Is it possible to cultivate corn in a sustainable way using a quarry waste?

Authors

  • Dario Di Giuseppe <p>University of Ferrara, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences</p>
  • Giacomo Ferretti <p>University of Ferrara, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences</p>
  • Barbara Faccini <p>University of Ferrara, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences</p>
  • Emanuele Blasi <p>University of Tuscia, Department of Economics &amp; Management (DEIM), Viterbo, Italy</p>
  • Nicolò Passeri <p>University of Tuscia, Department of Economics &amp; Management (DEIM), Viterbo, Italy,</p>
  • Gianluca Bianchini <p>University of Ferrara, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences</p>
  • Massimo Coltorti <p>University of Ferrara, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences</p>

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2451/2016PM633

Keywords:

zeolitite quarry waste, sustainable agriculture, NUE, corn.

Abstract

In this preliminary work we investigated the possibility to improve corn cultivation efficiency and sustainability through the use of a quarry waste material rich in zeolite minerals as soil conditioner. Corn grown under traditional fertilization was compared to corn grown on zeolitite amended soil, under fertilization reductions. Corn plants grown on zeolitite treatments showed higher chlorophyll content, a more balanced nitrogen use efficiency and a higher yield compared to control.

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Published

2016-09-12

Issue

Vol. 85 No. 2 (2016)

Section

ORE DEPOSITS and ENVIRONMENT