is fundamental for plant growth, crop productivity, carbon and nutrient cycling, little is known about the effect of biochar on plant fine roots. This study, conducted in a Montepulciano (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyard, was aimed at investigating the impact of biochar application (at the rate of 10 t ha−1) on soil chemical and physical properties, fine root dynamics and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) production during a one-year sampling period. To this aim, seasonal variation of fine root mass, length and diameter was measured by the sequential coring technique, whereas fine root annual production was calculated by minimum-maximum procedure and turnover rate of live roots by maximum standing biomass. For AMF annual production, in-growth mesh bags were used to measure glomalin as quantitative indicator of mycorrhizae presence. Results showed that biochar significantly increased organic carbon (20.7%), available ammonium (84.4%), and available water content of the soil (11.8%), while it also promoted the formation of the large fraction of macro aggregates (ø > 2 mm; 3.1% control; 5.5% treated). Cation exchange capacity, pH, total nitrogen content, and total and available phosphorus content remained unaffected. Immediately after biochar soil amendment, while fine root length remained unchanged, a significant increase in fine root biomass was measured resulting in a higher mean annual biomass (8.56 g m−2 control; 13.34 g m−2 treated), annual production (8.71 g m−2 control; 12.7 g m−2 treated) and lifespan (as evidenced by a lower turnover rate; 1.02 yr−1 control; 0.95 yr−1 treated). Moreover, the increase of fine root biomass resulted to be associated with radial growth since mean fine root diameter was significantly higher in biochar-treated plants (0.56 mm) than in control plants (0.46 mm). Biochar had no significant effect on the annual production of AMF. The results of the present study show that the improvements of soil chemical and physical features due to biochar application have an immediate effect on fine root dynamics and morphology. Furthermore, the increase of fine root biomass is mainly due to radial growth and occurs during the water shortage period, supporting fruit setting and ripening in grapevine plants
C. Amendola; A. Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; F. Oliva; Silvia Baronti; Franco Miglietta; D. Chiatante; G.S. Scippa. Short-term effects of biochar on grapevine fine root dynamics and arbuscular mycorrhizae production. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 2017, 239, 236 -245.
AMA StyleC. Amendola, A. Montagnoli, Mattia Terzaghi, Dalila Trupiano, F. Oliva, Silvia Baronti, Franco Miglietta, D. Chiatante, G.S. Scippa. Short-term effects of biochar on grapevine fine root dynamics and arbuscular mycorrhizae production. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 2017; 239 ():236-245.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Amendola; A. Montagnoli; Mattia Terzaghi; Dalila Trupiano; F. Oliva; Silvia Baronti; Franco Miglietta; D. Chiatante; G.S. Scippa. 2017. "Short-term effects of biochar on grapevine fine root dynamics and arbuscular mycorrhizae production." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 239, no. : 236-245.
Soil incorporation of charcoal (biochar) has been suggested as practice to sequester carbon, improve soil properties and crop yields but most studies have been done in the short term. Old anthropogenic charcoal-rich soils in the Alps enable to explore the long-term impact of charcoal addition to alpine grassland on seed germination, fertility and fodder nutritive value. A germination test and a growth experiment in pots with Festuca nigrescens Lam. and Trifolium pratense L. were performed using three different substrates: control soil (i.e. sandy-loam brown acid soils with some podsolization), charcoal hearth soil (i.e. charcoal-enriched anthropogenic soils derived from the carbonization of larch wood on flat terraces) and control soil mixed with a fraction of fresh larch wood charcoal to reach the soil-charcoal ratio of 0.6. Both aged and fresh charcoal improved germination and markedly increased plant growth of the two plant species. The addition of fresh charcoal had an initial detrimental effect that disappeared in the second and third growth cycles. Plant Nitrogen:Phosphorus ratio revealed that growth was N-limited in the anthropogenic soils and P-limited in the control and freshly amended soils demonstrating that biochar aging is critical to obtain a significant growth stimulation. Plant nutrient contents revealed an improved fodder quality in both the charcoal amended soils. Despite the occurrence of limited toxic effects on seedlings, larch wood charcoal appears to have positive effects on fertility and fodder quality of alpine grasslands in the long term.
I. Criscuoli; Silvia Baronti; G. Alberti; Cornelia Rumpel; M. Giordan; Federica Camin; L. Ziller; Cristina Martinez; E. Pusceddu; Franco Miglietta. Anthropogenic charcoal-rich soils of the XIX century reveal that biochar leads to enhanced fertility and fodder quality of alpine grasslands. Plant and Soil 2016, 411, 499 -516.
AMA StyleI. Criscuoli, Silvia Baronti, G. Alberti, Cornelia Rumpel, M. Giordan, Federica Camin, L. Ziller, Cristina Martinez, E. Pusceddu, Franco Miglietta. Anthropogenic charcoal-rich soils of the XIX century reveal that biochar leads to enhanced fertility and fodder quality of alpine grasslands. Plant and Soil. 2016; 411 (1-2):499-516.
Chicago/Turabian StyleI. Criscuoli; Silvia Baronti; G. Alberti; Cornelia Rumpel; M. Giordan; Federica Camin; L. Ziller; Cristina Martinez; E. Pusceddu; Franco Miglietta. 2016. "Anthropogenic charcoal-rich soils of the XIX century reveal that biochar leads to enhanced fertility and fodder quality of alpine grasslands." Plant and Soil 411, no. 1-2: 499-516.
The photodegradation of the herbicide foramsulfuron (FRS) in simulated sunlight was studied in water and in the presence of photocatalysts and chars. The photodegradation in distilled water was rather slow and the metabolite 2-amino-4,6- dimethoxypyrimidine was the only by-product detected. In the presence of TiO2 and ZnO, a very fast photodegradation occurred affording a complete mineralization of the herbicide. The presence of a biochar (BC), derived from the pyrolysis of woodlands, in irradiated FRS solution caused a slight slowdown of the FRS photodegradation rate. Instead, the addition of a liquid hydrochar (HC), obtained by the hydrothermal carbonization of maize, halved the half-life time of the herbicide. The addition of BC to FRS solutions containing TiO2 or ZnO did not affect the herbicide degradation rate. On the other hand, the addition of HC, while not influencing significantly the FRS degradation catalysed by ZnO, slowed very much the TiO2-promoted degradation. The different trends of FRS photodegradation in the presence of BC or HC have been interpreted on the basis of the physico-chemical characteristics of the two chars. The addition of 2-propanol or EDTA, which are selective scavengers of radicals and holes respectively, to catalysed systems increased FRS half-life time. The addition of 2-propanol reduced the FRS photodegradation rate to a higher extent than EDTA, thus emphasizing the role of radicals in the photodecomposition mediated by the two semiconductors.
Maria Vittoria Pinna; Silvia Baronti; Franco Miglietta; Alba Pusino. Photooxidation of foramsulfuron: Effects of char substances. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 2016, 326, 16 -20.
AMA StyleMaria Vittoria Pinna, Silvia Baronti, Franco Miglietta, Alba Pusino. Photooxidation of foramsulfuron: Effects of char substances. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry. 2016; 326 ():16-20.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Vittoria Pinna; Silvia Baronti; Franco Miglietta; Alba Pusino. 2016. "Photooxidation of foramsulfuron: Effects of char substances." Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 326, no. : 16-20.
Francesco Primo Vaccari; Anita Maienza; Franco Miglietta; Silvia Baronti; Sara Di Lonardo; Laura Giagnoni; Alessandra Lagomarsino; A. Pozzi; Emanuela Pusceddu; R. Ranieri; G. Valboa; Lorenzo Genesio. Biochar stimulates plant growth but not fruit yield of processing tomato in a fertile soil. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 2015, 207, 163 -170.
AMA StyleFrancesco Primo Vaccari, Anita Maienza, Franco Miglietta, Silvia Baronti, Sara Di Lonardo, Laura Giagnoni, Alessandra Lagomarsino, A. Pozzi, Emanuela Pusceddu, R. Ranieri, G. Valboa, Lorenzo Genesio. Biochar stimulates plant growth but not fruit yield of processing tomato in a fertile soil. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 2015; 207 ():163-170.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Primo Vaccari; Anita Maienza; Franco Miglietta; Silvia Baronti; Sara Di Lonardo; Laura Giagnoni; Alessandra Lagomarsino; A. Pozzi; Emanuela Pusceddu; R. Ranieri; G. Valboa; Lorenzo Genesio. 2015. "Biochar stimulates plant growth but not fruit yield of processing tomato in a fertile soil." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 207, no. : 163-170.