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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #397013
Research Project: Sustaining Productivity and Ecosystem Services of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Long-term effects of recycled paper alkaline waste use on soil, litter, weeds, and development and nutrition of Pinus taeda L

Author
item DOS SANTOS TRENTIN, NICOLAS - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item MOTTA, ANTONIO - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item MAEDA, SHIZUO - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)
item ERCOLE, TAMIRES - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item Prior, Stephen - Steve
item GOMES, JOAO - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)
item BOGNOLA, ITAMAR - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)
item DE ALBUQUERQUE, CARLA - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center

Submitted to: New Forests
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/13/2024
Publication Date: 5/19/2024
Citation: Trentin, N.S., Motta, A.C.V., Maeda, S., Ercole, T.M., Prior, S.A., Gomes, J.B.V., Bognola, I.A., De Albuquerque, C.G. 2024. Long-term effects of recycled paper alkaline waste use on soil, litter, weeds, and development and nutrition of Pinus taeda L. New Forests. 55:1617-1646. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-024-10045-x.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-024-10045-x

Interpretive Summary: Most Brazilian Pinus taeda plantations exist on acidic soils with inherent natural low fertility (with no added fertilizer or lime), which can be similar to conditions in the southern USA. This long-term pine study (15 yrs) investigated use of alkaline residues from recycled paper as an inexpensive nutrient source, which could reduce landfill costs. Overall, this alkaline residue (rich in Ca) improved soil chemical properties at the surface and subsurface, decreased weed growth, and enhanced tree nutrition, but probably limited tree yield due to an Mg deficiency. Use of this industrial waste stream could be a viable alternative for recycling these alkaline residues. Besides providing a destination for these residues, applications could favor improved soil chemical properties, weed control, and aspects of tree nutrition thereby contributing to sustainable management of low fertility soils.

Technical Abstract: There is a lack of long-term information on the use of industry forest residues in Pinus taeda L plantations for purposes of enhancing sustainability. The study goal was to evaluate tree growth and nutrition, soil chemical properties, litter accumulation, and weed occurrence in a Pinus taeda L. system amended with alkaline residues from recycled paper. Residue was broadcasted at planting using different rates (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1) on a sandy soil with low fertility. Tree diameter and height along with soil chemical properties were monitored for 15 years. At 15 years, tree growth and samples of litter, weed, and soil were collected for evaluation. Over 15 years of monitoring, no change in tree growth or final yield were observed despite increased Ca and reduced Mn foliar tissue concentrations. Low Mg concentration in needles, combined with the occurrence of symptoms resembling Mg deficiency, suggest that this nutrient could be a limiting factor in tree response. There was a reduction in weed mass with residue application. Residue amendment increased soil Ca and attenuated acidity down to a depth of 60 cm after 15 years; the maximum residue effect on soil properties was observed proximally at 13 years. Litter decreased from 36.2 (control) to 26.9 Mg/ha (highest rate) but increased Ca and diminished Al concentrations. The alkaline residue (rich in Ca) improved soil chemical properties at the surface and subsurface, decreased weed growth, and enhanced tree nutrition, but probably failed to increase tree yield due to a Mg deficiency.